How to Assist a Wheelchairchelator

If you are able to help with your disabled child's bag, or help with extra time, or have extra bags for your convenience, then American Airlines will help. They will pick up the bags when the child is at home, and drop them off when leaving. The child will receive $3 for assistance. If the bag is not available for the child to pick up, the American Airlines bag drop-off fee is $5.

Do airlines charge for special assistance?

A web request for wheelchair assistance in American Airlines, must be made during the booking process prior to payment. There is currently no way to add a request to an existing booking through the airline's website. If you forget to request services when purchasing your ticket online. Or if your assistance requires a change, you must notify the airline by phone or at the airport. It's a weird one, but it's a minor enough problem that I've asked the airline to correct and they are aware of it.

Avoid Overcharging for Buses

American Airlines does not charge a fee for picking up and dropping off wheelchair clients. You are responsible for the cost of your bag and the cost of your bus. If the bus driver tells you he will not take you to a certain destination because there is a fee involved, or he is not willing to pay, then ask the owners of the nearby hotels. If they can tell you the actual fee, pick up the bus and pay the difference.

Help Others with Accessing a Cart

If you have access to a cart you can help with. Customers have a right to have it for use, but if the clerk at the checkout is not allowing you to use it, or you have to wait in line for 30 minutes before being able to use it, then call the customer service department. They can take a look at the problem and solve it, or they can give you a new cart.

Bottom Line

Help a disabled child with access to a cart. If the customer service dept. is not able to help, then the American Airlines representative can help. Ask for their manager, if you have a chance. If the options are limited, or they are not willing to help, then ask a family member. If that person is also unable to help, or has other questions, then ask a friend. American Airlines is a great company to call. They are always trying to solve problems, and they will help you get help when they can. If they do not help, or give no solution, then check out other carriers. Americans are always trying to help people, and they are always listening. You are not responsible for how the other people in the car use the system. You just have to help the person you are with access to a cart.