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Handicap Services in Airports

Airports in all countries should have provisions for disabled persons to ensure convenient and accessible facilities are available to everyone. Along with equipment and facilities, assistance from airport personnel should also be prioritized. Locate all important facilities for the disabled when you enter an airport. If necessary, ask for assistance when entering and leaving the airport. Aside from making a disabled passenger more comfortable, assistance also ensures that other passengers are not inconvenienced

  1. Wheelchair Services

    • Wheelchair services are available at key locations in most airports. Although wheelchairs are readily available for passengers, it is advisable to mention the need for wheelchair assistance upon reserving a flight. This ensures that airport personnel can attend to the disabled passenger as soon as possible. Some airports also provide electric cart services for semi-ambulatory passengers who have difficulty walking long distances. These may be used inside the airport or even as the passenger boards the plane. For non-ambulatory passengers, there are also provisions for alternative boarding methods when stairways are used to board the plane.

    Communication Services

    • Deaf passengers may inquire about telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD). This is usually found near the information desk. Ask about the availability of TDD phones upon reservation to ensure that you can use one in case of an emergency.

      Some airports are also equipped with Braille signage and information pieces to assist blind passengers throughout their trip. Guides, buttons and tickets are equipped properly to make traveling easier. However, there are still airports that are not fully equipped with Braille. For example, out of three elevators, only two may only be equipped with Braille. It is important to ask for assistance from airport personnel in case airport facilities are not fully equipped for the blind.

    Restrooms

    • Restrooms for the handicapped are usually spacious unisex toilets which are equipped with railings to enable passengers to use the facility by themselves. However, it is still important to make sure that before entering the restroom, airport personnel is on standby to help in case of emergency.

    On the Plane

    • Handicap services in airports usually extend to the plane. For boarding passengers, expect assistance throughout the duration of your flight. Some airlines even provide transportation and transfers from the airport to the hotel, ensuring quality travel for everyone.

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