Qatar Wheelchair Assistance

Qatar Airways offers wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. This latest blog post from Gilani Mobility will provide an overview of how Qatar Airways assists passengers with mobility limitations.

Pre-booking

When booking a flight via Qatar Airways, passengers who would need a manual or electric wheelchair are requested to inform the ticketing agent to make notations on their reservation. However, if it was not possible during pre-booking, passengers can still request for a wheelchair provided they notify the airline at least 48 hours before their flight. This will ensure the airline has ample time to make the necessary arrangements and to accommodate all passengers requesting for one. 

Passengers are also allowed to bring their own wheelchair on their flight. The wheelchair and other mobility products will be transported free of charge.

Checking-in

Upon arrival at the airport, passengers travelling with their own mobility aids need to know the following:

Use of own wheelchair

Passengers are allowed to use their own electric or manual wheelchair or other mobility products before the flight. However, the wheelchair will be collected at the gate and the passenger will be transported to their designated seat inside the aircraft by a different wheelchair.

Transporting batteries

Wheelchairs and other mobility products with batteries must be checked in with luggages. Leaky and damaged batteries will not be permitted.

Mobility products information

Passengers are requested to provide as much details as necessary to Qatar Airways’ ground staff about their wheelchairs, other mobility aids, and batteries. This will help the airline take the necessary safety precautions in handling, storing and transporting the mobility products safely.

Terms and conditions on mobility products

Each passengers are allowed two mobility equipment free of charge provided they meet the following requirements:

• Each mobility product must not exceed 32 kg each. An exemption to this is an electric wheelchair or any other mobility product that can be used in freewheel mode for upright travel.
• If the mobility product is more than 32 kg and can’t be transported in an upright position, it must be transported as freight. Regular freight rates apply. 
• The mobility product must be for the passenger’s personal use only and fit the specified specifications: 415 mm x 270 mm (width) x 890 mm (length).
• If there are three or more mobility products to be checked in, the additional will be charged extra if the applicable baggage allowance exceeded. 

What are considered as mobility aids and assistive devices?

Two of the following mobility aids and assistive devices are free of charge when checked in for a Qatar Airways flight.

Mobility aids

• Manual, electric, sports wheelchairs
• Mobility scooters
• Segways (if used as a mobility scooter to help passengers with mobility limitations)

Assistive devices

• Walking frames
• Hoists
• Commodes
• Shower chairs

Priority boarding

Passengers with mobility limitations and are in need of wheelchair assistance are among the first to board the aircraft. This is to provide them ample time to settle into their seats before other passengers board the plane.

On board the flight

There are several on-board facilities for passengers with mobility limitations such as:

• Movable armrests to make it easier for disabled passengers to transfer from a cabin wheelchair to their designated seat. Qatar Airways normally assign a seat to disabled passengers to accommodate their requirement (e.g. near a lavatory, or with extra leg room). For safety purposes, no disabled individual will be assigned a seat at the emergency exit row.
• Toilets onboard the airline’s fleet are accessible and installed with handrails.
• On board wheelchairs are available on Airbus A330/340/350/380 and Boeing 777/787.

Conclusion

Qatar Airways aims to provide passengers with mobility challenges an inclusive and accessible travel experience by making sure their requirements and needs are met. If you will be travelling via Qatar Airways soon, visit their Disability and medical assistance webpage for more info.