Passengers with disabilities should emphasize which category they belong to when booking a ticket. All passengers will be properly taken care of to make their flight as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Whether the ability to move is reduced by birth or is the result of a physical disability. Also, whether the passenger is of reduced mental capacity, old age, illness or accident. The passenger should contact the airline at least 48 hours before the flight and inform them of the type of assistance he will need. Avi company will engage the responsible services at the airport in a timely manner. These services will provide a wheelchair or other means of transportation at no additional charge and help to accommodate the passenger comfortably and easily. If the journey continues with another airline, boarding of passengers will be possible only after that airline confirms that it has the conditions to continue the journey.
Passengers using wheelchairs
Passengers with disabilities are divided according to the degree of reduced mobility into: WCHC, WCHS and WCHR. WCHC – passengers who are completely immobile and require a wheelchair to get to and from the plane. These are passengers who must be carried up and down stairs, to and from their seats in the airplane cabin. WCHS – passengers who cannot go up or down stairs, but can move around in the passenger cabin. They require a wheelchair to travel the distance to and from the plane and must be carried up and down the stairs. WCHR – passengers who can climb up or down stairs, to move themselves in the passenger cabin. They need a wheelchair to travel the distance to and from the plane.
Traveling with your own wheelchair or crutches
Passengers with disabilities can also use their own wheelchairs, and they should notify the airline 48 hours before the flight, as their transportation requires the airline’s approval. It is necessary to submit all information about the stroller, dimensions, weight and type of aids. A wheelchair description form should also be filled out, print one copy and hand it in at the flight check-in counter. There is no charge for carriage. If you are carrying an electric wheelchair, it will take more time to board it. You can bring crutches and other prosthetic aids into the passenger cabin without extra charge.
Passengers with impaired sight or hearing
One companion is required for visually or hearing impaired passengers. It should be borne in mind that during the flight the crew cannot take care of the needs of passengers of this category much more because there are also other passengers who need help. WCHC passengers whose disability is stable may travel unaccompanied. If you want to travel with a dog that is specially trained to guide you, you need to inform your airline about this when booking your ticket. The transport of a guide dog requires special approval from the airline you are traveling with. Passengers with impaired vision or hearing can board the plane before other passengers. One of the ground staff at the boarding gate can be asked for assistance when entering the plane.
Travelers with learning disabilities and developmental disabilities
Tickets for passengers with learning disabilities and developmental disabilities should be booked no later than 48 hours before the flight takes off. Upon departure, passengers with disabilities will be escorted to the plane by the ground staff, where they will be taken care of by the cabin crew. After landing, the cabin crew will hand over the passengers to the ground crew. It is important to note that there is a possibility of a passenger getting lost at the airport. If such a danger arises, the passenger should travel with a companion.
Traveling with a guide dog
A dog that has been trained to guide persons with impaired vision or hearing is transported by the airline company in the passenger cabin free of charge. The number of dogs on flights is limited and their carriage must be confirmed by the airline before the start of travel. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize when booking the ticket that you would like to travel with a guide dog. You need to inform about the dog’s height and weight AND get a confirmed seat on the flight. You must also provide the company with paperwork that your dog has successfully passed the handler training sessions. You should check in at the airports at least two hours before boarding the plane so that all formalities and paperwork can be properly checked.
Rules for guide dogs
In order for a guide dog to board the plane, it needs to meet certain rules. First of all, to have a muzzle. He will lie by the feet during the summer and should not be in a cage. The dog must not sit on the seat. The dog must not be dangerous, aggressive or have an unpleasant smell. It should have a permit for the dog to enter the country you are traveling to and other documents required by the countries of exit, entry, transit. The dog must have a certificate of vaccination against rabies. He must also have all valid health certificates that are necessary at the points of transit, transfer and final destination.
Travel documentation
WCHC passengers must have a MEDIF form. It is a form with the passenger’s health data filled out and certified by the passenger’s doctor. This form can be downloaded from the Air Serbia website. Based on the data from this form, the company doctor assesses whether the passenger is able to board the plane and fly. WCHC travelers who have a stable disability are not required to have a MEDIF form. Along with this form, there are also FREMEC health cards. These cards are issued by certain airlines for frequent travelers so that they do not have to fill out the form again and again. Air Serbia does not issue FREMEC cards for now.
Boarding the plane
In most cases, passengers are offered the opportunity to choose the seat they want according to their needs. However, there are certain restrictions here, primarily for safety reasons. Most of the armrests on airplane seats are adjustable so that you can easily access the seat. If you want to use a wheelchair that is adapted for use up to the aisle seat, then it must be approved for use on the plane. During the flight, cabin crew will assist passengers with disabilities as much as possible. However, due to other passengers’ responsibilities, the staff cannot carry or lift passengers, help them in the toilet, with meals or taking medication. Also, airlines are unable to provide ambulatory or hospital accommodation, which travelers should keep in mind before traveling. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger.
