How to Get Special Assistance at Airports

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/AdobeStock_383436991.jpeg" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> We didn’t expect to need special assistance at the airport when we started our trip to London and Bordeaux. However, halfway through the vacation, my husband sprained his ankle and we needed extra help for the rest of the trip. The fall occurred the night before our flight, so I went on the airline’s app to request assistance. While it said you have to make the request 48 hours in advance, I submitted the form anyway. Thank goodness I did. Special assistance is available, even at the last minute, because airlines are legally required to provide it. The tricky part can be figuring out where to find the helpers and wheelchairs. It’s different in every airport. Some have a special phone or buzzer, some want you to check in with your carrier, and some have assistance points inside or outside the terminal. There should be signs and logos telling you where to go. (Truthfully, the signage wasn’t that clear at some airports.) The point I’m making is you should allow extra time to figure out where to meet up. They recommend getting to the airport two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours for international.  Here are a few more tips. Make sure you bring your own food or eat well before going to the airport. The wheelchair attendants are required to take you to the bathroom, but not to stop for food and drink purchases. If you’re only escorting someone to the gate, you can get a pass to get through security. I was a ticketed passenger, so I went through both expedited security and passport control with my husband. That was a silver lining! Also, you can take a cane, a walking stick or crutches through security and onto the plane. Finally, don’t forget to give the attendant a nominal tip. They don’t expect it, and some even refuse, but most of the helpers appreciate the gesture.  <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Savvy-Consumer/" target="_self">Your Guide to Being a Savvy Consumer</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>