How Do I Request Wheelchair Assistance on United Airlines?

Any passengers who needs accessibility device to travel can contact the airlines and book wheelchair services. United airlines wheelchair assistance regulations provide that any passenger who is bringing accessibility devices with them must inform the airlines before they reach the airport, so the airlines can prepare for their help. 

In this blog, we are discussing the process of wheelchair assistance, the rules related to bringing the wheelchair, and carrying it in cargo. Know about the details of this assistance. 

What are the United Airlines Wheelchair Assistance Regulations? 

Any passengers who require wheelchair assistance to travel must add it before they head to the check-in counter. United airlines wheelchair assistance services provide the passengers with one assistant that guide them while boarding and deboarding. Here are the regulations: 

• The airlines will provide an assistant who will join you from check-in and help you till boarding. 
• Manual and electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches are allowed. 
• The policy permits all types of mobility devices, which include folding and non-folding, and collapsible mobility devices.
• If you are traveling with a wheelchair, you have to check it in with your luggage. 
• The airlines will assign you a new wheelchair for transportation. 
• A wheelchair can be checked in for no charges. 
• You can request wheelchair assistance while booking or in “My Trips.” Staff can help you move to your seat and access your carry-on bags.

How to add wheelchair assistance? 

Passengers can add this service through different modes. This service can be added while booking a seat or later on through online and offline modes. Here is the step-by-step process: 

Online process: 

This process is for the app and website. 

1. Open the site or the app.
2. Then go to the manage reservations option
3. Enter the last name and confirmation number. 
4. Then access the reservation 
5. Go to the service add-on page 
6. And add wheelchair assistance. 
7. Receive an email with an update. 

Offline modes: 

• Passengers can add wheelchair services by calling the representative. 
• The passengers can use the service provider at the airport counter. 
• The services can be added, while chat options are also available. 
• Just provide the ticket information and request changes. 

What services can you expect?

Under the wheelchair assistance, united airlines provide one assistant to the passengers to help them board the flight and check in. Here is what passengers can expect: 

At check-in: 

1. You must reach the airport counter one hour before the usual check-in time. 
2. After check in assistant will join you. 
3. They will take you to the security check and help you there. 
4. Then you will head to the gate for boarding.
5. Wait their and after the boarding starts, you will get priority boarding. 
6. They will then help you with boarding. 

After boarding the flight:

• The airlines staff will help the passengers. 
• Planes which have more than 60 seats must have an onboard wheelchair for access of lavatory. 
• The crew can help open food and drinks.
• Crew cannot help with bathroom use, feeding, or giving medication.
• If you cannot leave the aircraft alone in an emergency, travel with a caregiver. 

After landing: 

• One of the agents will take the passenger after departure. 
• Take them to the gate and help you with the bags.
• And then you can head home with your wheelchair. 

Regulations for carrying a wheelchair: 

The passengers traveling with the wheelchair of their own wheelchairs must check them in: 

• You can check your wheelchair or mobility device for free in addition to your checked bags. 
• For better service delivery to United, you need to inform the airline about your wheelchair needs before your flight.
• Removable wheelchair parts are only taken off with your permission. 
• Airport wheelchairs are usually about 18 inches wide. 
• Aisle wheelchairs help you reach your seat during boarding and after landing.

Lost wheelchair: 

• Passengers have the right to file a complaint if the wheelchair is lost, delayed, or damaged. 
• You can contact United’s Assistive Device Desk for wheelchair issues.
• A Complaint Resolution Official is available at airports for disability-related issues. 
• You can ask any United staff member to call a Complaint Resolution Official. 
• United follows accessibility rules under the Air Carriers Access Act.

• United inspects wheelchairs for existing damage before loading them.

Majors passengers must take: 

• You should keep your bag tag, itinerary, and wheelchair details for claims. 
• United provides accessible seating and entertainment options on multiple flights across its network.
• The Accessibility Desk provides assistance to customers who need support throughout their journey.
• You can attach handling instructions to your wheelchair. 
• Ground crew follows written instructions for handling your wheelchair.

Conclusion

The United Airlines wheelchair assistance service can be added with multiple modes, choose online or offline, whichever you prefer. The airlines will assign one assistant to a passenger at the check-in counter. They will stay with you till you are on the flight. The regulations are different if you are carrying your wheelchair; read the regulations also. Read the other regulations of this policy and know what passengers can expect. 

Related Post: 

How to request a wheelchair with American Airlines?