How to Request A Wheelchair On American Airlines?

wheelchair assistance on American Airlines

Want to reserve a flight with American Airlines but need special assistance, such as a wheelchair? Then use the airline's special assistance services. AA is known for offering the best services to passengers regardless of their age, as passengers' comfort and security come first. And if any passenger is struggling with physical disabilities and needs mobility assistance, the airline has such services to make their journey a pleasant one.

Wheelchair assistance and mobility aids generally fall under this service. According to American Airlines, booking in advance is required to use it. So, it’s necessary to know the complete details of the special assistance service before requesting it. If you are looking to use such services and are keen to know how to make an “American Airlines wheelchair request”, then follow this blog.

What Is American Airlines Wheelchair Assistance?

American Airlines offers numerous services according to passengers' needs to provide a positive and enjoyable travel experience. Wheelchair assistance is one such special service offered by the airline to passengers who need mobility aids. Even pregnant women can request American Airline wheelchair assistance. However, it’s a must to inform the airline in advance. It can be requested during the flight booking, by contacting Special Assistance, or even at the airport.

Why Request A Wheelchair On American Airlines In Advance?

American Airlines suggests that passengers who need special assistance, such as a wheelchair, make special assistance requests in advance before the trip. They can do this online using the official website or app or by directly contacting Special Assistance over the phone. Here are the reasons why to request wheelchair American Airlines in advance:

To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
To get assistance as per the needs of the passenger.
To provide the right service and the coordinator should be aware of the passenger’s requirements and assist accordingly.
To avoid last-minute hassle.
When making a request during booking, help a coordinator contact the passenger in advance who is looking for mobility aids and ensure the necessary requirements are met.
To learn the wheelchair measurements and weight that is allowed to be used on the aircraft.

Does It Require Paying For American Airlines Wheelchair Assistance?

American Airlines wheelchair assistance is free of charge. This service is offered to provide a positive and stress-free experience to passengers facing mobility problems. This service is part of the airline’s commitment to accessibility and does not require paying for wheelchair assistance within the airport or for boarding and deplaning.

However, the airline offers “Wheelchair Fare Adjustment” under some circumstances:

If any passenger booked a more expensive flight because their preferred flight did not fit their wheelchair or other mobility devices, they can apply for a refund to get the difference.
A refund for the difference must be requested. However, both flights must be operated by the airline itself.
The flight needs to depart on the same day and have similar departure and arrival destinations.

Noted: A refund for a fair difference can only be requested once the trip is completed. No refund will be made without boarding a flight.

How To Request A Refund For Wheelchair Fare On American Airlines?

Refund request wheelchair American Airlines can be made online by using the official website. But this refund is only eligible to apply in of failure to board a preferred flight due to wheelchair adjustment issues, and an expensive flight is booked for the same travel. However, certain things are required to keep in mind, and some necessary details need to be provided to make the claim, which are:

The dimensions of a wheelchair.
A screenshot of the fare of the preferred flight. This screenshot includes the departure date as well as the time and date of the searched flight.
If the booking is made through a third-party travel agency, the passenger will not receive a refund under the “Wheelchair fare adjustment policy.” The request needs to be made to the booking party; the airline is not responsible for it.
For more accurate information, visit the airline directly or contact them through their customer support number at 1 (800) 433-7300. Alternatively, dial +1-800-633-0441 and talk to the travel expert for more precise information.

How To Make An American Airlines Wheelchair Request?

American Airlines handicap assistance request can be made when booking the flight using the official website or by calling the airline directly to make the special request. Once the request is made, a coordinator will contact you and ensure to make all the necessary arrangements before the trip. Additionally, it is highly recommended to make the request at least two days before the flight departure.

Noted: In addition to requesting a wheelchair on American Airlines, a passenger can also request a flight cancellation. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the “American Airlines Cancellation Policy.”

How To Request Special Assistance On American Airlines?

To request special assistance regarding Wheelchair on American Airlines, visit the official website and follow the steps that are mentioned below:

During The Flight Booking:

Step 1: Access American Airlines’ official website or use the official app.
Step 2: Provide the necessary details, such as destination and travel details, to begin the flight booking process.
Step 3: Appear on the “Passengers Details” page.
Step 4: Look for the option “Add special assistance” and click on it.
Step 5: Choose “Wheelchair service” or “Individual assistance”.
Step 6: Provide the information as mentioned on the screen.
Step 7: Complete the process by paying the flight charges and confirming the booking.
Step 8: Wait to receive the official confirmation from the airline.

Noted: No extra charges are required to pay for American Airlines Handicap Assistance.

How To Add A Wheelchair Request To An Existing Reservation With American Airlines?

Generally, it is suggested to make the request for American Airline wheelchair assistance during the flight booking process. However, if any passenger wants to make the request into an existing reservation, they need to follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Navigate to the American Airlines official website.
Step 2: Go to the section “My Trips”.
Step 3: Access the booking by entering the confirmation code.
Step 4: Choose the reservation and appear in the section “Special Assistance” or “Special Service”.
Step 5: Make a request for a wheelchair on American Airlines in the option to “Submit a request for disability assistance”.
Step 6: After clicking this option, choose another option, “Disability Assistance”.
Step 7: Provide contact information and details of the support you require.
Step 8: Make the request for wheelchair assistance.

How To Request Special Assistance On American Airlines Via Phone?

Any passenger who wants to request wheelchair American Airlines without using the official website or app can make a direct request by contacting the airline's Special Assistance desk. Follow the steps:

Step 1: Call American Airlines customer support at 1 (800) 433-7300.
Step 2: Once the representative picks up the call, provide the confirmation code so that they can access the reservation.
Step 3: After sharing the details, describe your need, such as the requirement for a wheelchair on American Airlines.

Wheelchair Request Made At The Airport

Even if it’s suggested that passengers request wheelchair assistance during the booking or at least 48 hours before the departure date, passengers can still request it at the airport. Here are the steps for it:

Visit the nearby airport and go to the American Airlines check-in counter.
Inform the agent regarding wheelchair assistance.
A designated wheelchair service agent will help you.

Requests for wheelchair assistance can be made for traveling to and from the gate, transporting to baggage claim, and navigating between gates for connecting flights.

ProTip: If you found any mistake in name such as inverted name, misspelled, or wrong name on your ticket then you must know about change name on American Airlines Ticket.

What Should I Know About Wheelchair Assistance On American Flights?

If you need wheelchair assistance during the trip, you must inform the reservations agent or the ticket counter. Here are the services a flight attendant will provide:

Assist in transferring between the seat and the wheelchair
Help to move the wheelchair to the lavatory

Noted: Flight attendants are not responsible for physically lifting a passenger in a wheelchair. Additionally, non-collapsible wheelchairs, battery-powered wheelchairs, and scooters must be checked at the ticket counter.

Conclusion

American Airlines wheelchair request or mobility aids can be made when booking the flight. However, if any passenger wants, they can make the request after the reservation by contacting the airline directly at their customer support number: 1 (800) 433-7300.