China Eastern Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

If you are considering flying China Eastern but have some questions about wheelchair services. This article provides you with all the necessary details to ensure a smooth journey. China Eastern Airlines’ wheelchair assistance is deeply committed to providing a smooth and dignified travel experience for disabled passengers by offering dedicated services. 

The airline ensures that accessibility and comfort go hand in hand, helping you navigate through check-in, security, boarding gates, and even transfers with ease. Special care is given to your independence and personal needs, reflecting their belief that travel should be inclusive for all. With China Eastern, the skies remain open and welcoming to everyone, regardless of mobility challenges.

Who Can Avail of the Wheelchair Assistance at China Eastern Airlines?

China Eastern Airlines provides wheelchair assistance to ensure a smooth, safe, and dignified journey from check-in to arrival. It is available exclusively on flights operated by China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, including connecting flights, as long as both segments are scheduled on the same day and fulfill specific transfer conditions. 

Passengers are advised to request the service in advance to allow proper coordination. With trained staff assisting at every stage, from airport navigation to boarding and disembarkation, China Eastern is committed to making air travel accessible and comfortable.

Applicable Routes and Conditions:

China Eastern Airlines Wheelchair assistance is available only on flights directly operated by China Eastern (MU) or Shanghai Airlines (FM), and must carry the official airline flight numbers.

• Connecting flights meeting the following:

To qualify for wheelchair help during connections, flights must follow specific airline policies regarding operating carriers, segment numbers, and approved airport transfer hubs.

• Carried entirely by MU or FM:

All connecting segments must be operated solely by China Eastern or Shanghai Airlines, without involving other airline partners or code-share flights for assistance eligibility.

• Composed of two segments only:

Your connecting itinerary must consist of just two flight segments; more than two legs will not qualify for standard wheelchair assistance.

• Transferring at designated major hubs: 

Connecting flights must involve a transfer only through the designated China Eastern hubs: Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Kunming, or Xi’an airports for eligibility.

• Transfer time must meet or exceed airport-specific minimums:

To ensure wheelchair assistance is possible, the layover time between flights must meet or exceed the minimum connecting time required at that specific airport.

Furthermore, passengers should confirm wheelchair service availability at both departure and arrival airports by checking the airline’s Travel Tips section online.

How to Apply for China Eastern Airlines Wheelchair Assistance?

You may request China Eastern wheelchair assistance through the following channels:

• China Eastern Airlines’ ticket offices:

China Eastern ticket offices provide in-person assistance for flight bookings, changes, refunds, and inquiries, offering personalized service and immediate support to all passengers.

• Customer service hotline:

Dialing China Eastern’s 95530 hotline connects you to multilingual customer service representatives who can assist with bookings, flight status, special services, and travel-related questions.

• Official website, app, or mobile site:

China Eastern’s website, mobile app, and mobile site allow travelers to book flights, manage reservations, check in, view schedules, and access special services quickly and conveniently.

To fulfill your request, please ensure the Application for Special Passengers form is submitted well in advance of your flight. Additionally, carry two printed copies of the completed form with you on board, as they are required for inspection and verification during travel.

Another Important Deadline Regarding China Eastern Airlines Wheelchair Assistance:

To ensure timely service, adhere to the following application timelines:

Ground wheelchair:

Passengers needing a ground wheelchair for airport movement must submit their request a minimum of 24 hours before departure to ensure timely assistance and coordination.

Cabin wheelchair:

If in-flight mobility support is required, passengers should request a cabin wheelchair at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee its availability and proper arrangement.

Check-in time:

To allow sufficient time for special service processing, passengers requiring assistance must complete check-in no later than 120 minutes before their flight’s scheduled departure time.

Additional Considerations for Easy Travel:

Here is what you need to know:

• Electric Wheelchairs & Special Equipment:

If you require an electric wheelchair check-in, in-flight oxygen, or are part of a group of more than 10 disabled passengers, submit your request at least 48 hours before departure. China Eastern will respond to availability within 24 hours of submission.

• Temporary Requests:

For passengers needing last-minute assistance, China Eastern will make every effort to accommodate based on available airport resources. Although not guaranteed, the airline aims to fulfill short-notice needs whenever possible, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for passengers with limited mobility.

• Free Transport of Personal Wheelchairs:

Passengers may travel with their wheelchairs at no additional cost. These mobility aids are transported free of charge and are not counted against the passenger’s standard baggage allowance, making travel more accessible and affordable for those using wheelchairs.

• Boarding Assistance:

When boarding bridges are not available at the gate, China Eastern will attempt to provide a lifting platform to assist passengers with reduced mobility. If this equipment is not available, the airline will arrange suitable alternative boarding assistance for your comfort and safety

• Approval Process:

All special assistance requests are subject to approval, considering flight load and airport service capacity. If your request cannot be fulfilled due to limitations, China Eastern will provide alternative flight arrangements to ensure your travel needs are still accommodated effectively.

China Eastern confirms assistance requests between 9:00 and 19:00 on the day of departure. If you don’t receive confirmation within four working hours, please resubmit your application or contact the customer service hotline at 95530 to ensure timely support.

Your Guide to Special Needs Assistance At China Eastern Airlines 

At China Eastern Airlines, their staff want to make sure everyone has a comfortable and hassle-free journey. If you need a little extra help, whether you’re a senior citizen, have a hearing or dietary restriction, a physical or mental disability, or need medical assistance, please let us know in advance.

To make sure they can give you the best support, they kindly ask that you contact their local Reservations office at least 72 hours before your flight. This gives us enough time to set everything up and make arrangements for any connecting flights you might have. Their goal is to make your entire trip, from checking in to arriving at your destination, as smooth as possible.

Traveling with a Personal Care Attendant:

For passengers with significant disabilities who need help with daily tasks like eating, using medical equipment, or personal hygiene, we recommend traveling with a companion or personal care attendant. Their cabin crew isn’t authorized or trained to assist with these personal care needs, so having someone with you ensures you get the support you need during the flight. 

While many passengers with disabilities can travel on their own, some situations do require a bit of planning ahead. They strongly suggest that you, or your travel agent, inform them of any special needs when you book your flight, or at least 72 hours beforehand.

China Eastern’s special assistance team allows passengers who are blind or have low vision to bring assistive devices such as canes into the aircraft cabin at no extra cost. These aren’t included in your hand baggage allowance. Passengers who are not visually impaired but need a cane or similar device for support may also carry it onboard free of charge. For safety reasons, all assistive devices must be securely stowed during takeoff and landing, either under the seat or in the overhead bin. 

If your cane is not collapsible or doesn’t fit under your seat, the cabin crew will gladly assist with storing and retrieving it to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for everyone on board.

Special Assistance for Hearing Impaired Passengers:

If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and flying with China Eastern Airlines, it’s a great idea to let them know in advance. This helps them make sure your trip is as comfortable and safe. By telling them ahead of time, China Eastern can better prepare for your needs. This is especially helpful if there are any gate changes or flight delays after you’ve checked in.

You can also ask for a personalized safety briefing. This means the airline staff will go over all the emergency procedures and flight information with you directly, making sure you understand everything clearly for a safer and more comfortable journey.

Basically, China Eastern Airlines’ special assistance team wants to make sure every traveler, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, has a smooth and supportive experience from start to finish. Giving them a heads-up helps them provide the best service.

China Eastern Onboard Oxygen Support:

China Eastern offers in-flight support for passengers who need therapeutic or medical oxygen. To ensure safety and comply with regulations, personal oxygen cylinders are not allowed onboard. Instead, the airline supplies its oxygen cylinders, which must be requested in advance. 

Travelers requiring this service should contact the China Eastern Reservations Office before their departure. The same advance request procedure applies to passengers who need to use other respiratory assistance equipment during the flight. 

Special Assistance for Passengers Who Require Escorts:

In certain situations, for safety and regulatory compliance reasons, China Eastern may require some passengers to travel with an escort or safety assistant. These situations include:

Medical Needs During the Flight: 

If you need to fly on a stretcher or in an incubator, or if you need medical care while on board, you’ll need an assistant who can handle those medical needs in the cabin.

Mental Disability: 

If a passenger has a mental disability that makes it difficult for them to understand or follow safety instructions, an escort is required. This is to make sure they’re safe, as well as everyone else on the flight.

Severe Mobility Issues: 

If a passenger can’t help themselves get out of the aircraft during an emergency because of a severe mobility impairment, an escort is a must.

