American Airlines Wheelchair Information

How to Get a Wheelchair on American Airlines By Elizabeth DeHoff, eHow Contributor Advance planning is the key to smooth and successful air travel for American Airlines passengers who need a wheelchair for all or part of the journey. If you inform the airline of your needs from the beginning, you'll have a much better chance of a smooth travel experience. .Difficulty: Moderately Easy Instructions.1 Book your ticket on American Airlines' website (www.aa.com), through American's toll-free number (1-800-433-7300), via a third-party website such as Travelocity.com or with a travel agent. 2 If you book your ticket on American Airlines you may select a wheelchair assistance option during the booking process. Choose the option that applies to your situation: "Passenger can walk but requires wheelchair for distance to/from gate"; "Passenger can walk but needs assistance up/down stairs"; or "Passenger cannot walk and needs assistance to seat on plane." When you select one of these options, American Airlines will make a notation in your Passenger Name Record that should ensure that you receive the degree of assistance you require. If you book by phone, inform the reservation agent of your special-assistance needs. 3 Third-party websites such as Expedia.com and travel agents should pass along your wheelchair request to American Airlines, but you should call American Airlines to confirm that it has received your request. 4 Collapsible wheelchairs (manual and battery-operated) are routinely accommodated as carry-on baggage, space permitting. American Airlines recommends that you speak to the gate agent at least 30 minutes before boarding to arrange pre-boarding and storage of your wheelchair. Wheelchairs (including battery-operated, noncollapsible models) may also be checked at the curb for gate delivery. It is particularly important for passengers checking wheelchairs to check in at least one hour before departure to ensure that the wheelchairs will be transported in the cabin and not in the cargo hold. American Airlines does not charge checked-baggage fees for wheelchairs. 5 If you do not have a wheelchair or plan to check your wheelchair but will require wheelchair assistance at the airport, request a wheelchair from the skycap or check-in agent. If you will require an extra-wide wheelchair, it is especially important to call the airline in advance to make arrangements. 6 Don't take chances: Call the airline at 1-800-433-7300 at least 48 hours before your flight (the sooner the better) and ask to speak with a special assistance coordinator to confirm your wheelchair needs and any special requests such as bulkhead seating; this may reduce the chances of miscommunication, which is always a possibility when dealing with a major airline. If your flight is rescheduled or you are bumped for any reason, call the airline again and make certain your wheelchair request is keep in your reservation. .

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