Turkish Airlines Special Assistance

Turkish Airlines understands the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for all passengers. Whether you’re an elderly traveler, a person with disabilities, or a parent with young children, the Turkish Airlines Special Assistance team offers a range of services to ensure a comfortable and smooth journey for everyone.

Wheelchair Assistance Services are Offered by Turkish Airlines?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Turkish Airlines wheelchair assistance service – 

• Book in advance – To ensure a seamless transportation process, it’s recommended to inform us of your wheelchair assistance needs at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

• Request at the airport – The availability of wheelchairs at the airport is subject to availability. Upon arriving at the Turkish Airlines check-in counter at the airport, you can still request wheelchair assistance.

• Priority boarding – Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance are offered priority boarding, allowing you to settle into your seat comfortably. Rest assured, your wheelchair will be stored in the designated storage space.

Required paperwork – Make sure you have the following documents ready – 

• Medical certificate
• Mobility assistance request form
• Booking Confirmation 
• Valid Government-issued ID.
• Other Relevant Medical Records (if requested)

How to request wheelchair assistance during the booking or check-in process?

Here’s how you can request wheelchair assistance at each step – 

While booking a flight – 

• Start by visiting the official Turkish Airlines website
• Enter your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers.
• During the booking process, you will likely encounter a section where you can provide additional information or special requests.
• Look for an option related to Turkish Airlines mobility assistance.
• Within this section, you can indicate that you require wheelchair assistance.
• Be specific about your needs, such as whether you need assistance to and from the aircraft, or if you’ll be bringing your own wheelchair.
• Finish the booking process by providing your personal details and payment information.

During check-In 

• Head to the Turkish Airlines airport assistance counter.
•  Let the airline staff know that you require wheelchair assistance. 
• They will guide you through the process and ensure that the necessary arrangements are made.
• Be ready to provide details about your needs, such as whether you’ll be using your own wheelchair or if you need assistance to and from the aircraft.

Over the phone

•  Passengers can request a wheelchair by calling the Turkish Airlines special assistance phone number at +1- 80005 01565. 

What Kind of Disability Assistance Does Turkish Airlines Provide?

Following are the types of Turkish Airlines disability assistance services that airline offer – 

• Wheelchair Assistance – Turkish Airlines offers wheelchair assistance for passengers who have difficulty walking long distances or navigating the airport. This service includes assistance from check-in to boarding, and from disembarkation to baggage claim. 

• Priority Boarding – Passengers with disabilities often receive priority boarding, allowing them to board the aircraft early and settle comfortably.

• Cabin Assistance – Turkish Airlines crew members are trained to assist passengers with disabilities during the flight. They can provide assistance with moving to and from the seat, as well as accompany passengers using the restroom.

• Seat preference – The airline offers window seats to passengers with special needs. Aisle seats can be requested and are subject to availability. An arrangement would be made for the passengers with seats close to lavatories. 

• Assistance animals – Turkish Airlines usually allows service dogs to travel in the cabin with passengers who require their assistance. However, there are specific requirements and documentation needed for this service, as mentioned in depth below.

• In-Flight entertainment accessibility – Turkish Airlines aims to make in-flight entertainment accessible to passengers with hearing or visual impairments. They may offer closed captioning, subtitles, or audio descriptions for certain entertainment options.

• Medical equipment – Passengers who require medical equipment, such as portable oxygen concentrators, may be able to bring it on board, subject to the airline’s policies and regulations.

• Special meals – Turkish Airlines often offers special meal options to accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions or medical needs.

• Assistance at the airport – Turkish Airlines typically provides assistance navigating through the airport, including security checks and immigration processes.

• Accessible facilities – Many airports have accessible facilities such as elevators, ramps, and designated seating areas for passengers with disabilities.

Does Turkish offer a special discount to disabled passengers?

Yes! Here’s how you can benefit from the airline’s exclusive discount under Turkish airlines disability assistance policy – 

• Disabled passengers who are citizens of the Republic of Türkiye and Miles&Smiles members can now avail 

• 20% discount on domestic flight tickets 
• 25% discount on international flight tickets

Note – This offer is applicable for flights to and from Türkiye.

How to get the Turkish airlines disability assistance discount – Follow these steps – 

• Become a Miles & Smiles member using your TC ID number and log in to your membership
• While searching for flights, check the “Disabled Passenger” field in the passenger type section.
• When browsing flight options, you’ll see the discounted prices listed. 
• Choose your preferred option and book your ticket at the advantageously reduced rate.

