Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance 

Virgin Atlantic also offers various services to passengers having any type of disability or medical problems. The airline also follows the US Disabilities Bill of Rights and the UK Aviation Passenger Charter. However, travelling can be a thrilling experience, but it often comes with challenges, especially for those who require special assistance. Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading airlines, is committed to making air travel accessible, comfortable, and stress-free for all passengers. This blog guides about Virgin Atlantic’s special assistance services, to ensure a seamless journey from booking to landing. 

About Accessibility & Special Assistance

This British airline’s special assistance services cater to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, reduced mobility, and other specific needs. Whether they require wheelchair assistance, help boarding the aircraft, or support with medical equipment, Virgin Atlantic aims to provide personalized care to ensure a pleasant journey. Additionally, these assistance are free of charge to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Reserving Special Assistance 

Travellers requiring any special needs at the airport, onboard or on their Virgin Atlantic Holiday, must inform at least 72 hours before their flight. Additionally, passengers can request assistance by the following methods: 

Contacting the Special Assistance Team: Travellers can reach Virgin Atlantic’s special assistance team via phone or email. Meanwhile, the contact details are available on their official website.

Via Online Form: Virgin Atlantic Airline offers an online form to the passengers to specify their requirements. Additionally, they can access the form on the airline’s special assistance page.

Travel Agents: If case the travellers have reserved the flights through a travel agent, they can coordinate with the airline to arrange the necessary services.

Required information

When requesting any special services the travellers must provide the following information: 

• Type of their disability or medical condition.
• Mobility aids or medical equipment they will bring.
• Assistance is required at the airport and during the flight.

Types for Special Assistance 

Virgin Atlantic offers different types of Special Assistance to passengers as per their requirements. Meanwhile, given below are different types of assistance provided by the airline. 

Mobility Assistance

For passengers with reduced mobility or those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, Virgin Airlines provides the following support:

Wheelchair Services: Wheelchairs are available for use at the airport, from check-in to the boarding gate. Meanwhile, passengers are assisted with transferring between their own wheelchair and the airport or an onboard wheelchair is also available.

Boarding and Disembarking Assistance: Staff can help passengers board and exit the aircraft, including those who require the use of an aisle chair.

Onboard Mobility: Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft are equipped with onboard wheelchairs for movement within the cabin.

Stowage of Mobility Aids: Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters can be transported free of charge. However, Virgin Airlines ensures safe handling and proper storage in the cargo hold. If the passengers are travelling with a manual collapsible wheelchair, the airline might be able to stow this in the aircraft cabin in a designated storage area.  Meanwhile, this storage is on a first come basis, and can’t be reserved ahead of time. 

Sensory Impairments

The airline is dedicated to supporting passengers with visual or hearing impairments:

Visual Impairments: The cabin crew also assist visually impaired passengers with orientation, reading menus, and navigating the aircraft. However, Braille safety cards are also available onboard.

Hearing Impairments: Passengers with hearing difficulties can request assistance at the airport or during the flight. Meanwhile, the airline staff are trained to communicate clearly and provide written instructions as needed. Travellers can also request assistance from British Sign Language-trained crew members by filling online contact form at least 12 days weeks before the flight.

Medical Needs

Passengers with specific medical conditions or equipment can also benefit from Virgin Atlantic’s assistance:

Travelling with Medical Devices: Passengers may bring necessary medical devices, such as CPAP machines or oxygen concentrators, onboard. Prior notification is required for approval.

Medication Handling: Travellers should carry medications in their hand luggage. Additionally, the onboard staff can provide support in case storage assistance is required.

Fit-to-Fly Certificates: In some medical conditions the airline might require a Fit-to-Fly certificate from a doctor. However, the airline guides the passengers regarding this process. 

Hidden Disabilities

Virgin Atlantic also assists passengers with hidden disabilities. Additionally, the airline can help to arrange assistance including arranging airport assistance, pre-assigning seating, and letting the ground staff and cabin crew know about the traveller’s requirements ahead of their trip.

Traveling with Service Animals

Virgin Atlantic allows passengers to travel with registered assistance dogs in the cabin free of charge. Additionally, The airline’s policies ensure that both the passenger and the animal are comfortable and safe during the flight. Meanwhile, the dog should be vaccinated and have proper documentation. However, service animals must be trained by an accredited member organisation of Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation. The service dog shouldn’t be of a breed that is restricted by the airline including Pekingese, Pug breeds,  English Bulldog, French Bulldog Shih Tzu any other dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. 

Travelling during Pregnancy 

Women can travel during pregnancy, as long as they haven’t experienced any complications. Additionally, they can travel on Virgin Atlantic flights until the 28th week of pregnancy without informing the airline. However, pregnant women over the 28th week must follow guidelines to travel.

• Passengers expecting one baby and want to travel between their 28th and 36th weeks, should provide a certificate from their doctor stating that they don’t have any complications and their estimated delivery date. 
• Meanwhile, the airline doesn’t need to see this in advance, but it might be asked for at the airport or onboard. 
• If they are expecting more than one baby they also need to travel with a doctor’s certificate stating they don’t have any complications and their estimated delivery date.
• The pregnant ladies mustn’t fly after the end of their 32nd week. 
• It’s important to remember to include the return travel within these dates.
• Passengers can contact the special assistance team if they need to discuss this information in detail or let them know about the following:

• Complicated pregnancy
• A recent caesarean section delivery
• A recent miscarriage

Unaccompanied Minors 

The airline has also set some regulations for minors travelling alone. Meanwhile, given below are key points about the Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minors rules. 

• Virgin Atlantic allows minors up to 14 years of age to travel alone. The airline has recently updated its policies. Additionally, it doesn’t allow children aged 13 or under to travel alone.
• Minors on Virgin flights can travel with someone aged up to 16 years or above on the same or a linked flight reservation.
• Unaccompanied minors under 16 should carry a consent form filled out by their parent or guardian prior to the travel, regardless of the booking time.
• Additionally, a copy of the parent/guardian’s current passport (or other form of photographic identification showing a signature) must also be attached to the consent form and brought to the airport.
• For booking for unaccompanied minors under the age of 16 should contact Virgin Atlantic directly to make the booking. However, the partner airlines might have different regulations, age limits and charges.
• Children aged between 14 to 16 can travel in a different cabin on the same flight with an adult aged 16+. Whereas, passengers aged under 14 years must travel with an adult in the same flight cabin.
• A young person (14-16) travelling on their own will have the same responsibilities as an adult during the travel.
• The parent or guardian accompanying the minor travellers to the airport shouldn’t leave the terminal before the flight takeoff.
• Minor travellers can check in only at the airport with a parent or legal guardian.
• Any necessary travel documentation such as a valid passport, visa, proof of return travel (as required) and health certificates.

Additional Information

Virgin Atlantic has some additional details regarding special assistance that are given below:

Traveling Internationally

Passengers should keep in mind that special assistance policies vary by country. Meanwhile, the airline collaborates with airport authorities and ground staff worldwide to ensure consistent support. If the guests are travelling to a destination with specific accessibility requirements, Virgin Atlantic’s Special Assistance team can provide tailored advice to them.

Accessibility Features on Aircraft

The flights also include several accessibility features, such as lavatories equipped with grab bars, movable armrests on select seats, and priority seating arrangements for passengers with disabilities.

Emergency Procedures

Virgin Atlantic’s crew is trained to prioritise the safety of travellers with disabilities during emergencies. Additionally, they also receive personalised safety briefings and support.

Conclusion:

This blog is about Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility ensuring that travellers with special needs can travel with confidence and ease. Meanwhile, passengers should properly read the terms and conditions of special assistance to avoid any problems. However, the airline also assists with flight booking, cancellations, and more.

Read Also: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions