Porter Airlines Special Assistance

Porter Airlines is committed to providing every traveler with a secure and relaxing journey. They are aware that certain travelers could need extra help because of a disability, illness, or other requirements. From the time you reserve your flight until you arrive at your destination, this guide explains the services and facilities that are offered to guarantee a comfortable and easy travel experience. Mobility aid, medical equipment, and support for passengers with visual or hearing impairments are just a few of the needs that their committed staff is prepared to help with. So, review the details below and contact Porter Airlines’ special assistance in advance to schedule any required services.

Porter Airlines’ Assistance for Blind or Low-Vision Travelers:

Here is what Porter Airlines has to offer for blind or low-vision travelers. 

• At the Airport:

If you’re traveling solo, Porter offers a Meet and Assist Service to guide you to and from the aircraft gate. They offer pre-boarding as well to help you get settled before the rush. In some airports, you can even request a gate pass for a friend or family member to accompany you to the gate or meet you at your arrival city; approval depends on security levels.

For connecting flights, the Porter staff can help you transfer between flights or keep you updated on your next departure. For curbside assistance, Porter recommends booking it at least 48 hours before departure via their Disability Assistance line.

• Onboard the Aircraft:

The cabin crew can help you get seated, stow carry-on bags, and provide a tactile safety briefing, allowing you to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and emergency equipment. All planes have Braille and large-print safety cards, just ask. The cabin crew can also help with opening snacks, identifying food and drinks, and guiding you to the lavatory if needed.

Porter’s Assistance for D/deaf or Hard of Hearing Travelers:

Porter Airlines provides additional support for passengers with deafness or any kind of hearing impairment. 

• At the Airport:

• If you are travelling on your own, let us know if you want us to arrange an escort to guide you from the check-in counter to the boarding gate.
• If you’d like, you can board the plane before everyone else, giving you extra time to settle in comfortably and without the rush.
• If catching announcements is tricky, just let the gate agent know; they’ll make sure you don’t miss any important flight updates or boarding calls.
• Onboard the Aircraft:

Cabin crew are well-trained to communicate with passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing, making sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the journey. 

If you’d like a personal safety briefing or regular updates, simply share your preferred method, whether that’s lip reading, written notes, or another way. They will happily adapt and ensure you don’t miss any important announcements during the flight. 

Furthermore, Porter also provides a TTY line; just dial 711. And yes, you are welcome to bring hearing aids, headsets, or other assistive listening devices without prior notice.

Porter’s Special Assistance Services for Deafblind Passengers:

If your disabilities prevent you from communicating with crew members about safety instructions, Porter may require you to travel with a personal attendant. This ensures your safety and comfort during the journey. If you decide to bring an attendant for personal or physical needs, check Porter’s “Travelling with a Personal Attendant” guidelines. They should be a minimum of eighteen years of age. They should be with the passenger requiring escort throughout the flight. The attendant isn’t eligible to travel with an infant or with a child below 12 years of age. They can also not bring a pet along. 

Porter Airlines Special Assistance for Passengers with Non-Visible Disabilities

If you or someone you are traveling with has a cognitive or developmental disability, informing Porter ahead of time allows the team to arrange the right support. Porter’s special assistance staff are trained to help without requiring medical details, though they may ask questions to ensure you can travel safely and comfortably.

Here’s how Porter can help:

• Flight check-in and document handling
  
• Airport navigation and gate guidance
  
• Boarding and deplaning assistance
  
• Baggage retrieval support
  

However, there are limits. Porter team members cannot assist with:

• Eating, drinking, or taking medication
  
• Personal care, including restroom assistance
  

If you’re traveling alone, you must be able to perform these tasks independently. Moreover, you should be able to understand and follow crew safety instructions. If that’s not possible, Porter recommends traveling with a personal attendant.

Tips for a Smoother Journey:

Airports can be overwhelming, with bright lights, crowds, noise, and long walks adding to the stress. Porter suggests a few strategies to make the experience easier:

• Familiarize yourself with the airport before your trip to reduce anxiety.
  
• Arrive early so you can navigate security and customs without feeling rushed.
  
• Locate your gate as soon as possible to avoid last-minute confusion.
  
• Plan for unexpected delays and carry essentials like snacks, noise-cancelling headphones, and comfortable clothing to lessen your anxiety levels.
  
• Consider traveling with a support person if your condition may cause confusion or make it difficult to follow safety instructions.
  
• If traveling solo, a Porter Airlines staff member will help you in the best possible way during disembarkation. You should let them know in advance if you need extra help and guidance. 

Arriving at Your Destination:

Once you land, Porter’s special assistance staff can guide you through the arrival process if requested in advance. If traveling alone, let the team know you will need help finding your way. With a support person, you can enjoy the reassurance of familiar company during the transition from plane to airport exit.

How to Request Assistance?

To ensure you receive the best possible service, identify yourself to a Porter staff member at the airport and clearly explain your needs. Extra time is always helpful, so arrive early and allow for a stress-free experience.

For more information on tailored services or to discuss accommodations, you can reach out to Porter’s Disability Assistance Desk before your trip.

Porter Airlines’ Special Assistance If Traveling with Service & Emotional Support Animals

Porter Airlines makes flying with service animals or emotional support dogs simple, ensuring comfort, safety, and tailored assistance for you and your furry companion throughout the journey.

Service Animals on Porter Flights

Porter special assistance welcomes certified, professionally trained service dogs in the aircraft cabin when they provide disability-related assistance to a passenger. If you are traveling with one, it’s best to notify Porter at least 48 hours before your flight so arrangements can be made for you both.

A service dog must be:

• Certified by an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)-accredited institution.
  
• Properly harnessed, following professional service animal standards.
  
• Well-behaved in public settings, staying under your control at all times.
  

Service dogs in training, rescue dogs, or therapy dogs aren’t accepted. Your dog must fit in the foot space of your assigned seat and can’t sit in an exit row or occupy a passenger seat.

For U.S. travel, you will also need to provide a signed U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure, and starting from the 1st of August 202, the CDC Dog Import Form is required for all dogs entering or returning to the U.S.

Emotional Support & Psychiatric Service Animals

The Porter special assistance team accepts only dogs as emotional support or psychiatric service animals. Within Canada, these dogs must travel in an approved carrier for the entire flight and cannot be held on your lap.

For U.S. flights, emotional support dogs are no longer considered service animals under U.S. regulations. This means they will need to travel as a regular pet, in an approved carrier, with pet-in-cabin fees applying.

To fly with an emotional support or psychiatric service dog, you must provide documentation (dated within one year) from a licensed medical or mental health professional. This letter should confirm your need for the animal, your diagnosis, and that you are under their care. Porter may verify this information directly with your healthcare provider.

Travel Restrictions

Porter will not transport:

• Animals that pose a health or safety threat.
  
• Aggressive or disruptive animals.
  
• Certain species like snakes, reptiles, ferrets, rodents, farm poultry, or hoofed animals.
  

Seating Arrangements

If you are traveling with a service dog, Porter will assign a suitable seat for you. Larger service dogs may require extra floor space, provided free on domestic flights or by purchasing an extra seat on transborder flights. For safety reasons, no animals are allowed to block aisles or occupy passenger seats.

Animal Relief Areas

Designated animal relief areas are available at airports. If you need to leave the secure area to use them, you will have to pass through security again.

Connecting & International Travel

For connecting flights or interline travel with other airlines, check each carrier’s specific requirements. When traveling internationally, confirm entry rules for your destination country, including vaccination, certification, and quarantine regulations. For U.S. entry, rabies vaccination proof is mandatory.

Special Assistance On Porter Airlines If Traveling with a Personal Attendant:

One of the key services Porter special assistance offers is the option to travel with a personal attendant, ensuring your journey is as smooth, safe, and comfortable as possible. 

When You Might Need a Personal Attendant On A Porter Airlines Flight?

If you are unsure, then you must know that a personal attendant can assist with essential tasks such as mobility, communication, and personal care throughout the journey.

• Managing carry-on bags or medical equipment
  
• Assisting with meals, medication, or bathroom visits
  
• Navigating immigration and customs
  
• Helping during unexpected in-flight or ground emergencies
  

Additionally, Porter needs a personal attendant if you require more care than their crew can offer onboard or if you are unable to get safety briefings directly from staff. You might want to look into Porter’s more comprehensive disability assistance services if you only occasionally need assistance.

Who Can Be a Personal Attendant?

• Your personal attendant must be at least 18 years old.
  
• He or she sits next to you for the whole flight or in a non-emergency exit row.
  
• Your personal attendant cannot travel with an infant, a child under 12, or a pet in the cabin.
  

Free Attendant Seats for Travel Within Canada:

If you are flying within Canada, you could get a free seat for your attendant, if your request is approved, when:

• You need care beyond what Porter’s crew can provide.
  
• You require an attendant for your safety under Porter’s Domestic Tariff regulations.
  

Furthermore, this doesn’t apply if you simply prefer to travel with a companion, need a personal care attendant only at your destination, or are obese but not disabled because of the same. 

If you are not eligible for the free seat, you can still purchase one through flyporter.com or the Porter Call Centre (1-855-542-3707), and Porter will try to seat you together.

Travel to the U.S. or with Another Airline:

For flights to/from the U.S. or trips involving other airlines, you will need to purchase a seat for your attendant. Plus, Porter will make every effort to keep you seated side-by-side.

