# **United Airlines Special Assistance & Wheelchair Services**

Need wheelchair assistance with United Airlines? Call 1-833-341-3894 at least 48 hours before departure for personalized support with airport navigation, boarding, and in-flight mobility services.

Traveling shouldn't feel like a burden—especially if you need a little extra support. **United Airlines**, one of the globe’s largest carriers, offers robust **special assistance options** to ensure passengers with reduced mobility, medical needs, or other specific requirements enjoy a safe, dignified, and comfortable journey from start to finish.

From requesting wheelchair support to navigating airport logistics and in-flight accommodations, this guide covers everything you need to know about **requesting and benefiting from United Airlines special assistance services**.

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## **Table of Contents**

1. Introduction
2. Who Qualifies for Special Assistance?
3. Special Assistance Services United Offers
4. Wheelchair Service Levels: WCHR, WCHS, WCHC
5. Booking with Special Assistance
6. Step‑by‑Step: Adding Assistance to Your Booking
7. Contacting United for Special Assistance
8. How Far in Advance Should You Request?
9. Assistance at Airports (UA Hubs & Others)
10. Aircraft Entry, Onboard Support & Seating
11. Arrival, Baggage & Ground Transportation Assistance
12. Medical Devices & In‑flight Oxygen Requirements
13. Traveling with Mobility Equipment
14. Assistance for Visually or Hearing‑Impaired Travelers
15. Traveling with Service Animals
16. Special Meal Requests & Allergies
17. Traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor
18. FAQs
19. Tips for a Smooth Journey
20. United Airlines Special Assistance Contact Info
21. Final Thoughts

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## **1. Introduction**

United Airlines strives to make air travel inclusive, safe, and comfortable for all passengers. To this end, it offers a breadth of **special assistance options**, including wheelchair service, airport escorts, help with boarding, support for medical devices, dietary accommodations, and more.

This article guides you step by step through:

* Who is eligible
* What services are available
* How to request them
* What to expect at each stage
* Practical advice and frequently asked questions

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## **2. Who Qualifies for Special Assistance?**

You’re eligible to request special assistance if you:

* Use a wheelchair (temporary or permanent)
* Have limited mobility or injuries (e.g., broken leg)
* Are elderly and need extra support
* Have a visual or hearing impairment
* Require medical devices or oxygen support
* Are traveling with a service animal
* Have dietary restrictions or allergies
* Are an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a minor
* Have other special conditions requiring additional care

If you feel you'll need help navigating the airport or boarding the aircraft, you qualify—United considers every reasonable accommodation.

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## **3. Special Assistance Services United Offers**

United Airlines provides the following assistance:

| Service | Description |
| ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Wheelchair Support** | Assistance through check-in, security, and boarding |
| **Airport Escort (Meet & Assist)** | Personal assistance in navigating airport terminals |
| **Onboard Mobility** | Aisle chairs, seat transfer assistance |
| **Priority Boarding** | For passengers needing extra time |
| **Disability and Visual/Hearing Support** | Safety briefings, audio/video help |
| **Medical Clearance & Oxygen Support** | For those needing in-flight medical devices |
| **Service Animals** | Dogs, emotional support animals accepted per policy |
| **Special Meals** | Verified allergen-free, vegetarian, etc. |
| **Unaccompanied Minor / Companion Travel** | Support for children traveling alone or with companions |
| **Transit Assistance** | Help during layovers and connecting flights |

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## **4. Wheelchair Service Levels: WCHR, WCHS, WCHC**

United follows IATA codes to specify the level of wheelchair support:

* **WCHR (Wheelchair Ramp)** – Passenger can walk on board but needs assistance from check-in to gate
* **WCHS (Wheelchair Stairs)** – Requires assistance to board/deplane due to stairs
* **WCHC (Wheelchair Complete)** – Fully immobile; needs wheelchair support from curb to seat

Marking the correct service ensures you receive the specific help you need at every point of your journey.

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## **5. Booking with Special Assistance**

### ✅ Online Booking

On united.com or the mobile app:

* Select “Need special assistance?” at booking
* Choose needed services (e.g., wheelchair, oxygen, visual support)

### 📞 Existing Booking

If you booked already:

* Go to **My Trips** on united.com
* Click “Add special assistance” and request your needed services

### ✈️ Travel Agent or United Desk

If booked through a third party, contact United directly to add assistance to your reservation.

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## **6. Step‑by‑Step: Adding Assistance to Your Booking**

Here’s how to ensure your assistance request is logged:

### ⭐ Step 1: Access Your Reservation

* Go to “My Trips” on united.com—enter confirmation and last name

### ⭐ Step 2: Find “Special Service” Section

Look for the "Accessibility" or “Add special assistance” link

### ⭐ Step 3: Select Services

Choose applicable options: wheelchair, medical device, dietary preference, etc.

### ⭐ Step 4: Fill in Additional Details

Upload medical documentation if required (e.g., for oxygen use)

### ⭐ Step 5: Review and Submit

Confirm services added—your confirmation email will reflect your needs

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## **7. Contacting United for Special Assistance**

For complex requests, contact United directly:

### 📞 United Customer Care (USA)

1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331)

### 📞 Dedicated Disability Desk

1-800-228-2744 (disability-related travel)

### 🌐 Live Chat

Available via united.com or the United mobile app

### ✉️ Email

Submit MEDIF and medical forms via the form available in your reservation

Have this information ready:

* Booking reference
* Required services
* Medical documents (if needed)

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## **8. How Far in Advance Should You Request?**

| Service Type | Deadline Before Departure |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Basic Wheelchair (WCHR, WCHS) | At booking or 48 hours before |
| WCHC wheelchair | Minimum 48 hours |
| In-flight oxygen or PEC devices | Medical clearance 7 days prior |
| Service animals | 48 hours before departure |
| Special meals | 24–48 hours before departure |
| Unaccompanied minor | At booking (ages 5–14) |

Advance notice helps guarantee availability. Last-minute requests are **best-effort only**.

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## **9. Assistance at Airports (UA Hubs & Others)**

### 🛫 Departure Airport Assistance

Upload documentation, then arrive early (2–3 hours for domestic; 3–4 for international).

Proceed to:

* Curbside / ticket counter with assistance staff
* Security line with TSA/Global Entry support
* Gate with wheelchair escort

### ✈️ Priority Boarding

Passengers needing assistance qualify for *Group 1 boarding*.

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## **10. Aircraft Entry, Onboard Support & Seating**

Once aboard:

* Crew can move aisle wheelchairs
* Transfer help to your seat
* Cabin crew provide instructions and access to overhead bins

🪑 Seating options vary by aircraft type:

* Wide-bodied aircraft (e.g., 777, 787) often have accessible lavatories
* Narrow bodies (e.g., 737) don’t—coordinate seating accordingly

> Crew are trained to assist—but **are not allowed to lift passengers**.

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## **11. Arrival, Baggage & Ground Transportation Assistance**

### 🧳 Arrival Assistance

At destination:

* Staff meet you with a wheelchair
* Escort you through immigration, baggage, and customs
* Help to ground transport or connecting gate

### 🚗 Ground Transfers

Contact United or your final destination ahead of time to ensure that wheelchair-accessible vans or taxis are ready.

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## **12. Medical Devices & In‑flight Oxygen Requirements**

Devices like CPAPs, PEC (pressure equalization), infusion pumps, etc., require:

* **MEDIF form** and doctor’s certificate
* Upload 7+ days before flight
* Batteries: bring 150% of flight duration
* Orion/United compatible/approved devices only

United Airlines doesn’t provide bedside oxygen; a fee may apply for airline-supplied oxygen.

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## **13. Traveling with Mobility Equipment**

United accepts:

* Manual wheelchairs (checked free)
* Battery-powered wheelchairs (inform 48 hours prior)
* Crutches, walkers, canes

Ensure battery type:

* Wet-cell or lithium batteries must meet IATA regulations
* Bring proper protective covers

Courtsey tip: Label your chair with your name and destination

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## **14. Assistance for Visually or Hearing‑Impaired Travelers**

Services include:

* Captions or large print materials
* Priority seat near crew
* Audible announcements
* Additional assistance through terminals
* Provide advanced notice for sign-language assistance at key airports

Speak with agents for **Visual/Audio Accessibility** (VAA) requests.

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## **15. Traveling with Service Animals**

United allows:

* Guide Dogs (for visually impaired)
* Emotional Support Animals (per updated FAA guidelines)
* Some other documented psychiatric service animals

You must provide:

* Animal’s temperament and training certificate
* Health certificate (within 10 days)
* Submit request 48 hours ahead

No extra fare but seat assignment depends on availability

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## **16. Special Meal Requests & Allergies**

United offers customizable meals:

* Gluten-free
* Vegetarian / Vegan
* Kosher / Halal
* Allergy-safe (e.g., nut-free)

Request via “Add special meals” in “Manage Trips” at least **24 hours before flight**.

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## **17. Traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor**

United offers UMNR service for ages:

* **5–14 years** (required)
* **15–17 years** (optional)

Includes:

* Escort through airport
* Assigned staff at all connection points
* Meet and greet at arrival
* Adult must remain until flight departs

Book UMNR service at least **24 hours in advance**.

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## **18. FAQs**

**Q1: Are special assistance services free?**
Yes—wheelchair, service animal travel, visual/hearing support, etc., are free. Fees apply only for medical oxygen or additional escort ticket.

**Q2: Can I check in without requesting assistance early?**
You must request assistance at least 48 hours before—last-minute requests are on a first-come, first-served basis.

**Q3: Will United help me during a layover?**
Yes—if all segments are on the same ticket and assistance is noted.

**Q4: What if I forget to upload documents?**
Upload MEDIFs asap. Gate agents will request documentation—failure may delay or deny boarding.

**Q5: Can family members assist?**
Absolutely—family members are welcome to help you through check-in, boarding, and in-flight as needed.

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## **19. Tips for a Smooth Journey**

* Flag assistance *when booking your flight*
* Upload any medical documents early — avoid stress
* Wear comfortable clothing for ease of transfer
* Carry a list of medications and equipment in carry-on
* Have extra power for your devices and proper connectors
* Arrive early at the airport
* Communicate frequently with United representatives
* Reconfirm assistance on each connection if flying internationally

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## **20. United Airlines Special Assistance Contact Info**

| Type | Contact Details |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Customer Care (USA) | 1‑800‑UNITED‑1 (1‑800‑864‑8331) |
| Disability Desk | 1‑800‑228‑2744 |
| International | See united.com for your country listing |
| Live Chat | Available on united.com / mobile app |
| Online Form | In your United reservation under “Special Assistance” |

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## **21. Final Thoughts**

United Airlines’ special assistance program is robust, compassionate, and purpose-built to make air travel equitable and accessible for everyone. Whether you require wheelchair service, visual/hearing support, special dietary meals, medical accommodations, or safe travel for a minor, United has you covered.

### ✅ Quick Checklist:

* Book with assistance needed
* Provide advance notice and documentation
* Arrive early
* Communicate clearly with United
* Confirm connections and any layover help

With thoughtful preparation and United’s support, your air travel experience can be smooth and worry-free—so you can focus entirely on the journey ahead.

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