Special assistance should be requested from your selected airline or travel agent when making reservations or at least 48 hours prior to departure.
! Please note that booking in advance is essential to ensure the ready availability of resources and equipment required for assistance at the airport. Without booking the risk is to wait longer and also to compromise the assistance of passengers who have regularly booked, with a negative impact on the timing and quality of the service provided.
It is important that the airline be provided with detailed information regarding all special needs. Assistance is free and the airline is responsible for informing any involved airports.
The codes listed below are the standards utilized for classifying the various types of disabilities and the related needs:
- WCHR, Passengers who have difficulties in walking long distances but can go up and down the aircraft access stairs and walk without assistance
- WCHS, Passengers who cannot go up and down the aircraft access stairs unaided, but who are able to walk around inside the plane without assistance
- WCHC, Passengers who are completely unable to move, are not self-sufficient aboard and require total assistance.
- BLND, Visually impaired or blind passengers
- DEAF, Passenger who is deaf or hard of hearing
- DPNA, Passenger with intellectual or behavioural disabilities
Vademecum: When to arrive: At the time communicated by your Airline and, in any case, at least 2 hours before departure in case of domestic or Schengen flights and 3 hours for extra Schengen flights.
Travel companions: self-reliant persons with reduced mobility are not required to be accompanied unless there are specific security requirements.
Medical Certificate: in particular cases (which does not apply to those with a long-term disability such as blind or those bound to wheel chairs) the airline might request a medical certificate.
Mobility Aids: passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility are authorised to transport two mobility aids free of charge. Passengers using electric wheelchairs are obliged to notify the airline at least forty-eight hours before the flight.
Assistance dogs: Certified assistance and guide dogs may travel in the cabin provided that the airline has been notified well in advance.
Oxygen on board: passengers requiring oxygen during the flight must notify the airline in advance. The airline may then establish whether the passenger can bring his or her own oxygen.
