Porter Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

Porter Airlines, Canada’s third-largest airline, is committed to providing a convenient and pleasurable travel experience for all passengers. Porter provides extensive wheelchair assistance services in recognition that those with mobility issues might need certain accommodations. From the time a traveler lands at their home airport, like its headquarters at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, to their ultimate destination, Porter wheelchair assistance services are intended to guarantee an effortless and respectable travel experience. Therefore, this dedication to accessibility is a core part of the airline’s mission to serve a diverse range of travelers.

All The Details of Porter Wheelchair Assistance:

Porter provides support at every airport they serve, whether you are carrying your mobility aid or using the one which have been provided by the airport. Their goal is to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible from check-in to landing.

Assistance on Porter and Partner Airlines:

If your trip is booked entirely with Porter Airlines, getting mobility assistance is simple. You just let Porter know your needs when booking or before your flight, and they will take care of the rest. However, things work a little differently if your journey involves a partner airline, even if your ticket was issued by Porter. 

In that case, you will need to reach out to the partner airline directly to arrange any special assistance you might need, such as wheelchair support or help boarding. This ensures both airlines are fully prepared to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free from start to finish.

Bringing Your Own Mobility Aid:

You can bring along your personal mobility aid without paying any extra fees, and it won’t count toward your regular baggage allowance. This means you still get your full baggage limit plus your mobility device, making travel more convenient for you. This covers:

• Wheelchairs (manual or powered)
  
• Scooters
  
• Crutches
  
• Walking canes
  
• Walkers

How to Book Travel On Porter Airlines with a Wheelchair or Scooter?

To keep things smooth for airport staff and to make sure your mobility aid gets the care it deserves, Porter kindly asks that you share all the necessary details in advance. This way, they can prepare properly, avoid last-minute hassles, and handle your equipment with extra care.

• If booking online: 

When booking your ticket online, head to the Passenger Details page and add your wheelchair or scooter info under “Support Requests” so Porter can prepare for your needs in advance.

• If booking by phone: 

Simply connect with the call centre agent and give all the details about your wheelchair or scooter, including size and type, so they can note everything for a smoother trip.

• In both cases (phone and online)

No matter how you book, quickly fill out the Mobility Aid Information form and email it to disabilityassistance@flyporter.com right after booking to help Porter arrange proper assistance.

Therefore, if you submit the form within 48 hours of departure, Porter will still strive to assist you. However, providing your request earlier increases the chances of ensuring everything is arranged smoothly and without rush.

Given the specific size and features of aircraft, keep in mind:

• Personal wheelchairs cannot be kept inside the aircraft cabin; instead, they should be securely stored in the hold for safe transport throughout the journey.
• Smaller mobility aids may be kept in the cabin if they meet airline-approved size and weight limits, ensuring they fit safely in designated storage areas.
• Airlines limit the number of wheelchairs per flight, so informing them early during booking is important to secure assistance and guarantee space for your mobility device.

Required Dimensions On Porter Airlines for Scooters and Wheelchairs 

On flights operated by Porter Airlines, you can store your mobility devices onboard provided they don’t exceed the specified dimensions or weight. On E195-E2 the specified height is 80 cm or 31 inches, width is 70 cm or 27.5 inches, and weight is 227 kg or 500 lb. Dash 8-400

Aircraft allows mobility devices with a dimension of 80 cm or 31 inches (height), 150 cm or 59.1 inches (width), and 293 kg or 648 lb (weight). 

Guidelines for Battery Use in Mobility Devices On Porter Flights

If your mobility aid is battery-powered, Porter follows the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) rules, not just FAA approvals. That’s an important distinction because it can affect what you are allowed to bring.

Spillable (Wet Cell) Batteries:

• Wet cell/acid batteries are not accepted.
  
• Damaged or leaking batteries also can’t be transported.
  

Non-Spillable (Dry Cell / Gel) Batteries:

You can check your wheelchair or scooter with these batteries if:

• The battery has been disconnected.
  
• Terminals have been well-protected from any short circuit.
  
• The battery is attached to the mobility aid or wheelchair securely.
  

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

If the battery is attached:

• It can stay installed as long as it’s securely attached and terminals are protected from short circuits.
  

If the battery is removable:

• You must not exceed 300 Wh or 160 Wh each if the device uses two smaller batteries.
  
• You can carry one spare battery up to 300 Wh or two spares up to 160 Wh each.
  
• Batteries must be removed following the manufacturer’s instructions, with terminals insulated and stored in protective pouches.
  
• Spare batteries must travel with you in the cabin, not checked baggage.

Checking In With Your Mobility Device On Porter Airlines Flights:

To make things stress-free, plan to arrive:

• 2 hours early for flights within Canada.
  
• 3 hours early for international flights.
  

When you check in:

• Your battery-powered wheelchair or scooter will be inspected.
  
• You can use your own wheelchair to the gate or request a Porter service wheelchair.
  
• Some devices may require partial disassembly, so bring tools and the manufacturer’s instructions. You have to remain present during the reassembling or disassembling of the device
  
• Take detachable items like cushions or footrests with you to the aircraft.
  

At your destination:

• If checked at the counter, your device will be available at baggage claim.
  
