Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
Nov 17th 2007, 7:48 am
#1
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Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
My Mum and Dad will be visiting us next year and are looking at flights at the moment. As my Dad is disabled (confined to a wheelchair) does anyone have any advice on what airline to use?
Nov 17th 2007, 8:17 am
#2
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Re: Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
They are all quite good 
...make sure the airline you choose is notified that your father is confined to a wheelchair. Qantas has very caring staff, as have Singapore Airlines. All the very best to them
...make sure the airline you choose is notified that your father is confined to a wheelchair. Qantas has very caring staff, as have Singapore Airlines. All the very best to them
Nov 17th 2007, 8:50 am
#3
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Re: Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
Similar situation for us next year:
MIL in 70's travelling alone - MAN->DXB->SIN->BNE
Any idea on what assistance is available with collecting/mauling cases onto/from luggage conveyor belt (or whatever it's called)?
Thanks
MIL in 70's travelling alone - MAN->DXB->SIN->BNE
Any idea on what assistance is available with collecting/mauling cases onto/from luggage conveyor belt (or whatever it's called)?
Thanks
Nov 17th 2007, 9:44 am
#4
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Re: Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
My parents flew earlier this year with BA/Qantas, with my mother in a wheelchair, no problems whatsoever, escorted through all airports enroute & helped with luggage etc - only thing they didnt get was an upgrade! Just make sure the information is clear on their booking that they require assistance & it should be fine.
Nov 17th 2007, 9:50 am
#5
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Re: Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
The mother of some good friends of ours is a double amputee- she can move around, but a wheelchair is easier.
She flies with Singapore and her son makes a big effort to advise Sing Air of her requirements and they have been pretty good.
Only downside is that she flies business class- so not sure if the same level of service would necessarily be the case in economy....
She flies with Singapore and her son makes a big effort to advise Sing Air of her requirements and they have been pretty good.
Only downside is that she flies business class- so not sure if the same level of service would necessarily be the case in economy....
Nov 17th 2007, 2:09 pm
#6
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Re: Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
Make sure the airline are aware of her needs, and of your contact details at this end.She should be able to get assistantce from the moment she arrives at check-in until you meet her the other end.
I've had assisted travel from Qantas after a bereavement, and my partially disabled MIL has has assistance from them on flight too.
Qantas would give - priority check-in - don't stand in the queue, go straight to the nearest staff member. Wheelcahir and baggage assistance to the aircraft - she would be accompanied all the way, helped to her seat, they will assist her with customs and passport control. Onthe transit stop they will come onto the aircraft, take her to the terminal and make sure she has all she wants, escort her onto the next flight. She will then be escorted/helped off at the Aus end, aided through customs and immigration, they will help with the bags, and they will not leave her until she is with you or whoever is collecting her.
Same on the return trip. Cabin crew on the flight will also be aware of the situation and will be ready to help out.
The main thing is to speak to the airline concerned, outline all her needs and problems, and then you should be fine. Luggage will be carried/pushed and she'll be helped with her paperwork, thats the two biggest hurdles for many people.
I've had assisted travel from Qantas after a bereavement, and my partially disabled MIL has has assistance from them on flight too.
Qantas would give - priority check-in - don't stand in the queue, go straight to the nearest staff member. Wheelcahir and baggage assistance to the aircraft - she would be accompanied all the way, helped to her seat, they will assist her with customs and passport control. Onthe transit stop they will come onto the aircraft, take her to the terminal and make sure she has all she wants, escort her onto the next flight. She will then be escorted/helped off at the Aus end, aided through customs and immigration, they will help with the bags, and they will not leave her until she is with you or whoever is collecting her.
Same on the return trip. Cabin crew on the flight will also be aware of the situation and will be ready to help out.
The main thing is to speak to the airline concerned, outline all her needs and problems, and then you should be fine. Luggage will be carried/pushed and she'll be helped with her paperwork, thats the two biggest hurdles for many people.
Nov 17th 2007, 9:56 pm
#7
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Re: Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
Make sure the airline are aware of her needs, and of your contact details at this end.She should be able to get assistantce from the moment she arrives at check-in until you meet her the other end.
I've had assisted travel from Qantas after a bereavement, and my partially disabled MIL has has assistance from them on flight too.
Qantas would give - priority check-in - don't stand in the queue, go straight to the nearest staff member. Wheelcahir and baggage assistance to the aircraft - she would be accompanied all the way, helped to her seat, they will assist her with customs and passport control. Onthe transit stop they will come onto the aircraft, take her to the terminal and make sure she has all she wants, escort her onto the next flight. She will then be escorted/helped off at the Aus end, aided through customs and immigration, they will help with the bags, and they will not leave her until she is with you or whoever is collecting her.
Same on the return trip. Cabin crew on the flight will also be aware of the situation and will be ready to help out.
The main thing is to speak to the airline concerned, outline all her needs and problems, and then you should be fine. Luggage will be carried/pushed and she'll be helped with her paperwork, thats the two biggest hurdles for many people.
I've had assisted travel from Qantas after a bereavement, and my partially disabled MIL has has assistance from them on flight too.
Qantas would give - priority check-in - don't stand in the queue, go straight to the nearest staff member. Wheelcahir and baggage assistance to the aircraft - she would be accompanied all the way, helped to her seat, they will assist her with customs and passport control. Onthe transit stop they will come onto the aircraft, take her to the terminal and make sure she has all she wants, escort her onto the next flight. She will then be escorted/helped off at the Aus end, aided through customs and immigration, they will help with the bags, and they will not leave her until she is with you or whoever is collecting her.
Same on the return trip. Cabin crew on the flight will also be aware of the situation and will be ready to help out.
The main thing is to speak to the airline concerned, outline all her needs and problems, and then you should be fine. Luggage will be carried/pushed and she'll be helped with her paperwork, thats the two biggest hurdles for many people.
Great Stuff!
Thank you
Nov 18th 2007, 10:51 am
#8
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Re: Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
Thanks a million for the advice. Am just reading this out to my parents now. The main concern they have is with 2X12hours on a plane would my dad be able to use the toilet with his wheelchair? Do any of the flights have any larger toilets on board for disabled travellers? Any experience on this?
Nov 18th 2007, 12:26 pm
#9
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Re: Best airline to Oz for disabled travellers?
Thanks a million for the advice. Am just reading this out to my parents now. The main concern they have is with 2X12hours on a plane would my dad be able to use the toilet with his wheelchair? Do any of the flights have any larger toilets on board for disabled travellers? Any experience on this?
http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying...ds/mobilityAid
