Lufthansa Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

Traveling with reduced mobility can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating a busy airport and long-haul flights. Don’t you also think like this? It is a common concern that passengers think before even starting to prepare for the journey ahead, but it is more manageable with Lufthansa Airlines. The airline ensures that all travelers with reduced mobility needing wheelchair assistance or support can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable journey.

From the moment you arrive at the airport, you will find a team of skilled airline professionals available to help with check-ins, security screening, boarding, and other things, ensuring a smooth journey every step of the way. You can continue reading this blog post and learn about Lufthansa Airlines Wheelchair Assistance, the amenities that you are going to get from the airline, and enjoy boarding like never before. 

Lufthansa Wheelchair Assistance: All You Need To Know

Before moving ahead, check what Lufthansa Wheelchair Assistance actually is. The airline offers a number of services to travelers who have reduced mobility to guarantee accessibility and convenience throughout the journey. The professional team available at this office provides assistance with check-in, security checks, boarding, and departure as soon as you arrive at the airport. 

Additionally, Lufthansa Airlines also offers onboard assistance, including wheelchairs for the walkways, accessible restrooms, and so on. However, to receive assistance and appropriate accommodations, travelers should request help in advance, especially at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure.

Types of Wheelchair Services Offered By Lufthansa

Are you wondering which wheelchairs Lufthansa Airlines offers at the airport? If so, then worry not! We have got your back. Depending on the extent of your mobility impairment, the airline offers the following wheelchair services. You can check them as follows:-

• WCHR: Wheelchair Assistance To The Exit At The Gate

This service is offered to passengers who can move freely on board and go up and down stairs, but need a wheelchair or other means of transport to travel long distances within the airport.

• WCHS: Wheelchair Assistance To The Aircraft

Those who can move independently on board the aircraft, but can’t walk up or down stairs, and need a wheelchair or another means of transport to get around the airport, can avail of this type of wheelchair.

• WCHC: Wheelchair Assistance For A Passenger Who Is Unable To Walk

If you are unable to walk, can only travel with your own wheelchair, and require assistance from the moment you arrive at the airport, during all phases of boarding and disembarking, including on board the aircraft, until the end of the flight, and upon arrival at your destination.

How to Book Wheelchair Assistance with Lufthansa?

Passengers who need Lufthansa Airlines Wheelchair Assistance should contact the airline as early as 48 hours before travel to ensure they receive the best available services. The airline can make the required arrangements at the airport as well as during the journey with advance notice. Whether you purchase your ticket online, over the phone, or through a travel agency, you can ask for help at any point during the booking process.

You can register your wheelchair assistance requirements: 

1. Online: Available in English and German

Using the airline’s official website, you can easily submit your support requests online. The online services are available in English and German, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for a wider range of international travelers. You need to fill out the form, and you will get the assistance you need. 

2. By Phone: Call 0800 – 83 84 267

You can call Lufthansa’s special assistance number at 0 800-83 84 267 to request special help. Please be aware that this call may connect to an outside service provider, whose policies can vary from those of the airline.

Seating Considerations For Those with Wheelchair Assistance 

You have the freedom to choose the seats that best fit your requirements and tastes with Lufthansa Flight. For passengers with mobility impairments in particular, the majority of the airline’s planes include seats with adjustable armrests, which facilitate simpler access and increased comfort.

However, safety rules, like those related to emergency exit rows, may impose certain seating limits. If you plan to travel with a personal seating device, such as a special support seat or restraint system, it’s essential to contact Lufthansa’s Medical Operation Center in advance. The device must undergo review and approval to ensure it complies with the airline’s safety standards.

Lufthansa permits you to bring up to two mobility aids, like a wheelchair or walker, at no extra cost. Depending on their size and the aircraft type, you can store these wheelchairs in the cabin or the aircraft’s hold.

If you are bringing your own wheelchair, you will need to provide:

• Dimensions and weight
• Special features (e.g., foldable, non-foldable, or a sports model)
  

Keep in mind that smaller aircraft may have cargo door width limitations—the narrowest being 71 cm. For a detailed list of door dimensions by aircraft type, you may visit Lufthansa Airlines official website or contact their customer support team.

Planning Your Trip with a Battery-Powered Wheelchair?

Wheelchairs with battery-power require additional safety checks at the airport before travel. For this, passengers must:-

1. Fill out the registration form in PDF format

Travelers can download the PDF registration form from Lufthansa’s official website. To prevent delays or problems during the evaluation and approval process, carefully fill out all pertinent areas, including those about the passenger and the equipment.

2. Send the filled-out form

Send the form to specialcases@dlh.de as an email attachment after it has been checked for accuracy. To help Lufthansa handle your request quickly, be sure to include your flight information and use a clear subject line.

After receiving your submission, Lufthansa’s special assistance team will look into the device information given. They will assess whether it satisfies the onboard carriage safety requirements and standards set by the airline. They will send you an email with their verdict.

How Much Does It Cost to Avail a Wheelchair At Lufthansa?

Lufthansa does not charge for wheelchair assistance. To ensure availability, you need to request the service at least 48 hours before departure via the Lufthansa Service Center or your travel agent. Moreover, you need to provide details such as the type of assistance needed (e.g., help to the gate, to the seat, or with boarding).

More About Lufthansa Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

Here are some more aspects you need to know regarding Lufthansa’s wheelchair services. 

1. Check-In Services

As per Lufthansa Special Assistance, you have several convenient options to check in:

• Online check-in: Available from 30 hours before departure via the airline’s website or app. You can download or print your boarding pass ahead of time.
  
• Automated check-in: If you opt in, your boarding pass is sent automatically in around 23 hours before your flight via SMS or email.
  
• Late-night check-in: Some airports allow passengers to check in their baggage the evening before travel for a more relaxed departure day.
  
• Self-Service bag drop: If you’ve already checked in, use a self-service kiosk to drop off your baggage quickly and easily.

2. Special Assistance Services

At the check-in counter, it’s helpful (though not mandatory) to inform staff about any pre-booked special assistance. This includes assistance with connecting flights, priority boarding, and a customized escort to and from the flight.

Notifying the staff of any medical conditions you may have (such as a pacemaker or reduced mobility) enables them to customize services to meet your needs.

3. Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance

Airlines provide free wheelchair services upon request. If you’re traveling with your foldable wheelchair, you can check it as luggage at the airport check-in counter at no extra charge. Let the airline know the type, size, and weight of your wheelchair at booking or afterward.

• Travelers can use wheelchairs up to the departure gate.
• These wheelchairs are tagged as “Delivery at aircraft” to ensure convenient loading and return at the aircraft door.
• Battery-powered wheelchairs must follow strict international safety regulations.

4. Onboard Services for Those with Wheelchairs or Reduced Mobility

Once onboard, Lufthansa’s special assistance cabin crew is ready to provide compassionate assistance. Although they are unable to lift or carry passengers, the flight attendants can assist you in the following ways:

• Boarding and Departing: Their staff will assist you with getting on and off the plane.
• Assistance with Carry-On: They will help you safely store your hand luggage.
• Toilet Access: They assist in getting to and from the onboard restrooms.

Every one of their long-haul flights has accessible restrooms. These restrooms may be smaller. They supply a specifically made onboard wheelchair that fits in the aisle and can be utilized to visit the restroom to help with mobility while in flight.

5. Services at the Airport

Once you arrive at your destination airport, you will find the services provided below for assistance: 

• Your personal wheelchair will be returned at the baggage claim area at the latest, or as soon as you depart from your destination. If the latter is true, the airport will provide a wheelchair to transport you to baggage reclaim. While they strive for a smooth process, there might be a brief waiting period; in these situations, they kindly ask for your understanding.

• Please be aware that the following airports do not allow wheelchair returns directly at the time of departure: Addis Ababa, Asmara, Billund, Cagliari, Catania, Hanover, Nuremberg, Olbia, Palermo, Riyadh, Stuttgart, and Valencia. This is due to local regulations.

