Air Canada for Wheelchair Users
Air Canada offers a variety of special services, including on-board wheelchairs and assistance
Air Canada offers to accommodate passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Air Canada offers assistance to passengers with special needs, including help with mobility. People who use wheelchairs or what Air Canada calls "large mobility aids" can take advantage of a number of features.
Two things to keep in mind from the beginning:
- Air Canada needs at least 48 hours notice to accommodate special needs properly
- On planes with fewer than 60 seats, the services may not be available.
Talk to Air Canada directly as early as you can, to ensure you are on a flight which is suitable for you.
Some Air Canada planes have washrooms which are accessible using the on-board wheelchair.
When you travel with an assistant, the assistant may be eligible for a discounted fare. The terms and availability of discounted fares for personal assistants are not published on the website. You have to book through a travel agent or speak to Air Canada directly to find out about an attendant fare. You, the primary traveller, may book your own fare over the internet if you choose.
What if there is a change in plans?
We all know that sometimes planes are delayed, flights are cancelled, and plans have to be changed.
Experienced travellers recommend that you keep your wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aid with you until the very last minute before boarding, and have it stowed in the cabin if at all possible. Manually operated folding wheelchairs can be stowed in the cabin on some flights only.
If you cannot have your wheelchair in the cabin, you can insist on keeping it as far as the gate, and on having it delivered to you at the gate (not the baggage area). This is part of the service Air Canada offers. Provided you give them the requested 48 hours notice, you should expect them to accommodate your request for keeping your wheelchair or walker close by, for as long as possible.
No Lifting
One thing Air Canada staff will not do is lift a passenger. On board the airplane, they will assist you transferring to and from the aisle wheelchair, and will help you get to the washroom.
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