Airport Parking Meet & Greet Service

Traveling abroad can be stressful at the best of times, but when it comes to traveling and being disabled you are automatically on another playing field. For people with disabilities, there are many obstacles that they may have to overcome, Getting from the car or coach to the airport, queuing to check in luggage, scanning passports, going through security, and then finding the terminal to queue once again before going to the boarding gate.

Abled-bodied people, especially if they are in a hurry will push and shove, especially if they are running late. It, therefore, makes sense to get assistance without standing out like a ‘Belisha Beacon’ to get from A to B. When arriving at the airport you should go to an assistance point. An assistant point can be inside or outside of the terminal. Assistance points will usually have some type of disability-related logo, and include a buzzer or telephone to enable you to call for assistance should they not be staffed at that time.

It is reported that for around 22% of the population, traveling can be a difficult, even frightening, experience.

Thankfully many airports in the UK and around the globe are waking up to the needs of these passengers. For physically disabled persons there has for some time now been help available in the form of transportation around the airport. This is now being extended to passengers with other challenges.

Airports are now adopting a meet-and-greet policy to help aid people with disabilities.

Airport develops hidden disabilities assistance card

The OCS Group provides special assistance at the Airport, and local Dementia, Autism, and Alzheimer charities in developing invisible disabilities assistance cards in addition to the lanyard scheme.

The card, which is the size of a business card, acts as a discreet sign to airport staff to identify passengers who may need additional support or assistance as they travel through the airport. The card can be handed discreetly to airport staff along with the passenger’s boarding pass or passport.

The special assistance card advises staff that a passenger may need more time to process information, help in avoiding crowded places, or extra assistance in reading departure boards or flight information, for example. The card also encourages airport staff to use clear language when giving instructions. Airport staff will also be aware that passengers carrying a card may need to remain with a family member or companion at all times.

Airport develops hidden disabilities assistance card – airport focus on international

In addition to the lanyard initiative, people with physical disabilities, as well as people with hidden disabilities will have a specialized team on hand to help passengers prepare for a journey and give additional guidance where need be.

Training and awareness program was adopted throughout all airports in the UK in 2017 where customers facing difficulties traveling can get assistance without the journey becoming stressful.

What is Airport Assistance Services

Airport assistance services can also be provided for abled-bodied travelers through this link: https://airportassistance.com/services/ This could be for businesses where CEOs prefer to have a concierge service and have peace of mind.

Departures

Flight monitoring
Coordinate with ground transportation
Personal curbside greet
Check-in assistance
Baggage and porter service
Security escort
Escort to departure lounge
Personal escort to the boarding gate

Connections

Flight monitoring
Personal arrival greet
Baggage and porter assistance
Check-in assistance to onward flight
Security escort
Escort to departure lounge
Personal escort to the boarding gate

Arrivals

Flight monitoring
Coordinate with ground transportation
Personal arrival greet
Baggage and porter assistance
Escort out to chauffeur

Disabled Travelers

For disabled customers arriving at the airport in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, there is usually a very efficient service in place. However, customers are advised to pre-book early, at least 48 hours before departure to avoid any unnecessary delays. The disabled traveler may use their own equipment prior to checking in, after which time they will be provided with a wheelchair or transportation to the aircraft, depending on their specific needs.

Airline Policy on Assistance Dogs

The Civil Aviation Authority states that all airlines must allow assistance dogs on board with their owners, free of charge. There are certain stipulations to be aware of:

Owners must inform the airline in advance of travel
If a dog is too big to go on the floor in front of the owner, then an extra ticket may need to be purchased
Owners must supply a harness, food, and a blanket for the dog to lie on
The airline may ask if the dog is suitably trained for air travel with a certificate from an authorized trainer as proof
Some airlines won’t carry certain breeds of dog at all (for example pit bull terriers, mastiffs, etc)

Assistance dogs need to comply with the UK Government Pet Travel Scheme. For more information, visit the gov.uk website.

Emotional Support Animals on Planes

Current legislation in the UK will only accept dogs as emotional support animals, although not all airlines recognize this. For example, Thomas Cook and British Airways won’t allow you to carry them on board with you. However, Virgin, Ryanair, and EasyJet will allow emotional support dogs on the plane, so it may be worth checking this prior to booking your flight. Of course, all dogs must comply with the UK Government Pet Travel Scheme.

Finally, new schemes are being rolled out by some airlines all the time to ensure that the impact of a flight for customers with ‘hidden disabilities’ is as stress-free as possible. Virgin Atlantic has a dedicated special assistance team in place to help with the needs of these customers, from the initial check-in right through the duration of the flight.