• Gate-checked wheelchairs will be returned at the arrival gate except in tight layovers.

Checking Your Manual Wheelchairs On Porter Flights

If space allows, mobility aids meeting cabin size and weight limits may be brought onboard, ensuring convenience and accessibility for passengers who prefer keeping their wheelchairs close during the flight.

• Check-in counter drop-off:

Dropping your wheelchair at the check-in counter ensures you receive a service wheelchair and staff assistance to the departure gate, making airport navigation smooth and hassle-free.

• Gate check option:

You may use your personal wheelchair within the airport and have it checked at the gate, with return at your destination or connecting airport for maximum accessibility.

• Layover time limitations:

Short layovers may not allow enough time for wheelchair disassembly and reassembly. If time is tight, Porter recommends using their provided wheelchair service for efficiency and ease.

• Oversized baggage claim:

Checked wheelchairs are available for pickup at the oversized baggage claim in the arrivals area, ensuring secure handling and easy retrieval after your flight.

Porter’s Rules for Smaller Mobility Aids

Porter is also flexible with smaller aids like walkers, canes, and crutches:

• If they fit cabin storage limits, you can bring them on board.
  
• Canes/crutches have to be stowed flat under your seat during takeoff and landing, without blocking aisles or exits.

Porter Airlines Wheelchair Assistance Services at the Airport and Onboard

Here is what you must make note of: 

1. Airport Assistance services:

Porter Airlines offers service wheelchairs at all airport locations to make your journey easier. If you need one, it’s best to request it when booking your ticket so everything’s ready for you. 

On travel day, just head to the check-in counter and let the staff know. They will arrange for a wheelchair and make sure you are assisted right up to your departure gate, so you can travel without a hitch. 

Whether you need a bit of extra help getting around or full support from check-in to boarding, the friendly team is there to make the process smooth and comfortable for you.

2. Onboard Accessibility Services:

Porter aircraft are equipped with onboard wheelchairs that fit down the aisle. These are perfect for helping passengers with reduced mobility move between their seat and the washroom.

• How to request one: 

You need to call on 1-855-542-3707 at least 48 hours before departure. If you call later, Porter will do their best to arrange it.

• Transfer assistance: 

Porter’s crew members can help you move between your seat and the onboard wheelchair or between the wheelchair and the washroom door, but they cannot lift passengers. You will need to be able to use grab bars for transfers.

• Movable armrests: 

All seats have them, except a few in the front rows of the Dash 8-400 and E195-E2, to make seating easier.

3. Washroom Accessibility:

Washrooms are located at the front of the cabin, and on the E195-E2 there’s another at the back.

• Enhanced safety, support, and convenience for passengers who might require additional stability while using the vehicle are guaranteed by its strong grab bars and simple, easy-to-use fixtures. In fact, the locks, door handles, flush controls, faucets, and soap dispensers are designed in a way that its usage requires minimal effort. 

• The space is compact and not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair inside, making it challenging for full chair access or maneuverability.
  
• Staff can help you get to the washroom door, but if you need help inside, you will need to travel with a personal attendant.

4. Lost or Damaged Mobility Aids:

Porter wheelchair assistance team takes responsibility if your checked mobility aid is lost or damaged.

• If your checked mobility aid is lost or damaged during your travels with Porter, the airline has a clear and traveler-friendly process to make things right. First and foremost, if your mobility aid isn’t available upon arrival, Porter will provide you with a suitable temporary replacement at no cost. This ensures you can still move around comfortably while the issue is being resolved.

• If you incur reasonable expenses because your mobility aid wasn’t returned on time or due to its loss or damage, Porter will reimburse those costs. For mobility aids that are damaged but can be repaired, Porter will handle the repairs promptly and at their own expense, making sure the aid is returned to you as quickly as possible.

• If the damage is beyond repair, or if the aid is lost and not found within 96 hours of your arrival, Porter will either replace it with the exact same model or, if that’s not available, provide a replacement with substantially similar features and quality to match your mobility needs.Therefore, they can reimburse you for the replacement cost.

• If you ever find yourself in this situation, the first step is to report it right away. You can speak directly with a Porter representative at the airport or fill out a damaged baggage report. By acting quickly, you will help the airline resolve the matter faster, ensuring you get the support and equipment you need without unnecessary delays. Porter’s approach is designed to minimize inconvenience and keep your journey moving smoothly.

How to Contact Porter’s Disability Assistance Team?

For disability-related inquiries, Porter Airlines offers multiple contact options. You can call their toll-free number at 1-855-542-3707 for quick assistance, use TTY/Voice Relay by dialing 711 for hearing-impaired support, or email disabilityassistance@flyporter.com for detailed queries and travel accommodation requests.

Conclusion

To make sure that passengers with disabilities can fly in comfort, respect, and peace of mind, Porter Airlines wheelchair assistance goes above and beyond. Every step, from help with booking to boarding assistance, safe mobility device storage, and onboard accessible features, is thoughtfully and conveniently constructed. Their sincere dedication to accessibility is demonstrated by their open lines of contact, accommodating personal aids, and quick resolution of misplaced or broken equipment. Porter’s wheelchair assistance services make air travel smoother and less stressful, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey instead of worrying about logistics.

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