Ryanair Wheelchair Assistance

Travelling with disabled persons is not something you should worry about– and when you have booked a Ryanair flight, their special assistance and wheelchair services are a boon indeed. No matter you need mobility aid, guidance through the airport, or support during boarding, Ryanair offers specially tailored services that are there to support you throughout your journey without any hitches or anxiety.

Today, let’s explore special assistance on Ryanair, to find out services like Ryanair Wheelchair Assistance, and get your travel well prepared without any difficulties or worries. Planning is essential, and with the right support in place, you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

Ryanair Wheelchair Assistance: A Complete Guide to Travelling with Mobility Equipment

Ryanair promises that all travelers, including those using mobility devices, will have a secure and convenient trip to their destination. If you have a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or any other walking aid, the Ryanair Wheelchair Assistance is what you require to help you from the beginning to the end of your journey.

Adding Mobility Equipment to Your Ryanair Booking

When you book your flight, it is possible to communicate your travel needs with an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter very easily. After doing so, you’ll receive an email requesting specific details about your device.

If you have already made the reservation, you can still insert your equipment by:

• Using Ryanair’s online mobility form
• Contacting the Ryanair Special Assistance team

When submitting details, please include the following:

• Make and model of your wheelchair or scooter
• Weight of the equipment
• Battery type (e.g., lithium-ion, gel, dry cell)
• Dimensions (including lowest collapsed height)

Free Allowance for Ryanair Passengers with Reduced Mobility

When you need Ryanair wheelchair Assistance, you’re entitled to bring:

• Two pieces of mobility equipment, and
• Essential medical equipment needed during your trip

Wheelchairs or mobility scooters do not incur any charges. Nevertheless, owing to the limited room, two electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters are allowed per flight, so it is crucial to be informed early.

Make sure to bring operating instructions for your equipment to the airport.

Safety Guidelines for Electric Wheelchairs & Scooters on Ryanair Flights 

To guarantee the safety and also the compatibility with the aircraft of Ryanair, the mobility devices need to satisfy the following conditions:

• Size & Weight Limits:
  • Maximum collapsed height: 81 cm
  • Maximum width and depth: 119 cm each
  • Pre-authorization is essential for devices over 150 kg, and will not be accepted without it.
• Battery Requirements (Lithium-Ion Batteries): If securely attached to the device:
  • The battery must stay in the device
  • Cannot be activated during flight
  • No Watt-hour (Wh) limit
  • Cabin baggage rights: up to 1 spare battery (not exceeding 300Wh) or up to 2 spare batteries (no more than 160Wh each)
• If not securely attached:
  • Please take the battery out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Exposed terminals must be covered.
  • Every battery needs to be encased in a protective bag and kept in the passenger compartment.
  • The same WH limits apply.
  • Dry Cell / Gel Cell / Non-Spillable Batteries
  • If securely attached, the battery can remain in the device.
  • If not attached, it must be:
    • Removed and short-circuit protected.
    • Positioned in solid and tough packaging and held safely in the luggage compartment.
    • One spare battery may be carried in the cabin.
  • Liability and Insurance
    • It is highly advised by the airline that you take travel insurance for your disabled package. Under the Montreal Convention (1999), airlines are only responsible for:
    • 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (~€1,800)
    • To widen the coverage, customers are allowed to fill in a Special Declaration of Value Form, which increases the limit up to:
    • 2,262 Special Drawing Rights (~€2,600)

Note: Ryanair may apply a surcharge for this declaration.

• Reporting Lost or Damaged Mobility Equipment

If your wheelchair, scooter, or any other assistive device is lost, delayed, or damaged, then:

• Make sure you talk to the Lost Property Desk as soon as you arrive at your destination airport.
• File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) — a 10-character reference code is also obligatory.
• Submit a claim using Ryanair’s baggage claim form, including your PIR reference (e.g., STNFR12345).

Ryanair Special Assistance Explained: Booking the Help You Need

If you have any special needs, it is recommended that you ask for special assistance when making your booking. Nevertheless, you can still pre-book the assistance online via the Ryanair website within 48 hours before your scheduled flight departure.

In addition, you have twelve hours before your flight when you can contact the Special Assistance Team directly, subject to opening hours. But, there is a possibility that assistance may not be available if notice is given less than 48 hours before a flight. To allow airport staff to deliver your requested assistance smoothly, please be at the airport special assistance desk at least 2 hours before departure.

How to Add Special Assistance to an Existing Ryanair Booking

Here are some steps to follow:

• Log on to the Ryanair Website and click “My Bookings”.
• Please access(log in) your myRyanair account.
• Select “Manage this booking” on the flight for which you want to make modifications.
• Select the option of ‘Request Special Assistance’
• Choose the traveler(s) who require help
• Double-check what kind of help is necessary for the outbound and return flights.
• Double-verify the required assistance for both the arrival and the return flights.
• Click ‘Save’ to update your booking.

Available Types of Airport Special Assistance By Ryanair

Ryanair provides people with different kinds of help to meet their requirements. The following choices are available:

Assistance Code	Service Provided
WCHR	Help through the airport to the boarding gate
WCHSH	Help through the airport and up/down aircraft steps
WCHC	Help through the airport, up/down aircraft steps, and lift on/off the aircraft to your seat
BLND	Escort for blind/vision-impaired passengers with a separate safety briefing
BDGR	Same as BLND, for passengers with a guide/assistance dog
BLDP	Blind/vision-impaired but traveling independently, no assistance needed
DPNA	For passengers with cognitive or non-visible disabilities (must contact the Special Assistance Team with details)
DEAF	For profoundly deaf passengers
PETC	Traveling with a guide/assistance dog, but no airport assistance required
OXYG	Pre-booked therapeutic oxygen (must be arranged at least 7 days before travel)

Allocated Seating for Special Assistance On A Ryanair Flight

Passengers who ask for the following types of assistance: WCHC, WCHS, BLND, BDGR, DPNA, or PETC will get an allocated seat free of charge and are allowed to be accompanied by an assistant during the trip.

Please note:

• In general, passengers who need help will be seated near the window for safety reasons, unless there is a companion or space available.
• Passengers who need special assistance are not allowed to occupy emergency exit rows.
• Flight attendants must be prepared to move passengers to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency equipment and exits.

Seat Dimensions (For Reference):

• Seat pitch: 73.66 cm (29 inches)
• Seat width (between armrests): 39.37 cm (15.5 inches)
• Door dimensions: 76.2 cm x 165.1 cm (30 x 65 inches)

If the requirements are bigger than these measurements, you should talk to the Special Assistance team in advance to assess travel suitability.

Contacting Ryanair Special Assistance

Need to speak to someone directly?

• Phone: +44 808 168 5777 (local rates apply)
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 09:00–22:00 CET
  • Saturday: 09:00–19:00 CET
  • Sunday: 10:00–19:00 CET
• Live Chat: If you want to chat with a Special Assistance agent, go to the Ryanair website.

Ryanair’s Special Assistance Service Made Easy with Amazon Alexa

Ryanair is adding a touch of extra convenience to its trips by employing the tools of Amazon Alexa. Travelers with British or Irish accounts on Alexa can now find travel info and seek the assistance of just their voices, all thanks to the Ryanair Alexa skill.

With this feature, you can:

• Check your flight status in real-time
• Check out the prices for the trips offered by Ryanair to your desired place.
• Access key help topics and travel support.
• Ask for a callback from the Ryanair Special Assistance team.

How to Request Special Assistance via Alexa

If you would like to directly address the Ryanair Special Assistance team, here is all you need to do:

• Launch the Ryanair skill on your Amazon Alexa device.
• Give Alexa a call asking for Special Assistance, for example, “How to book Special Assistance service?”
• First, Alexa will provide the needed information and then request your phone number.
• After confirming, the Ryanair Special Assistance team will call you immediately.

Your hands-free option is simple and available to cover your travel support requirements, provided that the booking process is made easier and more inclusive than ever.

Ryanair Special Assistance for Accompanying Passengers

Ryanair is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable flight to all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. Safety is a priority for everyone on board the aircraft, therefore, passengers who are not fully independent must be accompanied by an adult over 18 who can look after their needs during the flight.

What Does “Self-Reliant” Mean?

According to both the UK Department for Transport and the European Commission, a self-sufficient passenger should have the opportunity to:

• Fasten and unfasten their seatbelt unaided.
• Retrieve and fit a lifejacket when instructed.
• Don an oxygen mask without assistance.
• Understand safety briefings and emergency instructions from the crew.

In case a traveler fails to execute any of the mentioned operations, that person has to be accompanied by an adult who can help them with the trip.

Additional Support Needs Requiring an Accompanying Adult

Each adult can only support a single PRM and must buy a full-price ticket. Ryanair will do its best to allocate seats in the same row for both passengers.

Important Pre-Flight Requirements

• Arrive Early: Passengers with pre-booked special assistance must check in at the special assistance desk no later than 2 hours before the aircraft departs.
• Gate Arrival: For support during the boarding process, please ensure you are at the gate at least 30 minutes before your flight.

How to Use Postural Support Aids When Flying Ryanair?

To bring a support chair and use it on board, you need to fill in the necessary information during your air ticket reservation at Ryanair. In this way, you guarantee that the flight attendants will give you the appropriate seat without extra charge. The last date to inform the airlines of your requirements is 48 hours before your flight.