• Lufthansa has a special waiting lounge for travelers with longer stops in Frankfurt or Munich, and for your convenience and comfort, they will transport you there in a wheelchair.

• They advise anyone meeting you at your destination to get in touch with the Lufthansa airport ticket team before the arrival of your flight to facilitate easy coordination. The airline may allow your greeter to meet you at the baggage claim area in certain airports.

What Guidelines Does Lufthansa Have for Battery-Powered Wheelchair Guidelines?

If you are traveling with a battery-powered wheelchair, here are the guidelines to follow: 

1. Non-Spillable Dry or Gel-Type Batteries

• Allowed as checked baggage.
• Terminals must have security measures to prevent short circuits.
• If removable, travelers can pack these batteries separately in secure packaging.

2. Lithium-Ion Batteries

• These batteries must be included in the airline’s baggage allowance.
• Batteries must meet UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3.
• Removable batteries may be taken in carry-on luggage:-
  
  • Max: one battery (up to 300 Wh) or two (up to 160 Wh each).
  • Must be in protective packaging.

3. Wet Batteries

• Must be disconnected and secured.
• Transported upright or removed and sent as cargo.

Note: Apart from passengers with reduced mobility, the airlines also offer special assistance services for Passengers with hearing, visual, sensory, & cognitive impairments. You can also check Lufthansa Airlines special assistance services to enjoy a seamless and smoother aviation experience.

Things to Note When Carrying Your Wheelchair On A Lufthansa Flight

If you’re traveling with foldable wheelchairs, you can check them as baggage at no extra charge. You simply need to let the airline know the type, size, and weight of your wheelchair at the time of booking or afterward to ensure a smoother aviation experience. You can check out the following pointers and enjoy a comfortable airport experience.

• Passengers can use wheelchairs till the departure gate arrives.
• The airport tags the wheelchair as “Delivery at aircraft” to ensure convenient loading and return at the aircraft door.
• Battery-powered wheelchairs must follow strict international safety regulations.

What Should You Do If Your Wheelchair Or Mobility Device Is Mishandled, Lost, Or Damaged On A Lufthansa Flight? 

Lufthansa does its best to carefully handle your wheelchair or mobility device. However, at times things aren’t within their control, and your wheelchair is damaged or delayed. In such cases, you should report your delayed or damaged device immediately. You can do the same by filing an online report or contacting your destination airport’s lost and found desk. You may even request reimbursement if the need arises. 

If your bag is mishandled, you can ask Lufthansa’s crew members or ground staff to direct you to the CRO (Complaint Resolution Official). Lufthansa’s CROs are available at all of their US destinations as well as in Munich and Frankfurt. 

When your baggage does not arrive on time, and the airline is to return it, you may choose to pick up your device at the destination airport or have it delivered to your home or hotel, as per your convenience. Expenses, including transportation, incurred due to a delay in your mobility device, will be reimbursed upon the submission of proper documents. 

For mishandling of your device, Lufthansa provides you with a loaner device until your own repairs. You can also arrange your loaner device, and all the costs related to the same will be duly reimbursed by Lufthansa, within around 30 days from when you submit all the required documents. 

If your mobility device has been damaged or lost, then Lufthansa takes full responsibility to repair or replace the device. If you have a preferred vendor, Lufthansa will ensure to arrange for the device’s repair or replacement through the same. They’ll even look into transporting the device and paying for any associated costs to your preferred vendor. 

Conclusion

Traveling with a wheelchair on Lufthansa is designed to be seamless, safe, and dignified. The airline guarantees that those with limited mobility receive personalized and attentive help at every stage, with expert support from booking to arrival. In Lufthansa Airlines Wheelchair Assistance service, passengers will receive accessible check-in choices, wheelchair services onboard, and the free provision of mobility aids. Travelers can have a more seamless experience if they prepare ahead, especially if they advise the airline at least 48 hours before departure. Lufthansa truly makes air travel simpler for everyone with its highly qualified staff, committed facilities, and thoughtful services.

To get more information about special assistance and wheelchair services of various airlines worldwide, you can click here.

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