Considerations concerning wheelchair transport

• Your wheelchair can be stored in the cabin if it is a folding wheelchair and there is space available for it.
• If it is battery-powered it will always be stowed in the hold.
• Wheelchairs are normally stowed in the hold of the aircraft.
• You may use your own wheelchair in the airport until you reach the aircraft provided that the chair is manual and it is not necessary to go up or downstairs during the transfer. If this is not the case, you will be provided with a chair for your transfer.
• Please note that if your wheelchair is battery-powered, we will need to know the type of battery it uses. For safety reasons, only dry-cell or non-spillable gel batteries can be carried. We will return your wheelchair to you on arrival.

How can I request a wheelchair?

There are three types of request for wheelchairs:

1.- For persons who can walk, but not long distances.

2.- For persons who can walk medium or long distances, but not enter the aircraft from the boarding gate.

3.- For persons who cannot move at all.

At the moment Spanair offers the possibility to request wheelchair type 1, for persons who can walk but need help for long distances. For requests type 2 or 3 you have to contact Spanair Center once you have made your booking.

How is a passenger classified as a PRM?

Those passengers who find it difficult to travel owing to impairment/disability that is either physical (sensory, locomotor, permanent or temporary) or mental are considered PRM. A passenger must be able to reach an aircraft exit as quickly as possible in case of an emergency, and understand the emergency instructions at all times without assistance. A passenger who is unable to follow these procedures is considered a PRM.

PRM travel information

Here we provide general information that you may need to consider when travelling by aeroplane:

1. Make sure you have all the required information before finalising your travel arrangements.

2. Assess your individual needs, particularly if you cannot walk for long distances without assistance. There may be long distances between check-in counters and boarding gates.

3. Contact members of our staff to ensure that they are aware of and understand your particular needs.

4. Do not take it for granted that you will find assistance. It is better to request assistance in advance.

5. Do not expect crew members to know the best way to lift or transfer you. Inform the crew when you need assistance.

Spanair S.A takes responsibility for you as a passenger. We both must cooperate so that your journey is as comfortable and incident-free as possible.

International agreements state that compensation for loss or damage of personal luggage (including wheelchairs) will be calculated by the weight, not value. Before travelling, make sure that your travel insurance covers mobility equipment. You may need an additional cover. Spanair offers you accident insurance and travel insurance from less than 2 euros per day. More information 

NB: European Regulation 1107/2006 states that if you require special PRM assistance, you must be at one of the specific collection points 2 hours prior to the flight’s departure. These are specified for Spanish airports at www.aena.es.

Restrictions: There is a series of restrictions affecting PRM. Restrictions are placed on the maximum number of PRM on board a flight for safety reasons. These restrictions affect the number of accompanying persons required to provide assistance depending on the passenger’s disability. In both cases the restrictions guarantee the correct safety measures can be taken in the event of evacuation of the aircraft.

If you have any queries concerning these restrictions, please contact Spanair Center or send an e-mail to special@spanair.es.

PRM. Can I book online?

Yes, but you must select the "Reduced mobility PRM" option in the search engine. By selecting this option you will have the opportunity to specify your condition in step 2 of the booking process passenger details. If you require assistance for a reason that is not included in the booking process, please contact Spanair Center once you have made the booking. You must notify us at least 48 hours (72 hours for charter flights) prior to the flight’s departure.

PRM. On board Spanair

Make sure that you have all the medication that you require in your hand luggage and that you have enough in case your flight being delayed.

• If you need to check-in a wheelchair, please request this when you make your booking.
• If you have a visual or hearing impairment, Spanair S.A crew will offer you suitable assistance on board, with an individual explanation of emergency procedures and assistance with removing food packaging.
• If you suffer from respiratory problems and need extra oxygen during the flight, you must inform us once you have booked. If you have your own bottles, you must provide us with its technical documentation and confirm that either you or your companion know how it works.
• If you are travelling with a guide dog, it may board with you free of charge. Let us know us if you are travelling with a guide dog once you have booked. Your dog must travel with a muzzle and a lead.

PRM. Required assistance

We need to be aware of your requirements in order to guarantee that your journey is as comfortable as possible. Here is a list of questions you may be asked:

1. What is your impairment/disability?
2. Can you walk through the terminal to the aircraft or do you need a wheelchair/buggy?
3. If you need to use a wheelchair, will you use your own chair? Is it a folding wheelchair?
Is the wheelchair battery-powered? If it uses a battery, is it dry cell or gel cell?
4. Do you require someone to push your wheelchair?
5. Can you walk up and down the aircraft steps or do you need help to board and disembark?
6. Can you move from the wheelchair into the aircraft seat without assistance?
7. Can you walk inside the aircraft or do you need a cabin-use wheelchair?
8. What type of in-flight assistance will you require?
9. You will need to be accompanied if you require assistance to eat, leave your seat, communicate, take medication or use the toilet.
10. Will you be travelling with any medical apparatus?
11. Are you asthmatic or do you have any breathing difficulties?
12. You must contact us if you suffer from any serious illness. You may need to present airport staff with a medical certificate stating you are fit to fly.

Request for PRM travel assistance

A regulation came into force on 26 July 2008 providing special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, which applies to all European airports. The new regulation makes the airport responsible for assisting persons with reduced mobility. Spanair will be responsible for your request for assistance reaching the airport management. The aim of this is to offer quality service so that all passengers can enjoy their journey with as little inconvenience as possible. 

The new service means that passengers with reduced mobility are given special assistance with their luggage, at check-in, through security controls and are accompanied when necessary in the departure and destination airports and with any flight connections. The need for PRM assistance must be specified when booking to ensure the appropriate service is provided. We arrange to notify the corresponding airport. Alternatively, you can request assistance directly at airports in Spain through the Aena website or by calling (+34) 902 404704.