Traveling with special needs or medical conditions requires extra planning and support. Air Canada is committed to providing comprehensive special assistance to ensure a smooth journey for all passengers. Here's a detailed overview of the Air Canada Special Assistance policy, including mobility assistance, emotional support animals, and provisions for elderly passengers.
Special Assistance Services
Air Canada offers a range of services to cater to passengers with special needs. Whether you require mobility aids, medical support, or assistance with emotional support animals, Air Canada aims to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.
Advance Notice Requirements
To ensure a seamless travel experience, it's essential to inform Air Canada of any special assistance requirements at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. For certain flights, such as those involving medical oxygen or traveling with a large group with disabilities, advance notice of 72 hours is needed. Additionally, passengers with special needs should arrive 60 minutes before the usual check-in time.
Key Conditions Requiring Early Notification:
Medical Oxygen or POC: Notify in advance if you need medical oxygen or a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC).
Electric Wheelchair: For flights on smaller aircraft with fewer than 60 seats.
Service or Emotional Support Animals: Inform Air Canada if you're traveling with a service or emotional support dog or cat.
Severe Impairments: This includes significant hearing or visual impairments.
Large Groups: Notify if traveling with a group of 10 or more people with disabilities.
Hazardous Materials: Request packaging for hazardous items, such as wheelchair batteries.
For other medical conditions, such as anemia, fractures, or cognitive impairments, provide advance notice when flying to or from destinations outside the USA and Canada.
Mobility Assistance
Air Canada is dedicated to providing assistance with various mobility aids. You can carry essential mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, scooters, and crutches, free of charge. Under Air Canada Special Assistance guidelines, these can be checked in or carried in the cabin, provided they comply with size and weight limitations.
Traveling with Mobility Aids:
Wheelchairs and Scooters: Notify Air Canada 48 hours before departure if using a battery-powered mobility aid.
Assistive Devices: Braces, canes, and other aids can be carried without extra charge.
Form Requirement: Fill out the Powered Mobility Aid Information Form for battery-powered devices.
At the Airport:
Check-In: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the recommended check-in time.
Onboard: Assistance is available to and from the aircraft, including using airport washrooms.
Service and Emotional Support Animals
Air Canada welcomes service dogs trained to assist passengers with disabilities. Emotional support animals are also accepted, but only dogs are allowed for this purpose.
Requirements for Service Animals:
Identification: Provide proof that your animal is a service dog and carry proper tags.
Advance Notice: Inform Air Canada at least 48 hours before departure.
Emotional Support Animals:
Documentation: Submit an original letter from a licensed mental health professional, dated within the last year, confirming the need for the animal.
Unaccompanied Minors
Air Canada ensures the safety of unaccompanied minors traveling on non-stop flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express.
Key Points:
Service Cost: CAD/USD 100 per child per flight.
Age Requirements: Mandatory for children aged 8 to 11 years; optional for those aged 12 to 17.
Documentation: Original identification is required for check-in.
Pregnant Women
Expectant mothers can fly with Air Canada up to 36 weeks of pregnancy, provided there are no prior premature deliveries.
Support for Hearing and Vision Impairments
Hearing Impairments:
Pre-Flight: Inform Air Canada of any hearing impairments to receive necessary assistance.
Onboard: Safety briefings and important announcements will be provided.
Vision Impairments:
Airport Assistance: Priority boarding and assistance navigating the airport.
In-Flight: Crew will describe the aircraft layout, meals, and other essential information.
Special Seating and Extra Space
Air Canada accommodates passengers needing special seating arrangements, including extra seats due to obesity or additional floor space.
Booking Special Seating:
Advance Notice: Contact Air Canada at least 48 hours before departure.
Medical Approval: Required for certain seating arrangements based on medical conditions.
Traveling with a Support Person
If additional assistance is needed, a support person can travel with you, free of charge.
Booking a Support Person:
Reservation: Make your own booking first, then call Air Canada to book the support person on the same itinerary.
Requirements: The support person must be at least 16 years old and travel with you in the same cabin.
Contact Information and Requests
To request special assistance or medical approval, use the following methods:
Medical Approval: Download the Fitness-for-Travel form, email [email protected], or fax +1-888-334-7717.
Special Assistance Requests: Contact the Air Canada Special Assistance team at least 48 hours before your flight.
By understanding and utilizing these special assistance services, Air Canada aims to ensure that all passengers, including those with unique needs, have a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions On Air Canada Special Assistance
What is the Air Canada special assistance phone number?
You can contact them at 1-888-247-2262.
+1-866-410-8128