How to Apply for an Attendant Seat?

• Download the Request for Additional Seating for an Attendant form (PDF).
  
• Have it completed by a licensed healthcare professional.
  
• Email it to disabilityassistance@flyporter.com or fax it to 416-203-6422 at least 48 hours before departure.
  

If booking more than 48 hours before departure:

When you book your own travel, Porter will create a separate reservation for your attendant once approved.

If booking less than 48 hours before departure:

You have to book seats for yourself as well as your attendant and make sure that both reservations have been confirmed. You may book through Porter’s official website or their customer service helpline. You’ll get no refund if bookings have been initiated through third-party agents or websites of other airlines. Upon the approval of your request Porter will issue a refund for the attendant’s reservation.In case the request hasn’t been approved there’ll be no refund.

Also Read: Porter Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

Changing Your Attendant or Travel Details:

Depending on your needs and preferences, you can select one attendant from your departure city to arrival destination, and a different personal attendant for your outgoing and return trips, guaranteeing flexibility and convenience while traveling.

Porter permits you to modify your personal attendant arrangements for free as long as you give at least 24 hours’ notice before your planned departure.

In order to ensure uniform service decisions and prevent travelers from having to rethink their requests for special assistance, all decisions made by Porter’s Disability Assistance Desk are regarded as final and binding.

On the Day of Travel

You and your personal attendant can enjoy pre-boarding, giving you extra time to settle in comfortably. If you are traveling with a certified service animal, they are welcome to pre-board as well, just inform Porter ahead of time so arrangements can be made smoothly.

Porter Airlines’ Special Assistance Services for Individuals with Allergies:

For travelers with allergies, Porter Airlines offers thoughtful assistance to make flying safer and more comfortable, even though a completely allergen-free environment can’t be guaranteed.

Allergies Are Not All the Same:

Allergies range widely, from minor sensitivities to potentially fatal reactions. Before making a reservation, Porter advises travelers to assess their health status and take the appropriate safety measures. This could mean speaking to your doctor, having medications ready, or arranging special assistance with the airline in advance.

How does Porter help with Nut Allergies?

If you have a nut allergy, Porter can make specific arrangements if you give at least 48 hours’ advance notice:

• Nut-free menu: They will remove nut products from the in-flight service menu.
  
• Buffer zone: A seating area will be created around you, where passengers are asked not to consume nut products.
  

However, there may still be traces of nut residue because some packaged foods may include traces, and other travelers may bring their own nut-containing treats. This is why it is crucial to have your medication on hand and be ready for any exposure.

Assistance For Animal dander, dog, or cat allergies:

For those allergic to pet dander, Porter’s special assistance also offers help:

• Buffer zone seating: With 48 hours’ notice, you will be seated away from service animals or pets.
  
• Pet-free cabin zone: Pets will be kept in kennels and placed away from your seating area.
  

However, it’s important to remember that animal allergens can still be present in the cabin, either from other passengers’ clothing or service animals.

How to Request a Buffer Zone?

You can contact Porter’s Disability Assistance line at least 48 hours before departure. Even if you are within the 48-hour window, they will try to accommodate you whenever possible.

Tips for Flying with Allergies:

For a safer flight, a quick checklist

• Talk to your doctor: Get professional advice on whether it’s safe for you to fly.
  
• Carry your medication: Keep antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPen) in your carry-on and easily accessible.
  
• Arrive early: Allow extra time for security screening with clearly labelled medications.
  
• Notify the crew: Even if you arranged assistance ahead of time, let the flight attendants know about your allergies once onboard.
  
• Tell your seatmates: Let them know where your medication is and what to do in case of an emergency.
  
• Bring your own snacks: Pack non-perishable, allergy-safe food in case the in-flight service doesn’t meet your needs.
  

Porter Airlines’ Special Assistance for Those with Oxygen Needs:

Porter has clear, friendly policies for passengers using respiratory devices or oxygen support, helping you travel safely by knowing what’s allowed and preparing accordingly.

No Onboard Medical Oxygen?

For safety reasons, Porter does not supply medical oxygen during flights, nor do they allow compressed or liquid oxygen on board. That might sound restrictive, but there’s a workaround: approved respiratory assistive devices, including Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs), ventilators, respirators, and CPAP/BiPAP machines, are welcome if they meet specific requirements.

What’s a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)?

Think of a POC as your personal oxygen supply machine that takes in ambient air, boosts its oxygen concentration, and delivers it to you, without the dangers of compressed oxygen. It’s the go-to option for travelers who need oxygen therapy but still want to move around and fly without heavy tanks.

Approval Process for POCs:

If you plan to use a POC on your flight, your device must either:

• Have a manufacturer’s label stating it meets FAA acceptance criteria, or
  
• Be on Porter’s official list of approved POCs.
  

Once that’s sorted, you will need your doctor to fill out Porter’s Request for Portable Oxygen Concentrator Use in Flight form. Email the completed form to disabilityassistance@flyporter.com  at least 48 hours before departure, and make sure it’s dated within a year of your flight. Keep the form with you, don’t pack it in checked baggage, because crew members will need to confirm your need and your flow rate before boarding.

If you are traveling with a POC but won’t be using it in flight, you can skip the form and advance notice, provided it’s FAA-approved. In that case, remove the batteries, protect them individually, and carry them in your hand luggage.

Battery & Power Rules You Must Follow:

Porter doesn’t provide onboard power for these devices, so you will need enough fully charged batteries to last your entire travel day, including layovers and unexpected delays. Spare batteries must be in your carry-on, individually protected, and within these limits:

• Lithium metal/alloy batteries: up to 2g lithium content.
  
• Lithium-ion batteries: up to 8g lithium content, or up to 25g if limited to two spares per passenger.
  

Size & Condition Requirements:

Your device must fit under the seat (max 17″ x 15″ x 8.5″), be in good working condition, and show no signs of oil, grease, or damage. You also need to know how to operate it yourself, and you may be assigned a specific seat for safety compliance.

Ventilators, CPAPs, and BiPAPs:

These devices can also be carried on and used in-flight if FAA-approved. They must meet carry-on size rules, not block aisles or exits, and be stowed safely. If your device is too large for cabin storage, Porter will check it for free (as long as battery safety rules are followed).

Get the Right Seat for Your Needs When Travelling On A Porter Flight

If you have a disability, Porter’s special assistance team will make every reasonable effort to arrange seating that works best for you. 

Who Qualifies for a Free Extra Seat?

If you are traveling within Canada, you might be eligible for a free additional seat, subject to availability. 

• If you have a fused or immobilized leg, and need an aisle seat with extra legroom.
  
• If you need more space due to a disability caused by obesity.
  
• If you are traveling with a personal attendant who helps you during the flight, you will be seated side-by-side once your request is approved.
  

Therefore, this policy follows the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR).

Steps to Apply for an Additional Seat:

The process is straightforward but requires a little preparation:

• You need to download the Request for Additional Seating Form (PDF).
  
• You must have it completed and signed by your healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. For renewals, a physiotherapist may also sign if your health status hasn’t changed in the last two years.
  
• Add your reservation details and email the form to disabilityassistance@flyporter.com or fax it to 416-203-6422.
  
• Porter will review your request and may confirm details with your healthcare provider. You will receive approval or denial via your preferred contact method.

Booking More Than 48 Hours Before Departure:

You can book on flyporter.com or through the Porter Call Centre at 1-855-542-3707. Once approved, Porter will add the extra seat to your booking.

Booking Less Than 48 Hours Before Departure:

You must secure your booking first, then submit your form for approval. If approved, you will get a full refund for the cost of the extra seat. Requests must be submitted within 30 days of your first flight.

Here are some points that you must remember:

• Only bookings through Porter’s official channels are eligible for a refund.
  
• Incomplete or illegible forms will be denied.
  
• Approved forms are valid for one year from the healthcare provider’s signature date.
  
• All medical details are kept confidential under PIPEDA and CTA rules.

When Connecting with Another Airline:

Porter can’t guarantee special seating on flights operated by other airlines. You’ll need to contact them directly to make arrangements.

On the Day of Travel:

You must bring your approved form with you to the airport to make check-in smoother.

Comfort Details You’ll Want to Know:

• Seat Belt Extensions: Available on all Porter flights.
  
  • Regular: 89 cm (35 in)
    
  • Extension: 56 cm (22 in)
    
  • Total: 145 cm (57 in)
    
• Seat & Aisle Widths:
  
  • Dash 8-400: Seat 43 cm (17 in), Aisle 50.8 cm (20 in)
    
  • E195-E2: Seat 46.5 cm (18.3 in), Aisle 48.7 cm (19.2 in)

Conclusion

With traveler-focused special assistance, Porter Airlines makes flying easier for passengers with diverse needs, providing flexible and considerate services. Porter’s team strives to make your journey safe, comfortable, and relaxed, whether you need assistance with mobility, advice for visual or hearing impairments, assistance with handling medical equipment, or accommodations for service animals and allergies. Travelers can have an easier time from booking to arrival by knowing the rules and asking for help in advance. Porter Airlines guarantees that every traveler, regardless of their circumstances, can fly with dignity, freedom, and peace of mind by maintaining safety staards, providing compassionate service, and maintaining open channels of communication.

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