Flying barrier-free
Carriage with a disability assistance dog
airberlin offers passengers with restricted mobility a range of additional services to make air travel as pleasant as possible. We have assembled the most important items of information for you here. If you have any further queries, please contact our Service Centre ».
We would always advise you to discuss the planned flight with your GP. Also please check the
health requirements », which must be met when you embark on your journey.
Registration
To ensure that we can make the best possible preparations for you, please let us know what assistance you require, preferably when you book your flight, but not later than 48 hours prior to departure. It is also advisable to register at an early stage, as the number of passengers with restricted mobility on any one flight is limited for reasons that include general attendance and security. These arrangements will also depend on the type of aircraft being used. We will require the following information when you register:
- Name of passengers and travel companion, if applicable
- (Number of your severe disability pass)
- Degree of disability
- Nature of disability
Please contact our Service Centre » to register for the services listed below.
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Escort at the departure and destination airport
airberlin offers passengers requiring assistance a free escort service at both the departure and destination airports. Wheelchairs can be provided free of charge for passengers with a walking or severe disability for the transfer to and from the aircraft. When you reserve this service, please let us know how much assistance you will require.
At many airports wheelchair users will have the option of pre-boarding, i.e. boarding the plane before the other passengers.
To find out about special offers at airports for passengers with restricted mobility (e.g. parking spaces for the disabled) please refer to our Airport Guides » or go to the websites of the relevant airports.
Carriage of the wheelchair
Passengers’ own wheelchairs are carried free of charge and in addition to the free baggage allowance. If you are enquiring about transportation of a wheelchair, please let us know the measurements, weight and the type of the wheelchair in question.
For reasons of space wheelchairs are carried in the hold. We therefore ask you to check in your wheelchair as special baggage that is ready for transportation. At the destination airport your wheelchair will be returned to you either directly at the aircraft or at the baggage carousel.
You can also check in your sports or racing wheelchair free of charge as sports baggage.
Important - please note
If your wheelchair is battery-driven, please note the following information for the various types of battery:
Wheelchairs and other battery-operated mobility aids with a leak-proof dry cell or gel cell battery can be carried in the hold provided that the battery is not connected ready for operation and that the battery terminals are disconnected and electrically isolated to prevent any accidental short circuit. Furthermore the battery must be secured to the wheelchair or mobility aid.
For safety reasons different criteria apply to wheelchairs or other battery-operated mobility aids with wet cell batteries. Please contact our Service Centre » well in advance for information about the applicable regulations.
Free seat reservation
Seat reservation is free of charge for passengers with a severe disability pass (or comparable document) for 50 % disability or more, and for a travel companion. For safety reasons it is not possible to reserve XL seats.
Travelling with a companion
Passengers with a severe walking disability or unable to walk and any passengers with a severe visual impairment are advised to travel with a companion. The travel companion must be at least 16 years old, must not have restricted mobility and must not accompany any other passengers requiring assistance.
Travel companions of passengers with a severe disability pass and registered as category “B” (or comparable) only have to pay airport charges, fuel surcharge and service charge on German domestic flights with airberlin.
Carriage with a disability assistance dog
Visually impaired passengers can of course take their guide dog with them in the cabin, and this service is free of charge. The dog does not need to be placed in a pet carrier. However, the dog must wear the guide dog harness and the passenger must carry all the documents required for the animal’s entry into and exit from the relevant countries (valid pet passport, vaccination and health certificates etc.).
Transporting medical aids
Medical aids and equipment (e.g. respirators, inhalers and walking aids), as well as medication, are carried free of charge on presentation of the appropriate medical certificate.
We recommend packing medical baggage separately. Please also note the
EU cabin baggage regulations »
Further information can be found here: Safety regulations for the carriage of passengers with restricted mobility »
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