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Passengers with Special Needs

Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and Disabilities

This covers everyone from seniors to individuals with motor, visual, hearing, or cognitive disabilities. A physical condition should not be a barrier to travel, but planning is key.

International travel logistics can be challenging. Here is an essential checklist for 2025/2026:

• Book and notify 48h in advance: This is the golden rule. Call the airline to request assistance (wheelchair, guidance). Write down the agent's name. If you don't notify them, you could be left behind if the flight's wheelchair quota is full.
• Wheelchair Batteries: If traveling with an electric wheelchair, you must inform the airline about the battery type (Lithium, Dry, or Wet) and its power (Wh). Air safety regulations are very strict regarding lithium, and boarding could be denied without the technical data sheet.
• Invisible Disabilities (Sunflower Lanyard): In many airports worldwide, if you or your companion have autism, anxiety, or a non-visible condition, you can request a Sunflower Lanyard. This alerts staff that you may need more time or patience at checkpoints.
• Airport Timing: Arrive at least 3 hours early. Check-in processes involving wheelchairs take longer.
• Smart Layovers: Avoid layovers shorter than 90 minutes. Deplaning last and waiting for assistance to get to the next gate takes time.
• Security Check: If you have metal implants or a pacemaker, notify staff before walking through the detector. If traveling with liquid medication, carry the medical prescription to bypass the 100ml restriction.
• Companion Pass (Gate Pass): In some countries (like the US), you can request a pass for a family member to escort you to the gate without flying. Note: In Europe and Latin America, this is rare due to security regulations; check with the airline.

Unaccompanied Minors (UM)

Rules vary by airline, but general standards are:

• 0 to 7 years old: Generally CANNOT travel alone. They must be accompanied by someone over 18 (or over 16 on some carriers).
• 8 to 11 years old: It is MANDATORY to hire the "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) service. Airline staff custody the child from check-in, through immigration, assist them in-flight, and hand them over exclusively to the designated person at the destination.
• 12 to 17 years old: On most airlines, they can travel alone as young adults, but the escort service is OPTIONAL. It is recommended for complex connections.

⚠️ Vital Documentation:

If the minor travels alone or with only one parent, most countries require a Notarized Travel Consent (signed by the absent parents). Without this document, immigration authorities will not allow the child to leave the country.