For Katja, two wheels chairs on Lufthansa
May 26, 2011, 10:48 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 216
For Katja, two wheels chairs on Lufthansa
http://www.lufthansa.com/online/port...0&l=en#ancAbT3
They don't specifically say it is okay, but if you have a layover and they aren't going to return battery powered wheelchairs on layovers you definitely have a case (IMO) to push for them to take a second, preferably collapsible, wheelchair for you.
May 26, 2011, 2:36 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 216
For Katja, two wheels chairs on Lufthansa
^ I found it!!
http://www.lufthansa.com/online/port...&l=en#ancAbT10
"Disabled passengers can check in two wheelchairs or other mobility aids in addition to their free baggage allowance. For more information, please see our Advice on barrier-free travel."
I would print it and bring it if I were you, but I am funny that way.
I have printed most of the rules and regulations pertaining to our special travel needs just in case the people in the airport don't remember what they said. It makes for a stack of paper, but if it saves me a headache it was well worth the trees and the weight.
http://www.lufthansa.com/online/port...&l=en#ancAbT10
"Disabled passengers can check in two wheelchairs or other mobility aids in addition to their free baggage allowance. For more information, please see our Advice on barrier-free travel."
I would print it and bring it if I were you, but I am funny that way.
I have printed most of the rules and regulations pertaining to our special travel needs just in case the people in the airport don't remember what they said. It makes for a stack of paper, but if it saves me a headache it was well worth the trees and the weight.
Jun 2, 2011, 2:28 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
As long as it's a fligth originating in the EU or landing in the EU, LH has nothing to "want" as they have to oblige to EU legislation which clearly states an individual can bring along up to 2 mobility aids free of charge. LH has some history of "not be aware" of the legislation and trying to make up their own ways but they are not alowed. This is the legislation in english (is avail. in all languages used within the EU). Simply have a print out with you and nicely point them to it.
Be aware with LH that they will need constant reminding of needs and basically expect anything possible to happen. If specific seatassignment would be needed, it would be another subject for which it would be smart to print out said legislation. If it's helpfull I've got the direct numbers of LH special services at Frankfurt airport that I can give via de pm. However if it is a flight to/from/connecting in Frankfurt; be aware that they still do use the tarmac boarding/deplaning for a part of all flights. If it is a problem to be carried up or down stairs, make this overly clear and keep repeating! There are some loadingtrucks at Frankfurt but sometimes not enough to keep up with demands.
As far as LH goes; know your rights, have them in print with you (forget about whatever they do or do not state online, over the phone or via mail, legislation trumps this) and be prepared to not have a smooth ride when not being a standard passenger. The latter thankfully is not a given but if things do go wrong, LH will make sure to add insult to injury.
Be aware with LH that they will need constant reminding of needs and basically expect anything possible to happen. If specific seatassignment would be needed, it would be another subject for which it would be smart to print out said legislation. If it's helpfull I've got the direct numbers of LH special services at Frankfurt airport that I can give via de pm. However if it is a flight to/from/connecting in Frankfurt; be aware that they still do use the tarmac boarding/deplaning for a part of all flights. If it is a problem to be carried up or down stairs, make this overly clear and keep repeating! There are some loadingtrucks at Frankfurt but sometimes not enough to keep up with demands.
As far as LH goes; know your rights, have them in print with you (forget about whatever they do or do not state online, over the phone or via mail, legislation trumps this) and be prepared to not have a smooth ride when not being a standard passenger. The latter thankfully is not a given but if things do go wrong, LH will make sure to add insult to injury.
Jun 2, 2011, 2:34 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
Thank you very much for your reply, flyingwheels. This is an LH codeshare purchased through UA, so that adds another layer of fun to the whole situation. I have flown successfully through FRA before (I'm flying DEN-FRA-TLS), so I'm planning for the worst, hoping for the best!
Jun 4, 2011, 8:50 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: United MP
Posts: 7,822
Thanks for this thread! ^
My first flight to Europe, in a wheelchair, was a UA code share on LH. That was in 2001. I didn't use the powerchair then because I didn't think I could bring my manual chair as a backup. Planning on going next year, possibly on SK. The legislation mentioned above apparently applies to them too, so that's nice to know.
My first flight to Europe, in a wheelchair, was a UA code share on LH. That was in 2001. I didn't use the powerchair then because I didn't think I could bring my manual chair as a backup. Planning on going next year, possibly on SK. The legislation mentioned above apparently applies to them too, so that's nice to know.
Jun 13, 2011, 4:47 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
Thanks for this thread! ^
My first flight to Europe, in a wheelchair, was a UA code share on LH. That was in 2001. I didn't use the powerchair then because I didn't think I could bring my manual chair as a backup. Planning on going next year, possibly on SK. The legislation mentioned above apparently applies to them too, so that's nice to know.
My first flight to Europe, in a wheelchair, was a UA code share on LH. That was in 2001. I didn't use the powerchair then because I didn't think I could bring my manual chair as a backup. Planning on going next year, possibly on SK. The legislation mentioned above apparently applies to them too, so that's nice to know.
Your expectations in 2001 were right, we had no legislation back then and LH was only too happy to charge you overweight fees for a second wheelchair. Might not sound like a big thing for those of you from the US being used to the small fees you can buy a second (or third) suitcase allowance with, but over here the price goes per kilo (2.2 pounds) and can range anywehre from €5,- p/kilo to €25,- per kilo. Actually, we still deal with those fees with many airlines when you talk about access medical bagage.
Jun 14, 2011, 9:04 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
I am back home from France and happy to report that Lufthansa took a boxed (actually very large box + wheelbag) second wheelchair completely uneventfully on both my flights: DEN-FRA-TLS and return.
And neither was damaged. FraCare (escort service for disabled passengers in Frankfurt) was right on the button for both transits as well. Both connecting flights were at a hardstand; I was transported via accessible bus and super duper loading thingie right to the plane door.
Lufthansa did manage to bend one of the quick release axle pins on my manual chair, which meant that until we figured out how to jury rig it, the right wheel had a tendency to slide out unexpectedly. Kind of like spraining your ankle on your first day of vacation.
The jury rigging involved braided dental floss and a small metal file - very MacGyver.
And neither was damaged. FraCare (escort service for disabled passengers in Frankfurt) was right on the button for both transits as well. Both connecting flights were at a hardstand; I was transported via accessible bus and super duper loading thingie right to the plane door.
Lufthansa did manage to bend one of the quick release axle pins on my manual chair, which meant that until we figured out how to jury rig it, the right wheel had a tendency to slide out unexpectedly. Kind of like spraining your ankle on your first day of vacation.
The jury rigging involved braided dental floss and a small metal file - very MacGyver.