Note: Regrettably, it is prohibited to use postural supports for children under 2 years old on board.

Requirements for Onboard Postural Support Aids

Before a postural support device is allowed to be used during your flight, it is necessary that:

• Must be certified by an EASA, IAA, UK CAA, FAA, or another similar authorized aviation organization.
• Be provided and fitted by the passenger.
• Be sure to utilize the aircraft seatbelt as indicated in the manufacturer’s guide.
• Be suitable for the age, weight, and size of the user.
• If the user is a child and needs help, an adult (18 years old) should be present.

When you are boarding, don’t forget to carry the manufacturer’s installation instructions, as they will be of great assistance to the airlines’ staff when verifying that everything is in order.

Approved Postural Support Aids on Ryanair Flights

Ryanair allows the following postural support aids onboard, subject to meeting the requirements above:

• Meru Travel Chair: Best for kids aged about 3 to 11 who can’t sit in the standard aircraft seats.
• Crelling Harness
  • HSB1: Shoulder strap support for passengers aged 9 to adult.
  • Model 27: Full 5-point harness for ages 2 to adult.
• Amsafe CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System)
  • Designed to be used by kids from 10 to 20kg (22 to 44 lbs). It should be placed on the aircraft seats and used with the safety belt.
• Firefly GoTo Seat (Size 2)
  • The seating system is lightweight and easy to carry for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years who also need postural support.
• Burnett Body Support
  • A personalized support system that utilizes microbeads and a vacuum to fit the passenger’s body. It comes in different sizes according to individual requirements.

Important Reminders

• Travelers who use postural support aids must visit the special assistance desk at least 2 hours before the departure time to check in.
• Make sure to have all the necessary components and the installation guide with you when you arrive on board.
• Ryanair does not supply postural support aids; passengers must bring their own.

Ryanair Special Assistance for Guide Dogs

Ryanair is dedicated to ensuring that every passenger has the opportunity to travel comfortably and fully, regardless of whether he/she has a guide or a support dog along with them. To avoid problems, please look at the next set of criteria about dog eligibility, documents, and route restrictions.

Route Availability for Guide/Assistance Dogs

• Accepted Routes:
  • All intra-EU/EEA Ryanair flights
  • All Ryanair domestic flights
• Not Accepted on:
  • Flights to/from Morocco
  • Flights to/from Israel

Service and guide dogs are restricted on the aforementioned international routes because of local rules.

Required Documentation for Travel

To travel with a guide/assistance dog on any Ryanair flight, passengers must carry:

• A valid EU Pet Passport or
• An official third-country veterinary health certificate
• Medical documentation, where required

In addition, it is necessary to provide the membership confirmation of one of the subsequent organizations:

• International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
• Assistance Dogs UK
• Assistance Dogs International (ADI)

EU/EEA Flights: Documentation

Passengers have to ensure that they have an accurate Pets Passport or a third-country official veterinary certificate (including necessary medical documents) for all EU/EEA flights.

• For the EU Pet Passport or veterinary health certificate, there must be papers supporting that the guide/assistance dog is registered with either:
  • International Guide Dog Federation
  • Assistance Dogs International (ADI)

Pet Passport/Veterinary Health Certificate Details

• Dogs will require a pet passport or, if you are in a country without pet passports, an official veterinary health certificate.
• Passengers should make sure the Pet Passport is up-to-date and conforms to the vaccination and treatment standards of the destination country.  Ryanair is not liable for incorrectly documented dogs.
• Travelers who are not sure about their dog’s qualifications should get in touch with the receiving airport before the trip to obtain Pet Passport information.
• People who own guide dogs and assist dogs in places where Pet Passports are not given out must get an official supply of health of veterinarians that will confirm their pets’ compliance with the Pet Travel Scheme.

General Travel Guidelines

Ryanair’s acceptance of a guide/assistance dog on a flight is contingent upon the following:

• The dog must have received the necessary training to assist a person with any type of disability (physical, sensory, or mental) and must be certified by an organisation that is a full member of ADI ( Assistance Dogs International ), Assistance Dogs UK, or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
• Emotional support or therapy dogs that are not included in the assistance dogs lists of the organizations are not allowed.
• The guide or assistance dog has to wear a harness or jacket throughout the flight. 
• Guide or assistance dogs travel in the cabin and must remain seated the floor at the passenger’s feet. Such dogs must sit on the floor at the passenger’s feet. A maximum of four guide/assistance dogs are allowed per flight. The dog, with its containers and food, is transported free of charge.
• Ryanair passengers looking to bring their guide/assistance dogs on board are required to inform Ryanair in advance, on the same day as booking, preferably online, or through the Ryanair Special Assistance team.
• The owner’s harness, which is of suitable design, must be attached to the seat belt or seat belt buckle of the owner to provide effective restraint during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. Alternative devices that have different attachment places and provide sufficient restriction are also allowed. Any option that sufficiently holds the service dog in place is acceptable as well.
• Failure to notify Ryanair in time may result in the service not being available when the passenger arrives at the airport, and the passenger will be unable to travel on their flight.
• Blind/visually impaired passengers who do not require airport assistance also need to inform Ryanair beforehand, preferably on the day of booking, in order that the cabin crew can give a suitable safety demonstration.

