Organisation of trip

Even though you have a disability or reduced mobility, you should be able to enjoy travelling by air. Most of the services you may need, for example, help with embarking the airplane, are available to you free of charge. Still, it is advisable to make certain when booking a flight that no fees are required for the services.

To ensure that everything goes well and that your trip is as carefree and comfortable as possible, you should follow these simple rules:

• 1. Gather all information concerning the trip before you complete booking.
• 2. Be realistic concerning your special needs, particularly if you are not able to walk longer distances without assistance. It can be a long way from the check-in counter to the gate.
• 3. Choose the airline or travel agency which is best able to meet your needs.
• 4. Contact the airline/travel agency to make sure that the staff knows, understands, and is able to provide you with the special services you need.
• 5. It is not certain that the services will always be available; therefore it is best to order them ahead of time.
• 6. The staff may not necessarily know the best way to lift you up or move you – if they don’t ask, then explain it to them.

Though the airline has obligations towards you as a passenger, you must work together to ensure that your trip becomes as comfortable and effortless as possible. According to international rules, compensation for baggage (including mobility equipment and support devices) which has been lost or damaged are calculated according to weight, not value. Before you go on your trip, you should therefore check whether your travel insurance also covers your mobility equipment or support devices. You may need to purchase additional insurance.
Acquire the information which you need.