Scoot Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

Air travel can be challenging for disabled passengers, but Scoot Airlines aims to make the journey smoother by offering dedicated wheelchair assistance. Understanding the process in advance is key to ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Scoot Airlines wheelchair assistance provides mobility support from check-in to boarding, with high lifts available at select airports. However, passengers must still be able to manage personal care independently, including eating, using the restroom, and taking medication. 

This article serves as a practical guide on how to request wheelchair services with Scoot Airlines, including important timelines and service limitations. By following the outlined steps and planning, you can navigate your trip more easily, knowing you will receive the necessary support throughout your journey.

Overview of Scoot Airlines’ Wheelchair Assistance:

Scoot Airlines is committed to making travel smooth and comfortable for those who use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility. They offer a range of services to help you every step of the way, from the moment you arrive at the airport until you’re settled in your seat.

Your experience will include:

• Airport Navigation: Scoot’s trained staff will help you get around the airport terminal. They’ll guide you to your gate and assist you with boarding the aircraft, whether it’s through a direct aerobridge or from a remote parking bay.

• High-Lift Services: If you’re unable to use stairs, Scoot Airlines wheelchair assistance provides high-lift services where available. This ensures you can get on and off the plane safely and comfortably.

• Settling In: Once you’re on board the aircraft, the airline staff will assist you in reaching your designated seat, helping you settle in comfortably and ensuring that all your needs are met for a pleasant journey.

While Scoot provides excellent assistance, it’s important to remember that you’re expected to be able to manage your basic personal needs independently during the flight. This includes things like eating, using the toilet, and taking your medication. If you’re unable to handle these essential tasks on your own, Scoot Airlines requires that you travel with a companion who can assist you. This ensures your comfort and safety throughout the journey.

How to Request Wheelchair Assistance- Notification Guidelines

Scoot wants to make sure everyone has a smooth and easy trip, especially if you have mobility challenges or sensory impairments. That’s why it’s super important to let them know in advance if you need any special help.

The best time to tell them is when you book your flight. If that’s not possible, make sure you contact their Scoot Airlines’ Call Centre at least 48 hours before your flight takes off. This gives Scoot enough time to get everything ready for you, like wheelchairs, boarding assistance, or other mobility aids, so you’re safe and comfortable throughout your journey.

Moreover, if you have vision or movement impairments, Scoot Airlines will even waive the usual Call Centre booking fee as part of their commitment to making travel accessible for everyone.

Don’t forget to give them a heads-up! If you don’t let Scoot know in time, they might not be able to provide the assistance you need. This could, unfortunately, lead to problems like not being able to board, flight delays, or even extra charges. So, to avoid any stress or surprises, it’s always best to let them know as early as possible!

• Wheelchair Service Availability:

Scoot Airlines’ Wheelchair service is available across most destinations; however, due to airport limitations, certain locations do not offer high-lift services. These airports include Kuala Lumpur (Subang), Ipoh, Krabi, Kuantan, Langkawi, Malacca, Pekanbaru, and Koh Samui. 

At these airports, assistance is only available for passengers who can climb stairs independently and walk to and from their seats. Scoot can still provide a wheelchair to help with the distance to or from the aircraft. For flights departing from Singapore, wheelchair service is available starting 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. It’s recommended to make arrangements in advance.

Are You Traveling with Your Own Wheelchair or Mobility Device on Scoot Airlines? 

Checking In Your Wheelchair:

Whether you’re using a manual or powered wheelchair, you’ll need to check it in at the counter, even if you plan to use it in the airport. Don’t worry, Scoot Airlines wheelchair assistance will assist with check-in right up to the aircraft door. Once you land, your wheelchair will be waiting for you at the baggage claim area.

Battery-Powered Mobility Devices:

If your wheelchair or mobility aid uses batteries, it’s really important to follow IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines. These rules cover battery types, how they should be packaged, and what documents you’ll need. To avoid any last-minute hold-ups, Scoot strongly advises you to check these regulations well before your flight.

Bringing Smaller Mobility Aids Onboard:

Smaller mobility aids like canes, crutches, and foldable walkers can usually come with you into the cabin. Just make sure they can be safely stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Best of all, these items don’t count towards your carry-on baggage allowance!

A Look at Battery-Powered Mobility Devices and IATA Regulations:

Due to the airline’s adherence to IATA (International Air Transport Association) safety standards, you can travel with a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid on Scoot flights.

General Size and Handling Requirements:

For aircraft such as the Airbus A320, Scoot limits the maximum height of a mobility device to 116 cm. Passengers using personal wheelchairs are usually required to check them in, even if they intend to use them within the airport. In such cases, Scoot provides transportation assistance between check-in and the aircraft, and returns the wheelchair at baggage claim upon arrival.

• Non-Spillable Wet Batteries:

Non-Removable: Batteries must remain securely attached to the device. Battery terminals must be insulated (e.g., taped over) to prevent short circuits, and the device must be switched off to avoid accidental activation.

Removable: Batteries must be removed and packed by the passenger in a strong, rigid protective container. The battery must be checked in, and the mobility aid can be checked in without restriction. The terminals of the removed batteries have to be insulated. This way you can protect the battery terminals from a short circuit. 

• Spillable Batteries:

If the device can be stored upright, the battery remains attached and enclosed in a secure battery container. Terminals must be insulated, and the device must be switched off.

If the device cannot be stored upright, the battery must be removed, insulated, and placed in leak-proof, rigid packaging with absorbent material. The packaging must be labeled:

• “BATTERY WET, with WHEELCHAIR” or
  
• “BATTERY WET, with MOBILITY AID”
  

It must also carry the “CORROSIVE” and “Package Orientation” labels. All materials and labels are to be provided by the passenger.