Also Read: Aeromexico Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

Ryanair Special Assistance: Medical Equipment

Ryanair has specific procedures for passengers who need to carry or use medical equipment.

General Procedures

If you want to take a particular medical device on board, you need to detail your requirements through the online form. The Special Assistance team will review and determine if your request can be approved. If approved, you will receive written authorization.

• Bringing Medical Equipment as Checked Luggage
  • If you want to carry medical equipment with your checked luggage, it is essential to connect with the Special Assistance Line to secure a ‘Checked Baggage Waiver’ letter. You can show this letter at the bag-drop desk.
• Bringing Medical Equipment as Carry-On Baggage
  • If you would rather take your medical equipment as hand luggage, please call the Special Assistance Line and ask for the ‘Cabin Baggage Waiver’ letter. You will need to present this letter to the staff at the boarding gate.

Medical Equipment Baggage Waiver Letter

• If you’re traveling on a Ryanair flight, you can carry the medical equipment on board, provided you have a baggage waiver letter for medical equipment.
• Travelers with a background of medical issues who have to bring medical devices apart from their hand or checked bag allowance should get in touch with the Special Assistance department before the flight.
• If a doctor’s note proving the necessities is submitted, a waiver letter for your baggage will be provided. Only the items mentioned in the waiver letter will be allowed to be carried without any cost. The items must be packed in a separate bag and must be available for inspection at the airport.

Rules for Specific Medical Devices

Nebulizer, ventilator, respirator, or any other respiratory device:

• These devices can be transported on the plane if they fit within your carry-on baggage allowance without previously informing the airline.
• If the assistive device will not be carried within your luggage weight limit, you need to get the medical baggage waiver letter from the Special Assistance team.
• If you carry a nebulizer, ventilator, respirator, or some other respiratory device on the plane, connect with the Special Assistance line and get the necessary permission. You will have to fill in a “Fit to fly form,” the link to which will be provided to you once you reach out for help to the Special Assistance team.

Other Medical Items

• The items like Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) that meet regulatory demands are allowed to be used on board.
• Other medical equipment, such as CPAP or portable dialysis machines, is allowed to be brought on board, but cannot be operated during the flight.
• EpiPens, capsules, tablets, pills, liquid medications, inhalers, topical medications, and diabetic supplies can all be carried in the cabin baggage. All these items are usually small in size, and thus most of them do not need to be checked for their size during the boarding process.
• Passengers can bring syringes in the aircraft cabin if necessary for medical needs (for example, a diabetic passenger). However, a doctor’s letter should be carried by the passengers to confirm the requirement.
• If you would like to bring a defibrillator as additional or cabin baggage, you need a medical equipment baggage waiver letter from the Special Assistance team. The waiver letter has to be given to the staff at the bag drop desk or the boarding gate if traveling without checked baggage. You will also be required to have a “fit to fly form,” which should be shown to staff on the day of travel.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)

Here are some things to consider when traveling with a POC. 

• If you want to fly with a POC, you need to get in touch with the Special Assistance team first to receive their consent, plus a Medical Equipment Approval and Baggage Waiver. The letter of approval and waiver must be shown at the Bag Drop desk or the boarding gate if you travel without any checked bags.
• If you want to bring a POC on board during the flight, connect with the Special Assistance helpline to get the required approval and a “Fit to Fly” form.
• You must fill in the “Fit to Fly” form, send it to Ryanair for validation between 14 and 2 days before the trip. Carry the validated form on all your flights and display it to the cabin crew at the time of boarding.
• If the POC is to be used on an aircraft, you must ensure you have fully charged batteries for the entire flight and any possible delays, and that the batteries are not charged on board the aircraft.

Conclusion

Taking advantage of Ryanair’s Special Assistance guarantees that you will have an easy, safe, and customized journey. In case you need assistance while passing through the airport, boarding, or while you are on board, it is very important to pre-arrange that help. When you have the proper assistance set up by your side, you can take the trip with assurance. The Ryanair Special Assistance service is at your disposal to make your flight trouble-free.

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