Aer Lingus Special Assistance

Aer Lingus strives to create an inclusive environment for passengers with diverse needs. The airline offers an array of services such as disability assistance, and seating preferences for medical considerations passengers. Aer Lingus special assistance empowers you to embark on your travel experience smoothly and hassle-free.

What does Aer Lingus disability Assistance covers?

The Aer Lingus disability assistance is tailored to your specific needs. Whether you have a disability or a condition that requires additional support, the range of services include – 

• Assistance to help you navigate the airport effortlessly.
• Assist in completing the Aer Lingus check-in and boarding process
• Aer Lingus disability assistance team will help you board the aircraft and get comfortably seated.
• Ensure your safe disembarkation from the aircraft.
• Assist you in collecting your baggage and mobility devices upon arrival.

Personal care during flight – there are certain personal care aspects that passengers need to manage during the flight –

• Attend to your personal care needs, including eating, taking medication, and any necessary tasks.
• Assistance reaching an emergency exit and communicating with the crew on safety matters.

How to request Aer Lingus Disability Assistance?

Passengers are advised to request Aer Lingus special assistance at least 48 hours before departure. You can request assistance for disabilities either through Aer Lingus official website or by directly approaching the special assistance team.

Does Aer Lingus offer seating preferences for disabled passengers?

Passengers with disabilities can reserve their preferred seat during booking or later using Aer Lingus Manage Booking feature.

Aircraft seat accessibility details – Refer to the following details under the accessible seating on Aer Lingus carrier – 

Emergency exit seating – the airline does not allow passengers with disabilities or special seats to choose emergency exit seats. However, they can select bulkhead row seats.

Under what conditions passengers can travel with Carer?

For specific activities that require Aer Lingus assistance, traveling with a carer is recommended –

• If you need help moving in or out of your seat.
• Help with communicating safety matters to the crew.
• Assistance with fastening and unfastening your seat belt.
• Support in retrieving and fitting life jackets or oxygen masks.
• The carer would be seated next to the passenger.

Request period – If deemed necessary for a passenger to travel with a carer, you can request this information in writing, and we’ll respond within 5 working days.

What are the Aer Lingus wheelchair assistance requirements?

Aer Lingus wheelchair assistance team offers the service, provided you must meet the following requirement –

Battery-operated mobility devices on Aer Lingus

For travelers with battery-operated wheelchairs or other mobility devices, here’s how to get Aer Lingus assistance –

• Your device will be checked in and carried in the aircraft hold.
• To ensure secure storage, the Aer Lingus wheelchair assistance team requires device information, including type, weight, dimensions, and suitability for high-altitude transport.
• Wet Cell batteries can be accepted if securely attached to the chair, stored upright, or integrated into the device with the power disconnected.

What types of restraint devices are available for children on board?

Aer Lingus assistance team offers a range of restraint options tailored to different age groups:

• Passenger seat belt – Children can use the standard passenger seatbelt.
• Infant loop belt – Suitable for infants under 6 months.
• Car type safety belt.
• AMSAFE CARES harness.

Here is the overview of the type of restraint devices available with the age groups – 

Specific guidelines for AMSAFE CARES harness – The following conditions may apply – 

• Use is restricted to Aer Lingus Regional flights for children aged 2 years and above.
• Children must be seated by the window and not in restricted or bulkhead rows.
• Each child should have an assigned seat.
• The child’s weight should not exceed 40 lbs (18kg), and height should not exceed 40 inches (100cm), approximately 4 years of age.

Aircraft Seating Considerations – Loop belts and car seats can be used in row 1 of the business cabin on A330 aircraft only. Car seats cannot be used on single Business Class seats, such as throne seats, due to safety reasons.

Restrictions on Aer Lingus regional flights – For flights operated by Aer Lingus Regional – 

• Crelling harnesses are allowed and require a special assistance request in advance.
• AMSAFE CARES harnesses are permitted with the same guidelines as mentioned earlier.

What does Aer Lingus offer to Visually Impaired passengers?

If you’re blind or visually impaired and require Aer Lingus assistance at the airport –

• Aer Lingus Special assistance request – Kindly submit your special assistance request at least 48 hours before your travel. This allows the airline to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place to accommodate your needs. Fill out this Aer Lingus special assistance form.

• Terminal escort – The dedicated Aer Lingus airport assistance team will be delighted to guide you through the airport terminal. They will assist you in navigating the airport and provide support to board or disembark your flight.

• Pre-boarding – If you wish to pre-board the aircraft, simply reach out to the Aer Lingus passenger assistance team at the boarding gate.

