American Airlines Special Assistance offers personalized support to passengers with unique needs, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience. This service includes help for passengers with disabilities, elderly travelers, and those requiring mobility aids. From wheelchair services to assistance with boarding and deplaning, American Airlines Special Assistance is designed to make your journey as seamless as possible.
American Airlines Wheelchair Assistance
- Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance can request it when booking their flight online or by calling customer service at least 48 hours before departure.
- American Airlines will arrange for assistance with boarding the plane, finding the cabin and seat, getting off the plane, and collecting luggage.
- For international travel, it is recommended to give as much notice as possible regarding any special assistance needs.
- The airline can store a folded wheelchair in a designated area on the aircraft.
- Some wheelchairs may not fit in the designated area and require contacting Reservations beforehand.
- batteries that do not have a “non-spillable” label, wheelchairs that must be stored upright, lithium-ion batteries have special procedures for removal and packaging.
American Airlines Mobility Assistance
- American Airlines Mobility Assistance is not just for wheelchairs but can help anyone who needs assistance moving around the airport or getting on and off the plane.
- This service can be used for people traveling with a medical device, wheelchair, or other mobility aid.
- If traveling with a battery-powered scooter, contact American Airlines Mobility Assistance to confirm the battery type and its acceptability.
- For travelers with codeshare or connecting flights, it is recommended to contact the other airline to confirm their policies on mobility assistance and medical devices.
Carry-on Devices
- Mobility and medical devices are not included in the weight of carry-on baggage.
- If the device cannot fit in the cabin or is not needed during the flight, it can be checked in.
- Carry-on devices include canes, walking aids, CPAP machines, and other collapsible devices that can fit in overhead or under-seat storage.
- Comfort items such as arm and footrests and seat cushions are also allowed as carry-on items.
American Airlines Special Assistance for Children and Infants
- American Airlines offers special assistance for children and infants to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
- Arrive early at the airport to allow enough time for check-in and security.
- A birth certificate is required as proof of age for children under 18.
- Parents can request early boarding for children under the age of two.
- One carry-on diaper bag is allowed per child.
- Nursing mothers can bring a breast pump and a small cooler with milk in their carry-on or checked baggage.
- Many airports have breastfeeding rooms available.
- American Airlines will try to seat families with children under 15 together on the flight.
Here are some tips for booking:
- Confirm all passengers are included in the same reservation.
- Book your flight in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- Use the seat map to select seats for your family.
- If you cannot select seats together, American Airlines gate agents will try to reassign seats on the day of the flight.
- If you cannot select seats together during booking and are traveling with different reservations, contact the reservations desk to link the reservations together.
- Children aged 2 and over must have their own seat at the full adult fare.
- Children under five years old cannot travel alone.
- If you do not select seats for children under 15 a few days before the flight, American Airlines will automatically assign them seats next to an accompanying adult.
- For infants under two years old, a doctor’s clearance is required for newborns under seven days old.
- Only one lap child is allowed per ticketed adult and the infant must be included in the booking.
- Children under two years old must either have their own ticket and occupy a separate seat or be secured in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved infant safety seat.
- Your baby must be under two years old throughout the entire trip.
- If your baby turns two during the flight, they will need to purchase a full-fare ticket.
- If your baby is traveling in a seat, they will need a ticket and an FAA-approved safety seat.
- The seat belt must be securely fastened during takeoff, landing, and whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
- All large aircraft have baby changing tables in the restrooms.
- Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for flights on specific aircraft types only. Bassinets are not available in First Class or Business Class cabins.
American Airlines Special Assistance for Pregnant Travelers
- If you are flying within 4 weeks of your due date, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you have been examined and are fit to fly.
American Airlines Special Assistance for Unaccompanied Minors
- American Airlines offers a service for children ages 5 to 14 who are traveling alone.
- This service is optional for children ages 15 to 17.
- There is a fee for the unaccompanied minor service, which covers the child and any siblings on the same flight.
- American Airlines Special Assistance includes:
- Instructions for boarding
- Access to kids’ lounges in certain hub airports during connections
- An escort to the gate for connecting flights
- Assistance upon arrival to be met by a designated adult
Documents Needed for Check-In
- Children using the unaccompanied minor service must arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight departure time.
- Online check-in and kiosk check-in are not available for unaccompanied minors.
- A completed unaccompanied minor form and all necessary immigration documents are required before departure.
- The following documents are required at check-in:
- Birth certificate or passport as proof of age for the child
- A current government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian dropping off the child
- A phone number for the parent or guardian
- Contact information for the adult who will be meeting the child at their destination, including name, address, and phone number
- Upon check-in, the airline will issue a security pass to the parent or guardian allowing them access to the gate.
American Airlines Passenger Assistance
American Airlines Elderly Assistance
While the article doesn’t explicitly mention “American Airlines Elderly Assistance” as a specific program, it details several services that would be helpful for elderly passengers:
- Boarding and deplaning assistance: American Airlines can assist passengers with boarding the airplane and deplaning upon arrival, ensuring a smooth start and end to the journey.
- Airport navigation: If you have difficulty finding your gate, restroom, or another location within the airport terminal, American Airlines staff can help you navigate the airport.
- Luggage assistance: American Airlines can help you claim your checked luggage after you land.
- Courtesy wheelchairs: Courtesy wheelchairs are available for elderly passengers who need mobility assistance within the airport.
- Pre-boarding: Pre-boarding allows elderly passengers to board the aircraft before other passengers, making it easier to stow carry-on luggage and settle in before the flight.
Conclusion
American Airlines Special Assistance offers a variety of services to make air travel easier for passengers with disabilities, children traveling alone, and those who need extra help navigating the airport. They aim to accommodate different passenger needs by providing assistance with mobility limitations, hearing or vision difficulties, or any other challenges you may face while traveling.
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