Severe Hearing and Vision Impairments: 

If a passenger has both significant hearing and vision impairments and can’t communicate well with the airline staff, they’ll need a travel assistant.

These rules are in place to make sure that anyone who might have difficulty ensuring their own safety or following instructions in an emergency has the support they need to travel safely.

Special Rules for Pregnant Passengers On China Eastern Airlines:

If you’re expecting and planning to fly with China Eastern Airlines, here’s what you need to know about their special assistance program:

Before 32 Weeks Pregnant:

You’re generally good to go! Just remember to bring your maternal health handbook or a hospital-stamped certificate confirming your pregnancy. You’ll need to show this when you book your ticket, check in, and board your flight.

Between 32 and 36 Weeks Pregnant:

You’ll need a bit more paperwork. In addition to your regular pregnancy documentation, you’ll need a Diagnosis Certificate. This certificate must be:

• Signed by a doctor and stamped by the hospital.
• Issued within 72 hours of your flight’s departure.
• Provided in duplicate (two copies).

After 36 Weeks Pregnant:

For the safety of you and your baby, China Eastern Airlines doesn’t allow travel for passengers who are over 36 weeks into their pregnancy. This policy is in place to ensure a safe journey for everyone.

Read Also: Fiji Airways Wheelchair Assistance

China Eastern Airlines’ Assistance for Families with Babies:

Traveling with your little one can be a big undertaking, but China Eastern Airlines’ special assistance team wants to make it as smooth and comfortable as possible for families on long-haul flights. Their trained staff understands the needs of parents and infants, so they’ve put together some thoughtful amenities to help you relax and enjoy your journey.

You’ll find specially designed baby bassinets available, giving your infant a safe and cozy spot to rest. They also have convenient diaper-changing tables in at least two of their onboard lavatories, making those essential changes much easier. And to keep your little one happy and fed, they offer a selection of baby food to meet their dietary needs.

China Eastern truly aims to make your travel experience, for both you and your baby, more manageable and enjoyable. However, for the safety and well-being of their tiniest passengers, please note that newborns younger than 14 days old are not permitted to travel. They kindly ask parents to plan and make the necessary arrangements to ensure a hassle-free journey for everyone.

China Eastern Airlines’ Special Meals for Dietary Needs:

China Eastern’s special assistance team understands that everyone has different dietary needs. That’s why China Eastern Airlines offers a variety of special meals to fit your health, religious, or personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian, gluten-free, diabetic, or religious meal, they do their best to make sure you’re taken care of.

To guarantee your special meal is available, please contact your local China Eastern Airlines office to make your request at least 24 hours before your flight. If you need a kosher meal, they’ll need a bit more notice, at least 48 hours ahead of time. Giving them this heads-up helps them make sure your dining experience with them is comfortable and satisfying!

• Special Assistance Service Unaccompanied Minor:

Sending your child on a flight alone can be a bit daunting, but China Eastern Airlines has a dedicated service to make it a smooth and worry-free experience for kids aged 5 to 11.

With their Unaccompanied Minor Service, your child will be looked after every step of the way, from the moment you check them in until they’re safely with their guardian at their destination. This includes supervision during the flight and any layovers. Think of it as having a special escort who’s there to ensure their safety and comfort throughout their journey.

Steps to Book the Unaccompanied Service:

To arrange this service, you’ll need to book your child’s ticket directly through the China Eastern call center or by visiting one of their local offices. Keep in mind that the fares for Unaccompanied Minors might be different from standard child tickets. To guarantee a secure and hassle-free trip for your little one, it’s always best to make these arrangements well in advance.

Conclusion:

At China Eastern Airlines, they believe everyone deserves a smooth and comfortable journey. That’s why they provide thoughtful and complete wheelchair assistance for passengers who need a little extra help getting around. From the moment you book your ticket to the moment you land, they’re available to support you. Their dedicated team is trained and ready to assist you at every stage of your trip. Need a hand at check-in? Want help getting to your gate or boarding the plane? Looking for support during your flight or after you’ve landed? They’ve got you covered. However, they highly recommend a few things: please request assistance ahead of time, make sure to meet any necessary deadlines, and confirm your specific needs before you travel. This helps them to ensure everything is perfectly arranged for you.

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