Flying with Disabilities or Limited Mobility – Information on Accessible Air Travel to Mallorca

The fastest way to reach Mallorca is certainly by plane. Enjoying the view high above the clouds and leaning back comfortably in your seat – this is how air travel should be for everyone. People with limited mobility can overcome barriers when flying thanks to various support options, allowing them to reach their holiday destination quickly and stress-free. We provide information on how you can establish important prerequisites for an accessible flight when booking, and what services are available to you at the airport and on the aircraft.

Table of Contents

• What regulations apply in the EU?
• What should I consider when booking?
• What support services are available at the airport?
• What assistance is available on the aircraft?

Accessible Flying: What Regulations Apply in the EU?

If you're planning air travel within Europe with a wheelchair or require assistance due to a disability, airlines and airports offer various services. These are free of charge and tailored to your individual needs. They include service points for people with disabilities at the airport, as well as assistance during check-in and when boarding and disembarking the aircraft.

Support services are available for people with different levels of mobility. Internationally, these levels are identified by the following abbreviations:

• WCHR/WCHS: physical mobility impairment with occasional wheelchair use
• WCHC: physical mobility impairment with permanent wheelchair use
• DPNA: orientation difficulties, cognitive or psychological impairment
• BLND: visual impairment and blindness
• DEAF: hearing impairment and deafness

Flying with Disabilities: What Should I Consider When Booking?

Have you decided on your destination and travel dates? Then you can first book your flight as normal. Individuals with a disability card can reserve a seat free of charge. You also have the option to book a seat with more legroom, though this will typically incur an additional cost.

Once you have a booking reference, you can register your need for assistance with the airline or travel agency. Provide all important information that will help the airport and airline prepare optimally for your needs, such as:

• whether you're flying with a wheelchair,
• whether you need assistance for longer distances at the airport,
• whether you can climb stairs,
• what (medical) hand luggage you need to bring,
• whether you need assistance on board the aircraft,
• whether you're travelling with an assistance dog.

If you wish to receive assistance during your flight, you must register this at least 48 hours before departure. To ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of travel, you should get written confirmation of your registration.

Preparing for Air Travel with a Wheelchair

A manual wheelchair is generally transported by airlines without any problems. When booking, provide the dimensions and weight of the wheelchair so the airline can plan accordingly.

Transporting an Electric Wheelchair

Taking an electric wheelchair is also possible in most cases, provided the wheelchair meets these requirements:

• The electric wheelchair has a dry or gel battery.
• The cable connections are disconnected and the battery terminals are insulated.
• The battery is securely fixed to the wheelchair.

Electric wheelchairs that do not meet these specifications cannot be transported on aircraft for safety reasons. If you want to take an electric wheelchair on holiday, you should inform the airline in good time about the size, weight, and the safety-relevant characteristics mentioned above.

Booking a Flight with Companions

If you have a disability card with the marker B entered, you are entitled to take a companion on your flight. The conditions for bringing a companion may vary depending on the airline. With some providers, the companion can travel free of charge, while with others they pay a reduced price. It's best to inquire about the respective conditions before booking your flight and then choose the most suitable offer for you.

Accessible Flying: What Support Services Are Available at the Airport?

The day of travel has arrived and excitement is building, as the Mallorcan sun and sea await you. To check in calmly, drop off your luggage, and relax before your flight, you should arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. For convenient arrival by car, disabled parking spaces are typically available on site. With the European parking permit, you can park there free of charge.

At the airport, there are several contact points for people with limited mobility. At the service points, you can borrow a wheelchair free of charge for your stay at the airport. There are also often call points where you can request assistance. Accessible counters are frequently available for check-in. If you have registered to be accompanied through the airport, you can go to one of the designated pick-up points. The airport's mobility service will collect you from there.

Support Services at the Airport

• You can be accompanied through security to the aircraft. At the destination airport, you will be guided to the taxi or bus station for onward travel if needed.
• You will receive help boarding and disembarking the aircraft, as well as transferring from your wheelchair to the aircraft seat. You may also board the aircraft first to take your seat calmly, and leave the aircraft last.
• You will receive assistance with handling your luggage. After arrival at the destination airport, the airport service will also assist you with loading your luggage.
• During a stopover, mobility service staff will collect you from the aircraft and take you to the gate for your connecting flight, with an airport wheelchair if needed.

Air Travel with a Wheelchair, Companion, Assistance Dog: What Help Is Available on the Aircraft?

There are also several support options on the aircraft designed to make flying with disabilities as comfortable as possible. These include the following services:

• The airline transports medical equipment and up to two mobility aids (e.g., (electric) wheelchair) per person free of charge. If you need medical equipment during the flight, you can register it as hand luggage. It's best to get a medical certificate stating that you absolutely need the equipment.
• All relevant information about the flight will be provided in a format accessible to you.
• The flight crew will accompany you to the onboard toilet if needed.
• Recognised assistance and guide dogs can be taken in the passenger cabin if you register them when booking. Generally, dogs should be able to travel in the foot space and be leashed during the flight. Regulations may vary depending on the airline. Therefore, be sure to inquire about the individual provisions before your trip.

Conclusion: How to Ensure a Successful Accessible Flight

With your Mallorca trip prepared, flight ticket ready, and suitcases packed, your holiday can begin. To help you relax and get in the holiday mood during your flight, airport staff and flight attendants are available to assist you with an accessible journey. At the airport, after prior registration, you can receive assistance with your luggage, at security control, or with transfer to the aircraft. On the aircraft, you can bring all the aids you need for a comfortable journey. Once you arrive on the island, the wonderful weather and idyllic nature of Mallorca await you.

Sources:

• Accessible Flying - BDL
• Accessible Mobility - Air Travel
• Flying with Disabilities - Family Guide
• Travelling with a Handicap - Accessible Magazine
• Mobility Restrictions - Federal Aviation Office