What does Aer Lingus offer to Hearing Impaired passengers?

If you’re hearing impaired and require Aer Lingus assistance at the airport –

• Special assistance request – Aer Lingus special assistance request must be made 48 hours before scheduled departure. 

• Real-time information – Monitors at the airport will display current information about your check-in area, boarding gate, and boarding time.

• Induction loops – Switch your hearing aid to ‘T’ mode in areas where induction loops are available. This enhances the audibility of airport announcements by minimizing background noise.

• Individual safety briefing – Aer Lingus assistance crew will provide you with a personal safety briefing to ensure you’re well-informed and comfortable.

• Seating – For safety, seating at the emergency exit row is not allowed. 

What does Aer Lingus offer to flyers with medical conditions?

Aer Lingus special assistance requests are to be made at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before your flight.

Carrying medical devices – Here’s what you need to know – 

• Approved medical devices that don’t need pre-clearance or a medical form can be carried and used onboard.
• Some devices can be carried on board but not used in any cabin, while others must be placed in your checked baggage.
• Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) are allowed on board if they comply with FAA safety regulations.
• If you intend to bring or use a non-FAA approved POC, please submit a Special Assistance Request form at least 10 days before your travel.
• Approved POCs or medical devices can be used in the economy cabin, but not allowed in the business class cabin for safety reasons.

Can you bring on Assistive devices on Aer Lingus Flights?

There are many assistive and medical devices that Aer Lingus allows passengers to carry with them. Below is the table that shows what assistive and medical devices you are allowed to bring with you as carry-on or checked baggage –

Restrictions for carry-on batteries

There are certain restrictions apply for batteries for assistive/medical devices –

• Devices requiring wet cell batteries will not be accepted.
• Spare lithium batteries must be adequately protected.
• Spare batteries are only allowed as carry-on items and are prohibited in checked bags.
• If carrying a defibrillator in checked baggage, please inform Aer Lingus, special assistance team. 

Does Aer Lingus provide charging on flights?

Aer Lingus does not offer onboard power sources for assistive devices. You are responsible for ensuring that your devices have sufficient battery life to support your entire trip. The battery must meet the following FAA guidelines – 

• The FAA recommends that your device’s battery should be charged to provide power for at least 150% of the planned flight time.
• Calculate the number of batteries based on the manufacturer’s estimated hours of battery life.
• Consider the expected maximum flight duration from the departure gate to the arrival gate when determining battery needs.

Can you carry medication on flights?

Aer Lingus assistance team allows use of the following prescribed medication onboard –

What Assistance does Aer Lingus offer to pregnant passengers?

Aer Lingus passenger assistance offers the top priority service when traveling during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know:

Flights within Europe –

Transatlantic flights – 

When do you need medical clearance for Aer Lingus?

There are certain conditions under which you require medical clearance for Aer Lingus flights. If you have any of the following medical conditions, you must submit the medical statement from your doctor before you fly –

• Recent illness, hospitalization, injury, or surgery
• Existing unstable medical condition
• Need for additional oxygen or use of medical equipment on board
• Traveling for medical reasons or treatment

How to obtain Medical Clearance?

 Follow these steps to ensure a smooth travel experience –

• Download our Medical Clearance Form and complete the necessary information.
• Request your doctor to fill out the “Physician’s Statement” section.
• Upload your completed documents.
• Await travel approval from the Aer Lingus assistance team 

Please Note: Don’t forget to have the approved form with you and present it at the boarding gate.

Does Aer Lingus Assistance Service offer allow service dogs?

Trained service dogs are welcome on Aer Lingus flight, provided you must meet the following requirements –

• Trained service dogs must be individually trained to perform specific tasks related to disability, as per Aer Lingus pet policy.
• The airlines accept dogs as service animals in the cabin.
• Please note that pets, emotional support animals, or animals in training are not allowed on Aer Lingus flights.
• All trained service dogs must be harnessed, or leashed during the flight.
• Service dogs should not occupy emergency exit seats.

Specific guidelines for European flights – Trained service dogs must possess an Assistance Dog Identification Card from a qualifying organization affiliated with the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) or Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

Guidelines for flights to/from North America – Passengers with disability traveling with service dog need the following paperwork – 

• US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
• For travel to/from Canada or Barbados, submit the Service Animal Air Transportation Form attesting to the animal’s health, training, and behavior.

By prioritizing the needs of passengers, including those with disabilities or medical conditions, Aer Lingus special assistance team reaffirms its commitment to making every journey an enjoyable and accessible one.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs