Explore American Airlines Special Assistance Options
Have you ever wanted to travel somewhere but were anxious about finding your way through the terminals or boarding? All of us understand this feeling. It may be due to physical impairment, a brief ailment, or simple kind-heartedness. So don’t let that stop you from traveling the globe! American Airlines Special Assistance options aim to ensure your journey goes well and with little or no stress involved.
Therefore, prepare yourself because we are about to provide comprehensive details on traveling using Americal Airlines when you require an additional level of care! Are you ready to explore?
American Airlines Special Assistance Options:
American Airlines Wheelchair Assistance
- On-board disabled people, a safe journey starts from the beginning. American Airlines suggests making prior trip plans by letting them know at least 48 hours before departure.
- American Airlines wheelchair assistance can be obtained online during booking or through their customer service hotline.
- If American Airlines informs the team beforehand, then a team can be certainly reserved to help you all along your journey. This also includes guidance with boarding the plane, finding the cabin, your seat, and getting off the plane, as well as the delivery of your luggage at baggage claim.
For any international travel you undertake, it’s advisable to give us as much notice as possible regarding any special assistance you may require.
- Aire Buses has set aside an area for the storage of one foldable wheelchair.
- You can also store mobility devices under your seat or up top.
- It is possible to check in an attended wheelchair, uncollapsible wheelchair, a battery-powered or electric scooter, or a different kind of power-assisted bicycle to the ticket counter or departure gate.
The heights of the doors in the area created for the storage of wheelchairs are 25 inches, while their widths are 40 inches (63cm x 101cm). Some other doors are smaller at 25 inches by 38 inches. In case the wheelchair you use exceeds those measurements, please get in touch with the Reservations section.
Procedures for removal and packaging of hazardous materials apply to:
- Batteries that do not have a “non-spillable” label.
- Wheelchairs that must be stored, loaded, locked, and unloaded while upright.
- Lithium-ion batteries
American Airlines Mobility Assistance
- American Airlines mobility assistance involves more than just wheelchairs as it serves a range of objectives. To provide this service, the list of travelers is therefore comprised of potential users who require some help moving from one point to another within the airport and the flight.
- If you want to travel with any medical device, a wheelchair, or other mobile aid, there is good news for you. There is American Airlines special assistance for pre-boarding, deplaning, and airport.
- If you are traveling with a battery-powered disability scooter, please contact American Airlines Mobility Assistance to determine if the battery you are using is acceptable and if it is acceptable to carry it for other special needs.
- In case you are changing airlines or you have a codeshare trip, remember to get in touch with the other airline you’re switching to or with the company that will operate this flight. Be informed concerning rules governing transportability and medical devices during travel.
Carry-on devices
Mobility and medical devices should be considered and are not included in the weight of carry-on baggage. When the space is narrow, the device can be checked if not fit inside the cabin or is not used during the flight. The devices comprise of:
- Canes, walking aids, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and other devices that can be collapsed to fit in overhead and under-seat storage are now available.
- Comfort items include things like arm and footrests, seat cushions, and the like.
American Airlines Special Assistance For Children And Infants
American Airlines is devoted to looking after individuals on life’s voyage and desires that both you and your children are provided with a secure, as well as a gratifying travel environment. Arrive early to allow sufficient time for the check-in and do not forget the travel documents required. A birth certificate showing the date of birth has to be presented as evidence if one of your children is under 18 years old.
- Parents can request early boarding at the gate if their children are younger than two.
- Per child, just one carry-on diaper bag is permitted.
If you are a nursing mother, take advantage of the American Airlines special assistance. Under this, you are allowed to bring a breast pump and a small soft-sided cooler with milk to your carry-on or personal item not be checked and are permitted even if traveling without your child. There are also facilities including breastfeeding ‘rooms’ at various airports throughout the country.
Are you a family that likes to travel with babies between the ages of 15 and below? If so, American Airlines will play a part in making sure your kids are seated together on the trip. Here are some tips for when you book:
- Confirm that all guests are included in the same reservation.
- The optimal time to book is in advance. (Seats are running low as the departure date approaches.)
- You can select seats for the whole family or deselect seats for that particular flight using the seat map.
- Choosing a few scattered seats throughout the cabin is worse than skipping seats altogether. On the day of the flight particularly hard to find seats together, American Airlines gate agents will do a good job of reshuffling the seating arrangements.
Skipping Seats
Whether you can’t pick seats, dislike the seat fee, or pick a basic economy fare, the airline system will recognize it as family travel. They would look for seats together until the day of flight. They will attempt to seat you together, but if seats are scarce, airlines will provide seats to ensure that at least 1 adult accompanies children under 15.
Adults And Children Booked Under Different Reservations
If you and your children are traveling together with dissimilar reservations, it would be a great idea to get in touch with the reservations desk with immediate effect, to mark down respective bookings.
For Children Aged 2 And Up, The Expansion
Children who are aged 2 years and above must have their separate seats at the full adult rate. Children below five years old mustn’t travel alone.
If you don’t make a selection for seats within Main Cabin or Basic Economy when booking tickets a few days before the flight, American Airlines will automatically assign children under 15 next to an adult they are traveling with.
Children Younger Than Two Years Old
Though American Airlines does welcome 2-day-old newborns, a written clearance from a physician is required for seven-day-old infants who wish to travel. Note that:
- Only one baby can be placed on the lap of each ticketed guardian and also has to be included in the booking.
- Children under 2 years old must be issued with tickets and occupy infant safety seats or an extra seat that is separate from an aircraft.
- Your baby should be below two years old at any point in time during this journey because in case he/she hits two on the way, they will have to pay for the whole trip.
Reserved Seat
Your baby needs a ticket if they will be traveling in one of the airplane’s seats. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved safe seats that can be strapped in or the ability for a child off your shoulder to enjoy his own space till just before landing are among alternative options available for travelers having infants. The seat belt has to be securely attached to this child during the start and stop of the airplane on the strip, and also whenever airplane signs show ‘buckle up’.
Baby Changing Tables And Bassinets
- You will find baby-changing facilities in the restrooms of all large aircraft.
- Bassinets are available at the gate on a first-come, first-served basis for travel specifically on 777-200, 777-300, and 787 aircraft.
- First/Business cabins do not have bassinets.
American Airlines Special Assistance For Pregnant Travelers
If you fly within 4 weeks of your due date, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you have recently been examined and you are fit to fly.
For Domestic Travel Expand
For domestic flights within 5 hours, you won’t be permitted to travel within 7 days (before and after) your delivery date. If you need to travel within this time frame:
- You need approval from your doctor and special assistance coordinator.
- Before you are eligible to take a flight, your physician should fill in a medical form for passengers from the airline’s offices and a flight coordinator will send the medical form to your doctor.
For International Or Travel Over Water
For international or travels by water, you have to obtain an allowance from a coordinator airlines provide special help:
- Please provide a physician’s note confirming that within the 48 hours before departure you were examined and approved for travel if you will be in your final 4 weeks of pregnancy.
- (Your traveler committee form should be filled in by your doctor should) the passenger travel 7 days before your delivery.
American Airlines Special Assistance For Unaccompanied Minors
American Airlines is safety conscious and is out for a positive trip for your child. That is why the airlines have appropriate measures in place so that any child traveling alone between ages 5 and 14 may want to use the service designed for unaccompanied minors.
On the other hand, those children who are between ages 15 and 17 can still use the service but only if he or she wants to do so and not forget that using the service attracts some charges to such customers.
The fee for minors traveling without supervision is one hundred and fifty dollars each way plus any taxes that may be payable in addition to the ticket price including other siblings flying with you.
Unaccompanied Minor Service
American Airlines special assistance, including:
- Instructions for passengers boarding flight number 123 from Bay City soon after the announcement.
- Children’s exclusive areas at the primary airport terminals for flight transfers.
- Having an escort accompany your child to the gate might greatly ease their travel connections.
- At the time of landing, take the children to their designated pick-up person who is an authorized adult.
Please note that the flight attendants will generally not be able to pay your child’s undivided attention during all flight time. Kindly remind your child to press the call button, if they should require anything.
Restrictions on minors traveling alone based on age and flight:
Children cannot go on outings without an adult when the trips involve:
- Flights on another airline comprise codeshare and Oneworld partners.
- Transfers originating at a local airport and terminating at the same airport where the passenger continues to another destination.
- The ultimate, possible exception (if this does not happen) is the last scheduled flight of the day from a link city.
- Flights that connect overnight.
Documents Needed For Check-In
Your child’s flight is supposed to leave at least two hours before the scheduled departure time and then consult at the ticket counter desk. No online or kiosk check-in for an unaccompanied minor.
Before departure, you must complete a form for traveling alone, for an unattended minor, and all immigration documents. It is to be kept in possession of your child throughout his/her journey. Moreover, at the point of check-in, parents or guardians shall be required to:
- A birth certificate or passport to prove how old the child is.
- Current address photo ID from the public authority for grown-ups.
- Please provide your phone number so that we may get in touch with you.
- The adult who will receive your child at his/her destination identity information such as the name, address, and phone number.
Upon completion of checking in your child a security pass to allow you access to the gate will be issued to you by the airline desk agent in an airport.
American Airlines Special Assistance For Pet Travelers
Animals of different breeds and sizes can travel in the cabin or American Airlines Cargo. Cats and dogs within the maximum weight, height, and age limits qualify for in-cabin travel as carry-on pets.
Only checked animals are allowed in the ticket lobby under American Airlines Special Assistance, who are members of the active United States Armed Forces or the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service and are on official duty. There are fees and limitations.
No charge for fully-trained service dogs if they meet the requirements to fly in the cabin.
Destinations Where Pets Are Allowed
On most flights up to 12 hours, or to/from certain locations, you can travel with a pet:
- Within the 48 states that make up the US
- The U.S. and Canada*
- Alaska
- Mexico*
- Puerto Rico
- St. Croix
- St. Thomas
Exploring The United States With Pets
The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has temporarily banned dogs (whether carrying them or checking them in) and fully trained service dogs from being taken to the United States (U.S.) from places perceived as being of high risk for rabies in dogs.
Only dogs from high-risk countries may board an airplane with an authorized CDC Dog Import Permit issued or that complies with the CDC U.S. vaccination and microchip regulations. It is highly recommended to contact specialized assistance for traveling with a cat or dog from a high-risk country.
All dogs from countries with “screwworms” need to respect the US and USDA APHIS VS demand and fulfill certain requirements. Such requirements include a full training course for the service animal.
Destination Restrictions
Australia
The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources cannot receive requests for importing any service or assistive animals except dogs.
An Aussie State or Territory Government may also approve help or service dogs. Most times, these animals are headed back to Australia.
You’ll be responsible for fulfilling all entry requirements and must notify the department of the dog’s intended arrival at least 3 working days before export.
Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has put a stop to the importing of commercial dogs from countries with a high likelihood of dog rabies. The identified high-risk countries will not be allowing commercial dogs into Canada.
Caribbean
Going to Jamaica with a carry-on pet is not an option.
Added limitations: You cannot come on a flight before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m. with a pet to Trinidad and Tobago (POS).
U.S. Continental
Inside the U.S. : Pets traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico must be at least 8 weeks old.
To the U.S. : All dogs traveling to the U.S., both carry-on and checked must satisfy government vaccination regulations.
Hawaii
Traveling to/from Hawaii with a carry-on pet is not possible.
Checked pets : You may bring your pet with you as a checked pet when flying to Hawaii, but:
- Avoid all routes other than Honolulu (HNL)
- Prioritize adhering to the quarantine protocols outlined by Hawaii
Hawaiian Animal Quarantine Regulations
Departing from Honolulu, no pets are accepted before 8 a.m. HT from March 5 to November 1.
Additional Limitaions
Traveling to Hawaii with a pet is not an option.
- During flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii, or Kauai that are nonstop, we have never had layovers.
- If your pet is pregnant and beyond 45 days of gestation.
Mexico
All domestic animal boarding vessels intended for Mexico must comply with government laws about vaccination against pet diseases.
South America
Traveling to or from the following locations is not allowed with a carry-on pet:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Uruguay
Atlantic Crossing
Carry-on pets
Transatlantic flights do not permit the carriage of pets in carry-on bags.
Checked pets : If you travel to the European Union (EU) with a checked pet you are wholly responsible for meeting all entry requirements. A tattoo or implant chip corresponding to the vaccination card’s number must be put on any pet.
Additional limitaions:
Except for service animals, a checked pet cannot be taken to the U.K. and Ireland. American Airlines Cargo handles the transportation of dogs and cats to London (LHR) and Manchester (MAN) that are not service animals.
Pacific across: Transpacific flights are forbidden with small animals.
Exclusions In Japan
Checked pets : Pets cannot travel as checked bags to Japan but are allowed transport in Japan – Los Angeles (LAX) and Dallas. Since they should drink water every 12 hours, it is necessary to find a way of providing water on board the airplane for pets departing from Japan while destined for LAX or DFW (Perimeter Institute).
In case you are accompanying a checked animal on a trip from Japan, these are some of the things that you will need to do:
- Ensure that your animal is installed with a microchip and also has documents that are necessary for the country you intend to go to.
- At least 7 days before you leave, inform the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service so you can organize an inspection.
Carry-on pets : The conditions under which one can bring one pet carrier as a carry-on on American flights include:
- Your responsibility is to pay additional charges when it comes to animals transported within the aircraft.
- During the whole flight, your pet will be in the animal carrier underneath your seat.
Only one more item can be brought on board along with your pet:
- An item that belongs to you as his or her private belongings, like a purse, small bag, wallet, or handbag.
- A carry-on bag that is compatible and fits in the overhead bin
Carry-on bags
- One should remember, that you can only carry either with the pet carrier, but not both.
- All baggage that needs to be checked must have the fees paid and pet strollers are no exception.
American Airlines Passenger Assistance
American Airlines realizes that each traveler is one of a kind. This is the reason they provide many services that are aimed at helping all passengers get through their journey without any difficulties such as fitting into tight spaces carrying heavy luggage or being scared by noises around you. If you need help relating to moving from place A to another place B well just ask our experts!
- Special Assistance for Elderly Passengers: American Airlines assists passengers to board and exit from the airplane, by doing that they ensure that your journey begins and ends smoothly.
- Airport Navigation Made Easy: Have trouble locating your gate or bathroom? Just the airport terminal, Americans are here to help.
- Luggage Assistance: American Airlines can help you claim your checked luggage after you land.
- Courtesy Wheelchairs Available: American provides free wheelchairs to elderly passengers needing help with mobility within the airport.
- Pre-Boarding for a Relaxing Start: Taking any of the above steps would mean making the necessary reviews on such elderly people to evade complications, during boarding a flight.
Conclusion
American Airlines knows all passengers deserve a convenient and satisfactory journey. This is why the airlines have several American Airlines special assistance options that can serve different passengers’ needs. Our specialized team at the airport ensures your trip is not stressful at all by providing help with immobility, problems in hearing and seeing, or anything else you find difficult.
Feeling confident enough to explore the world? What do you exactly need from American Airlines to consider them beforehand, contact them. Our customer care team has vast experience and can even tutor you throughout. Alternatively, you can check more details about airlines’ various services through our extensive special assistance section.
Your travel fantasy can become real! American Airlines is with you; It makes sure you are relaxed, refreshed, and ready to explore as you get to where you want to go, together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you proceed to book, ensure you get in touch with American Airlines at the earliest to communicate your specific concerns and ask for support that matches them. To make this communication more effective, consider keeping tabs with them on their special assistance page whenever it is required such as during booking.
American Airlines special assistance is free of charge, such as aid in the process of boarding and navigating through the airport. However, there could be charges incurred when it comes to wheelchair reservations before a flight or getting medical help in the course of travel. Just make sure to enquire from American Airlines.
Major airlines like American Airlines generally don’t charge for standard wheelchair assistance. This covers getting on and off the plane, navigating the airport, and retrieving luggage. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the airline directly to confirm. They can tell you if any fees apply for specific needs, such as pre-booked wheelchairs for storage in the cargo hold or requiring medical equipment like on-board oxygen during your flight.
Do not allow pets to be added on its website or App, forbidding the adding. American Airlines won’t allow you to carry your pet unless you get in touch with the carrier directly.
For the services of American Airlines, people usually are not required to have any kind of documents. However, where medical tools or a pet animal for assistance are concerned, some proof may be required by them.
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