• Dry Cell Batteries:

Dry cell batteries come with the fewest restrictions. The mobility device may be checked in, provided it is switched off and protected from accidental activation. There is no need to remove the battery or apply special labeling.

• Lithium Batteries:

Lithium batteries must comply with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Subsection 38.3.

• Non-Removable: The battery must remain in the device and be secured within a battery compartment. The terminals should be insulated, and the wheelchair must be turned off.
  
• Removable:
  

• The battery must not exceed 300Wh, or 160Wh each if two batteries are used.
  
• Batteries must be carried in the cabin inside a protective pouch, provided by the passenger.
  
• A maximum of one spare battery up to 300Wh or two spares up to 160Wh each are allowed in cabin baggage.
  
• Terminals must be insulated to avoid short circuits.

Scoot Airlines Additional Special Assistance Services:

Scoot Airlines special assistance provides several services to make travel easy and comfortable, such as;

• Special Assistance for Visual Impairment:

At Scoot, their team wants everyone to have a comfortable and easy flight, and that includes visually impaired passengers. Plus, you’re welcome to fly with a companion, or you can travel independently.

If you’re flying alone, they do require you to use their meet and assist service. This just means they’ll have someone guide you through the airport and help you get settled, ensuring you have the support you need every step of the way.

For those traveling independently, they ask that you’re able to take care of your personal needs on your own, like using the restroom, taking medication, and eating or drinking without assistance. To make sure everything goes smoothly, please get in touch with Scoot’s Call Centre at least 48 hours before your flight. This gives them enough time to arrange all the necessary support for your comfort and safety.

Once you’re on board, their team can help you with things like choosing your seat, giving you a personal safety briefing, and even helping you identify and open your meal packaging. Just a heads-up: for safety reasons, they can’t seat visually impaired passengers in emergency exit rows.

• Special Assistance for Hearing Impairment:

Scoot Airlines Special Assistance welcomes guests with hearing impairments and allows them to travel independently, provided they can manage their personal needs without assistance. This includes the ability to use the restroom, eat or drink, and administer any necessary medication on their own throughout the journey. 

While Scoot strives to make travel comfortable, certain safety regulations apply. For instance, guests with hearing impairments will not be assigned seats in the emergency exit row, as these require individuals who can respond quickly to verbal crew instructions during an emergency. It is recommended that guests inform the airline in advance about any specific needs to ensure a smooth experience. Scoot’s crew remains available to offer non-personal support during the flight.

• Assistance for Service Dogs:

If you’re planning to travel with a Service or Hearing Assistance dog, you must notify the airline during booking or at least 48 hours prior to departure by contacting the Call Centre. 

A “meet and assist” service is required for visually impaired passengers not traveling with a caregiver or accompanied by a service dog. This support includes help from check-in to boarding at departure, and from the arrival gate to the arrival hall at the destination. 

Moreover, for those with layovers, assistance is also provided through transit immigration, security checks, and to the next boarding gate. Please note that only two assistance animals are permitted per flight for safety reasons. Advance arrangements help ensure a smooth travel experience.

Read Also: Hong Kong Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

What if Passengers On Scoot Airlines Have Health Issues?

Passengers with medical conditions must be fit to travel alone or be accompanied by someone for assistance. Certain health issues may require prior medical clearance. To obtain this, complete and submit the Medical Information Form (MEDIF) online at least five working days before your scheduled departure. This ensures a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers.

• Assistance for Portable Oxygen Concentrators and Continuous Positive Air Pressure devices:

Scoot Airlines special assistance accepts FAA-approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) and all CPAP devices for in-flight use, provided they fit under the seat. In ScootPlus, only Lifestyle, Trooper POC, and Freestyle models may be permitted due to space limitations, while all approved POC models are permitted in Economy Class. 

Devices must be self-powered with gel or dry batteries; in-flight power is provided. Bring enough batteries to last 150% of the flight time. For example, a 10-hour flight requires power for 15 hours. You must notify Scoot during booking or at least 48 hours before departure. Lithium battery restrictions apply. 

Devices that do not fit under the seat can be carried onboard but not used. Use of Supplementary Oxygen Kits (SOKs) is not allowed unless booked with stretcher service on Singapore-Jeddah routes. Bulkhead and emergency exit row seating is not available for passengers using these devices.

• Stretcher Service on Scoot Flights:

Scoot Airlines special assistance offers stretcher service on selected point-to-point routes operated by Scoot’s Boeing 787 in Economy Class, limited to one stretcher per eligible flight. This service is only available on the Singapore–Jeddah and Jeddah–Singapore routes. Passengers using a stretcher should be escorted by a qualified medical personnel throughout the journey.

You must request assistance in advance, preferably at booking or at least 10 days before departure, by contacting the Scoot Call Centre. Approval is subject to availability and medical clearance. You will also need to submit a completed Medical Information Form (MEDIF) to confirm eligibility and receive pricing details.

For partner airline flights on your itinerary, special assistance must be arranged directly through the respective airline’s call centre, as Scoot cannot coordinate special services on those flights.

Conclusion: 

Travelers with disabilities can confidently choose Scoot Airlines, knowing they’re committed to accessible journeys. Scoot Airlines provides tailored wheelchair assistance and a range of mobility support services to ensure your comfort and safety. Whether you need help with your mobility aid, require visual or hearing assistance, or need support boarding, Scoot is there. However, make sure you give them advance notice, especially for battery-operated devices or service animals, so they can make all the necessary arrangements. With your early communication, Scoot can ensure you have a truly safe, comfortable, and dignified trip.

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