Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
With effect from 26th July 2008 all European airports will operate an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (in compliance with the European Parliament regulation EC1107/2006).
The articles of the Regulation apply to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility using commercial passenger air services at an airport situated in European Union territory.
Generally an airline passenger is considered to have reduced mobility when they need assistance to reach the exit door of the aircraft with enough speed to cope in an emergency evacuation. This also includes passengers who have serious difficulties in receiving or understanding emergency instructions.
This new regulation stipulates that it is the responsibility of the airport managing bodies to provide this assistance, whereas previously the individual airlines were expected to do this through their ground handling agents.
Booking your Ticket
When booking your ticket make sure you provide information about your special needs and specify your requirements as clearly as possible. Be realistic about this, especially if you cannot walk long distances without help, as assistance can only be guaranteed if requested in advance.
- It is recommended that you make your booking seven days in advance, but at least 48 hours prior to departure to ensure that the assistance you require will be available.
- Articles 3 and 4 of the Regulation states that the airlines, their agents or tour operators may exceptionally refuse, on the grounds of disability or reduced mobility, to accept a reservation from a person with reduced mobility. For this reason, they may require at the time of booking that a passenger with special needs be accompanied by another person who is capable of providing the assistance required.
- If the booking is not accepted or an accompanying person is required the passenger must be notified immediately or can request the reasons be sent in writing within five working days from the request.
- Also if the booking is not accepted for the reasons indicated, the airlines, their agents or tour operators have to make reasonable efforts to propose an acceptable alternative to the passenger.
- If, after having accepted the booking, boarding is denied, the airline, their agents or tour operators shall offer reimbursement of the ticket or alternative transport subject to all safety requirements, as provided for in Regulation (EC) 261/2004.
- The request for assistance and the notification of needs must be made through the following channels: your travel agent or airline when making the booking or acquiring the ticket. Once the booking has been made, it is important to check that your request for assistance is acknowledged in the booking. If you only communicate your needs through this channel, when arriving at the departure airport go to the nearest Meeting Point and notify them of your arrival.
Lisbon Airport Facilities for Special Needs
Lisbon Airport has ramps, lifts/elevators and toilet facilities adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. With previous notification, the airlines can arrange for special assistance for such travellers.
Booking your Ticket
When booking your ticket or holiday you must make sure you provide information regarding your special needs and specify your requirements as clearly as possible. Please be realistic about this as if you cannot walk long distances without help, assistance for you can only be guaranteed if requested before hand.