Required documentation – You need to present the required documentation at the Turkish Airlines sales office – 

• Disability Identity Card from the General Directorate of Disabled and Elderly Services.
• Health Board Report with 40% or more disability from state hospitals.
• Identity Card with the label “Disabled”.
• Disability Certificate issued by relevant official authorities.

Terms and conditions – Here are the terms and conditions that apply to disabled passenger discounts – 

• The discount is not applicable for international transit flights.
• The discount is valid exclusively in the Economy Class cabin
• The discount is applied solely to the base rate. This means that taxes, duties, and special fees are excluded from the discount calculation.
• Both the disabled passenger and their accompanying passenger must have Miles & Smiles (M&S) accounts.
• If you need to make Turkish Airlines flight changes to tickets purchased with the disabled passenger discount, these changes will be subject to the relevant fare class rules.
• The discount is applicable only to Turkish Airlines and AnadoluJet flights. 
• Codeshare and SPA flights are not covered.

Under what circumstances can passengers fly alone or need a companion?

Here’s a breakdown of when a travel companion is recommended by Turkish Airlines  – 

• Sick passengers – If you’re ill but can tend to your personal needs, you can travel all by yourself. Just make sure to provide a medical report taken within 10 days before the scheduled departure.

• Passengers with disabilities –  If you have a disability but can manage your personal needs independently, you’re free to travel without a companion or Turkish Airlines disability assistance. No medical report is needed in this case.

• Mentally handicapped passengers – For passengers with mental disabilities, traveling with a companion is a must. No medical report is required.

• Visually impaired and hearing impaired passengers – If you’re either visually impaired or hearing impaired, you’re not required to have a companion. No documents are required. You need to book special assistance with Turkish Airlines up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

• Passenger with one broken leg – Even if you have a broken leg, you can travel without a companion.  No medical report is needed. You need to book Turkish Airlines wheelchair assistance at the time of booking or during check-in.

• Unaccompanied minors – Passengers between 7 and 13 years of age can travel alone, and are subject to Turkish Airlines unaccompanied minor fee. Documents are required for travel. Parents/guardians must accompany unaccompanied minors during airport check-in.

How Do Turkish Airlines assist elderly passengers?

Turkish Airlines assistance for the elderly includes a range of services that offer comfortable and hassle-free travel. It includes-

• Wheelchair assistance – Must be requested up to 48 hours before a flight.

• Priority services – Elderly passengers are offered priority boarding, allowing you to board the aircraft at your own pace and get settled comfortably before other passengers.

• Cabin crew assistance – Whether you need help storing your carry-on luggage or getting up to stretch your legs, the Turkish Airlines cabin crew team is trained to assist elderly passengers.

• Special meals –  Turkish Airlines offers a range of special meal options that cater to dietary preferences.

•  Medical needs – Elderly passengers with specific medical needs or medical conditions need to call Turkish Airlines 48 hours in advance. 

How Do Turkish Airlines allow service animals?

As per Turkish Airlines pet policy, the airline offers a seamless travel experience for those traveling with service dogs.

For Istanbul-USA and USA-Istanbul flights, the airline follows U.S. DoT regulations regarding service dogs. Here’s what you need to know:

• Passengers traveling with a service dog must provide related documents and obtain a booking confirmation at least 48 hours before departure.
• Must complete the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation and Service Animal Relief Attestation forms at least 48 hours before the flight.
• SVAN dogs must be trained and certified

Different categories of service dogs allowed – Passengers must be accompanied by the services falls under the following categories – –

To ensure a smooth journey – 

• SVAN dogs must wear a vest
• Must be seated in front of the passenger’s feet.
• Not be seated in the passenger’s seat.
• If the SVAN is on the list of animals not allowed at the destination, it won’t be accepted on the flight.
• Passengers may need to change seats due to safety reasons.

Required paperwork – the following documentation is essential – 

• Dog’s training certificate
• Vaccination card
• Pet passport, 
• Other destination country-required documents

With a range of Turkish Airlines special assistance services tailored to diverse needs, the airline goes the extra mile to provide a seamless travel experience.

From booking to arrival, passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, or unique requirements can expect dedicated support from the airlines, ensuring a seamless experience at every step of their journey.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs