Wheelchair Assistance on Flights to India: How to Request It

Flying to India can involve long airport walks, security checks, boarding gates and connecting flights. If you or someone travelling with you has difficulty walking, wheelchair assistance can make the airport part of the journey much easier.

The important thing is to request assistance before your flight. Do not wait until you reach the airport if you already know you will need help.

I decided to write this after seeing how many questions travellers have about wheelchair assistance, especially when booking flights for parents or older family members travelling to India. I checked current airline and Airports Authority of India guidance to explain what you should request and what to expect.

This guide is for passengers flying to India who have reduced mobility, older travellers, people recovering from an injury and families arranging travel for someone who needs airport assistance.

What Does Wheelchair Assistance Include?

Wheelchair assistance can cover different parts of your airport journey.

Depending on the airline and your level of mobility, assistance may include help with:

• Getting from the check-in area to the departure gate
• Moving through the airport
• Boarding the aircraft
• Getting off the aircraft after landing
• Moving between gates during a connection
• Reaching baggage claim or the airport exit

Air India currently advises passengers who need wheelchair or mobility assistance to contact the airline before travel. Qantas also provides assistance for getting to the gate, boarding, disembarking and reaching your seat.

The exact service depends on your needs and the airport.

When Should You Request Wheelchair Assistance?

Request wheelchair assistance as early as possible, preferably when you book your flight.

Many airlines recommend making the request at least 48 hours before departure. Air India currently recommends contacting the airline 48 hours before the flight, while Qantas also recommends at least 48 hours’ notice.

You may still be able to request assistance at the airport. However, advance notice gives the airline more time to arrange the right staff and equipment.

If you are travelling during a busy period, do not leave the request until the day of travel.

How to Request Wheelchair Assistance

The process depends on the airline, but the basic steps are usually simple.

1. Request it while booking

Look for a special assistance, accessibility or wheelchair option during the booking process.

2. Add the request after booking

If you have already purchased your ticket, check the airline’s Manage Booking section or contact customer support.

3. Explain the assistance you need

Tell the airline whether you can walk short distances, climb aircraft stairs or move from a wheelchair into your aircraft seat.

4. Confirm the request

Do not assume that selecting a wheelchair option automatically means everything has been arranged. Check your booking or contact the airline again if you are unsure.

Air India says wheelchair assistance can be requested through Manage Booking, customer support or during booking.

What Type of Wheelchair Assistance Do You Need?

This is an important part of the request.

Airlines may need to know how much assistance you require. For example, you might be able to walk short distances but struggle with long airport walks. Another passenger may be unable to walk at all.

Tell the airline if you:

• Can walk short distances
• Cannot walk long distances
• Cannot climb aircraft stairs
• Need assistance to reach your aircraft seat
• Use your own wheelchair
• Use a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter

Giving accurate information helps the airline understand what support you need.

What If You Are Bringing Your Own Wheelchair?

You can often travel with your own wheelchair or mobility aid, but you should tell the airline before travelling.

Battery-powered mobility equipment can have additional requirements. Qantas, for example, states that battery-powered mobility aids require dangerous goods approval.

Airlines may ask for information such as:

• Wheelchair type
• Dimensions
• Weight
• Battery type
• Whether the battery can be removed

Keep these details ready when you make your request.

What Happens at the Airport?

Arrive with enough time to complete check-in and other airport procedures.

Tell the airline staff at check-in that wheelchair assistance has been requested. Even if the request is already attached to your booking, confirming it at the airport can help staff locate the assistance arrangement.

Airports Authority of India states that passengers can request a wheelchair through the concerned airline when booking or contact the airline ticketing counter after reaching the airport. AAI airports also provide facilities such as ramps and accessible toilets at various locations.

If you are travelling with a family member who needs assistance, stay with them unless airport staff advise otherwise.

What About Connecting Flights to India?

Connecting flights need extra planning.

For example, suppose you are travelling from Melbourne to Delhi with a connection in Singapore. You may need assistance at:

• The departure airport
• The transit airport
• The arrival airport in India

Tell the airline about your complete itinerary and ask whether the assistance request covers the connection.

If your flights are booked separately, contact each airline because the assistance arrangements may need to be made separately.

Do You Have to Bring Your Own Wheelchair?

No, you do not necessarily need to bring your own wheelchair. Airlines and airports can provide wheelchair assistance when requested, subject to their procedures and available equipment.

If the passenger normally uses their own wheelchair, bringing it may be more suitable. In that case, provide the airline with the required mobility-aid details before travelling.

Tips for a More Comfortable Journey

Before travelling to India, keep these points in mind:

• Request assistance at least 48 hours before departure.
• Add the request to every relevant flight.
• Confirm the request before travel.
• Tell the airline exactly what help the passenger needs.
• Arrive early at the airport.
• Keep the passenger’s passport, booking details and medical documents accessible if required.
• Carry details of any medication or medical equipment.
• If using a personal wheelchair or scooter, confirm its dimensions and battery requirements.
• Ask about assistance during connecting flights.

Do not assume that assistance at your departure airport automatically covers every part of a multi-airline journey.

Can Saathi Travel Help With Wheelchair Assistance?

Yes, when arranging flights, Saathi Travel can help you understand the assistance request process and check the requirements associated with your itinerary.

If you are booking a flight to India for an older parent, family member or passenger with reduced mobility, mention the assistance requirement before the ticket is finalised.

Giving this information early makes it easier to check the airline’s requirements and plan the journey properly.

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