# How Do I Request Special Assistance on Lufthansa?

### A Complete Guide to Wheelchair & Mobility Services with Lufthansa

To request special assistance on Lufthansa, including wheelchair service, call 1-833-341-3894 at least 48 hours before departure for smooth, personalized travel support.

Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier and one of Europe’s largest airlines, is renowned not only for its connectivity and punctuality but also for offering **world-class support to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM)** or special needs. Whether you're traveling with a disability, need a wheelchair, require oxygen support, or are temporarily injured, Lufthansa offers a wide range of **special assistance services** to ensure a smooth and dignified travel experience.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about **requesting special assistance with Lufthansa**, including **how to get wheelchair support**, timelines, procedures, services available, important documentation, contact methods, airport experience, and FAQs.

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## **Who Can Request Special Assistance?**

Lufthansa provides assistance to passengers with:

* Permanent or temporary mobility impairments
* Visual or hearing impairments
* Medical conditions requiring specific care
* Seniors needing support
* People using mobility aids (wheelchairs, crutches, walkers)
* Expectant mothers with specific needs
* Travelers with cognitive disabilities
* Post-surgical patients

Even **non-disabled passengers** with temporary issues (like a broken leg) are eligible.

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## **Overview of Special Assistance Services Offered**

Lufthansa offers the following:

1. **Wheelchair assistance** – to/from check-in, gates, and the aircraft
2. **Onboard wheelchair (aisle chair)**
3. **Medical clearance and oxygen supply**
4. **Assistance for visually or hearing-impaired passengers**
5. **Transportation of personal mobility aids**
6. **Stretcher transport (in rare cases, long-haul)**
7. **Support at transit airports**
8. **Priority boarding and disembarking**
9. **Escort service for navigating the airport**

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## **How to Request Wheelchair Assistance on Lufthansa**

### ✅ **Method 1: While Booking Your Ticket Online**

1. Go to [https://www.lufthansa.com](https://www.lufthansa.com)
2. Enter your flight details and proceed to booking
3. During the **passenger details** step, look for the **“special assistance”** section
4. Select the appropriate options:

* Wheelchair to/from aircraft
* Wheelchair onboard
* Assistance for visual/hearing impairment
5. Submit the booking

Lufthansa will automatically flag your reservation for assistance.

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### ✅ **Method 2: After Booking via Lufthansa Service Center**

If you forgot to request during booking, don’t worry. You can still add assistance by contacting Lufthansa directly.

#### 📞 **Call Lufthansa Special Assistance Desk**:

* **USA/Canada**: [phone]
* **Germany**: [phone]
* **UK**: [phone]

Ask for **special assistance or wheelchair services**. Have the following ready:

* Your booking reference number
* Flight details
* Type of assistance needed
* Doctor’s certificate (for specific medical cases)

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### ✅ **Method 3: Through Travel Agent or Third-party Site**

If you booked through Expedia, MakeMyTrip, or any travel agent:

* Ask them to add a **"special service request (SSR)"** to your Lufthansa booking.
* Confirm the service is acknowledged and visible on the ticket.
* Contact Lufthansa directly to ensure it is in their system.

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### ✅ **Method 4: Using Lufthansa Medical Operation Center**

For **medical devices, oxygen, or serious conditions**, Lufthansa requires approval from its **Medical Operation Center (MOC)**.

Send an email to:
**[[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])**

Attach:

* Medical Information Form (MEDIF)
* Booking reference
* Nature of medical need (oxygen, infusion, etc.)

Download MEDIF: [Lufthansa MEDIF Form](https://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/medical-care)

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## **Types of Wheelchair Assistance Lufthansa Offers**

Lufthansa uses standard IATA wheelchair codes for different levels of assistance:

| Code | Description |
| ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| WCHR | Wheelchair needed for **long distances** (passenger can climb stairs) |
| WCHS | Wheelchair needed to the aircraft seat, **passenger cannot climb stairs** |
| WCHC | **Full assistance needed** – passenger cannot walk at all |
| DEAF | Passenger with hearing impairment |
| BLND | Passenger with vision impairment |

Specify the **correct level of need** when making your request.

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## **What to Expect at Each Stage of Your Journey**

### ✈️ **Before Departure**

* **Confirm 48 hours before flight** that services are in place
* Arrive **at least 2.5 to 3 hours before** departure
* Use the **special assistance desk** at check-in counters
* Receive **escort and wheelchair support** through security and to the gate

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### 🛫 **At Boarding**

* Priority boarding is offered
* Staff help board the aircraft either by aisle chair or lift if needed
* If required, onboard aisle chairs (narrow wheelchairs) are available for lavatory access

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### ✈️ **In Transit (Connecting Airports)**

* You’ll be met at the gate by a support assistant
* Escorted to the next gate or lounge
* Wheelchair transfer and support provided
* No need to request separate assistance at transit airports

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### 🛬 **At Arrival**

* Ground staff will meet you at the aircraft
* Assistance through immigration and baggage claim
* Escort to arrival gate, airport taxi, or pickup area

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## **Flying With Your Own Wheelchair or Mobility Device**

### ✅ **Manual Wheelchairs**

* Can be checked in free of charge
* Will be returned at the aircraft door or baggage claim depending on the airport

### ✅ **Powered Wheelchairs**

* Inform Lufthansa **at least 48–72 hours in advance**
* Provide:

* Battery type (dry cell, lithium, etc.)
* Size and weight
* If battery needs to be disconnected
* Must comply with **IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations**

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## **Medical Devices and Special Needs**

### ✅ **Oxygen**

* Personal oxygen equipment is **not allowed onboard**
* Lufthansa provides medical oxygen for a fee upon request via MEDIF
* Must be arranged at least **48 hours in advance**

### ✅ **Stretchers**

* Available only on some long-haul flights
* Requires clearance and fee
* Can take time to arrange, plan early

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## **Important Documents You May Need**

| Document Type | When Needed |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------- |
| **Doctor’s Certificate** | For recent surgeries, oxygen needs |
| **MEDIF Form** | Required for serious conditions |
| **Battery Info Sheet** | For electric wheelchairs |
| **Fit to Fly Letter** | Recommended for post-operative travel |

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## **How Far in Advance Should I Request Assistance?**

| Service Type | Minimum Time Required Before Flight |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Basic wheelchair (WCHR) | 48 hours (preferably 72) |
| Onboard oxygen or stretcher | At least 72 hours |
| Powered wheelchair | 48–72 hours depending on battery type |
| MEDIF cases | Submit forms 3–5 days before travel |

**Early notification = smoother experience.** Lufthansa staff need time to arrange services and coordinate with airport vendors.

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## **Contact Information for Lufthansa Special Assistance**

| Region/Country | Phone Number |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| USA/Canada | [phone] |
| Germany | [phone] |
| UK | [phone] |
| India | [phone] |
| UAE | [phone] |
| Email (MOC) | [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail]) |
| MEDIF Support | [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail]) |

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## **Tips for a Smooth Journey**

### ✳️ **1. Confirm Services Before Flying**

Call the Lufthansa service center 24–48 hours before departure to confirm your assistance request is in place.

### ✳️ **2. Use Mobility-Tagged Luggage**

Clearly tag mobility aids and keep medical documentation handy.

### ✳️ **3. Book Direct Flights When Possible**

Connecting flights can be tiring and may involve longer transfers.

### ✳️ **4. Notify Staff at Every Step**

Let check-in, gate, and crew members know your needs for smooth coordination.

### ✳️ **5. Keep Medicine and Documents in Carry-On**

Don’t check essential meds or medical forms.

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## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**

### **1. Is wheelchair assistance free on Lufthansa?**

**Yes.** Lufthansa provides wheelchair assistance **free of charge** when requested in advance.

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### **2. How do I know if my wheelchair will be accepted?**

Lufthansa follows IATA standards. Manual wheelchairs are always allowed. Powered wheelchairs require advance notice and battery compliance.

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### **3. Can I bring a caregiver?**

Yes. You can travel with a personal caregiver. If you need constant help onboard, Lufthansa may **require** a travel companion.

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### **4. Can I use my wheelchair inside the airport?**

Yes. You can use your personal wheelchair to the gate, after which it will be tagged and stored.

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### **5. What if I forget to book assistance?**

It’s still possible to request at the airport, but **services are not guaranteed** without 48-hour advance notice.

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### **6. Do I need to fill a form for every flight?**

If booked on the same ticket (even with connections), one request covers all flights. Separate tickets may require separate requests.

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### **7. Is Lufthansa good for disabled travelers?**

Yes. Lufthansa complies with EU Regulation 1107/2006 and provides **comprehensive support** for passengers with reduced mobility.

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## **Conclusion**

Traveling with reduced mobility shouldn’t mean stress or uncertainty. With Lufthansa’s extensive and passenger-friendly **special assistance services**, passengers needing wheelchairs, medical support, or general guidance can experience a smooth, safe, and respectful journey.

To recap, here’s how to request assistance:

* ✅ During online booking via Lufthansa.com
* ✅ By calling Lufthansa’s special assistance desk
* ✅ Through your travel agent
* ✅ Via email ([[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail]))
* ✅ With advance notice (at least 48 hours)

Whether it’s your first time flying with a mobility need or you’re a seasoned traveler, Lufthansa’s special services team is equipped to make your journey comfortable and dignified.