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title: How Do I Request Special Assistance on Turkish Airlines?

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# **How Do I Request Special Assistance on Turkish Airlines? (Complete 2025 Guide)**

To request wheelchair assistance on Turkish Airlines, call 1-833-341-3894 at least 48 hours before departure. Get help with airport mobility, boarding, and in-flight needs. Support is available 24/7.

Traveling can be a daunting experience for passengers with special needs, disabilities, medical conditions, or those requiring extra care. Fortunately, **Turkish Airlines** offers comprehensive **special assistance services** to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and dignified journey for all passengers. Whether you're traveling with limited mobility, a visual or hearing impairment, or need assistance with medical devices, Turkish Airlines is equipped to support you throughout your journey.

In this **comprehensive guide**, we’ll walk you through **everything you need to know about requesting special assistance on Turkish Airlines**—from available services and eligibility to how to make a request, required documentation, deadlines, airport procedures, and expert tips.

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## **Table of Contents**

1. Introduction
2. Who Can Request Special Assistance?
3. Types of Special Assistance Services Offered
4. How to Request Special Assistance on Turkish Airlines
5. Step-by-Step Guide for Online Assistance Request
6. Requesting Assistance via Customer Service
7. Deadlines and Advance Notice Requirements
8. Medical Clearance and Documentation
9. Traveling with Mobility Equipment
10. Airport Wheelchair Service
11. Boarding and In-Flight Assistance
12. Assistance for Visual and Hearing-Impaired Passengers
13. Medical Devices and Oxygen Use
14. Traveling with Service Animals
15. Special Meal Requests
16. Assistance for Elderly Travelers
17. Assistance for Unaccompanied Minors
18. FAQs on Turkish Airlines Special Assistance
19. Contact Information
20. Final Thoughts

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## **1. Introduction**

Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, is committed to making air travel accessible and comfortable for everyone, regardless of physical or medical needs. The airline offers an array of **special assistance services**, ensuring that all travelers receive the support they need from **departure to arrival**.

Whether you need a wheelchair, medical clearance, extra help at the airport, or special arrangements during the flight, this guide will explain exactly how to request and receive these services.

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

Special assistance is available for:

* Elderly passengers
* Pregnant women
* Passengers with reduced mobility (temporary or permanent)
* Visually or hearing-impaired travelers
* Passengers requiring wheelchairs
* Individuals traveling with medical devices or oxygen
* People with cognitive or psychological disabilities
* Passengers needing stretchers or medical escorts
* Travelers with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy)

Even if you don’t consider yourself disabled, if you feel you'll need **additional support**, you are eligible to request help.

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## **3. Types of Special Assistance Services Offered**

Turkish Airlines offers a wide range of support services, including:

| Service                                   | Description                                                     |
| ----------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Wheelchair Service (WCHR, WCHS, WCHC)** | For those needing assistance to/from gate, aircraft, or onboard |
| **Medical Clearance & Devices**           | For passengers with health conditions or medical equipment      |
| **Hearing/Vision Assistance**             | Priority seating, safety briefings, or assistance boarding      |
| **Pregnancy Travel Support**              | Information, seat preferences, and documents                    |
| **Service Animals**                       | For those traveling with guide dogs or support animals          |
| **Special Meals**                         | For dietary, allergy, or religious restrictions                 |
| **Unaccompanied Minor Support**           | For children flying alone                                       |
| **Senior Assistance**                     | For elderly passengers needing extra help                       |

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## **4. How to Request Special Assistance on Turkish Airlines**

There are **three main ways** to request special assistance:

1. **During Booking** – Select “Special Services” when booking on Turkish Airlines’ official website or app.
2. **Post-Booking via Manage Booking** – Log in to your reservation and add assistance under your passenger details.
3. **Customer Service Contact** – Call or email Turkish Airlines or visit their office to request services manually.

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## **5. Step-by-Step Guide for Online Assistance Request**

Here’s how to request assistance online:

### ✅ **Step 1: Visit Turkish Airlines’ Website**

Go to [www.turkishairlines.com](https://www.turkishairlines.com)

### ✅ **Step 2: Navigate to 'Manage Booking'**

Click on **“Manage Booking”** at the top menu.

### ✅ **Step 3: Enter Your Details**

Input your **PNR number and surname** to access your flight.

### ✅ **Step 4: Select 'Add Services'**

Find the “Add Special Services” or “Passenger Preferences” section.

### ✅ **Step 5: Choose the Assistance Required**

Check relevant options like:

* Wheelchair at airport
* Visual/hearing assistance
* Use of medical devices

### ✅ **Step 6: Upload Medical Documents (if required)**

### ✅ **Step 7: Confirm**

Submit and receive a confirmation email or SMS.

> If the request is medical, it may be subject to approval from the **Turkish Airlines Medical Center**.

---

## **6. Requesting Assistance via Customer Service**

If online options aren’t accessible or you require help with multiple services, call:

### **Turkish Airlines Special Assistance Contact:**

* **Phone (US/Canada):** 1-800-874-8875
* **Worldwide:** +90 850 333 0 849
* **Email:** [specialassistance@thy.com](mailto:specialassistance@thy.com)

Include:

* Booking reference
* Full name
* Type of assistance required
* Medical documents (if needed)

---

## **7. Deadlines and Advance Notice Requirements**

To ensure your assistance is properly arranged:

| Type of Assistance          | Notice Required                        |
| --------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Wheelchair                  | At least **48 hours** before departure |
| Medical equipment/stretcher | **72 hours** minimum                   |
| Service animals             | **48 hours**                           |
| Special meals               | **24 hours**                           |
| Medical clearance           | **Up to 7 days** for complex cases     |

Last-minute requests may not be guaranteed.

---

## **8. Medical Clearance and Documentation**

Certain medical conditions or equipment require **Medical Information Forms (MEDIF)** or a **Fit-to-Fly Certificate** from a physician.

You may need clearance if you:

* Are traveling with oxygen
* Have had recent surgery
* Require a stretcher
* Need in-flight medical escort
* Have a contagious illness

### ✅ Documents:

* MEDIF form (downloadable from Turkish Airlines site)
* Physician’s statement (on letterhead, with date & signature)
* Proof of prescription (for medications/equipment)

All documents should be sent to **[medicaloperations@thy.com](mailto:medicaloperations@thy.com)**

---

## **9. Traveling with Mobility Equipment**

Turkish Airlines allows:

* Wheelchairs
* Scooters
* Crutches
* Walkers
* Collapsible canes
* Battery-powered mobility devices (with safety approval)

### Key Points:

* One wheelchair per passenger is **carried free of charge**
* Batteries must meet airline regulations
* Notify airline **in advance**

Staff will assist you with:

* Device storage
* Onboard transfer (aisle wheelchair)

---

## **10. Airport Wheelchair Service**

Turkish Airlines provides **three levels** of wheelchair assistance:

| Code     | Meaning                                           |
| -------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **WCHR** | Can walk short distances; needs help to/from gate |
| **WCHS** | Can’t walk stairs; needs help to aircraft seat    |
| **WCHC** | Fully immobile; needs help through entire journey |

Assistance is available:

* From check-in desk
* Through security and passport control
* To the boarding gate and seat

---

## **11. Boarding and In-Flight Assistance**

Flight attendants are trained to help with:

* Getting to and from your seat
* Stowing luggage or devices
* Meal assistance
* Emergency evacuation instructions

> Note: Cabin crew **cannot lift or carry** passengers. Bring a travel companion if physical transfer is needed.

---

## **12. Assistance for Visual and Hearing-Impaired Passengers**

Services include:

* Personal safety briefing
* Priority seating near exits or crew
* Subtitles or Braille safety cards
* Guide to lavatory use
* Assistance with meal selection

It’s helpful to notify the crew during **boarding** for personalized attention.

---

## **13. Medical Devices and Oxygen Use**

Allowed devices include:

* Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC)
* CPAP/BiPAP machines
* Nebulizers
* Infusion pumps

### Guidelines:

* Devices must be **FAA-approved**
* Notify the airline **48–72 hours in advance**
* Bring sufficient batteries (150% flight duration)
* Seat selection may be limited due to power access

---

## **14. Traveling with Service Animals**

Turkish Airlines permits **service dogs** in the cabin at **no additional cost**, provided:

* Dog is trained
* Sits on passenger’s lap or floor
* Wears a harness
* Vaccination and ID documents are provided

Submit:

* Veterinary health certificate
* Behavior declaration
* Proof of training (if requested)

---

## **15. Special Meal Requests**

Available meals include:

* Diabetic
* Gluten-free
* Kosher
* Halal
* Hindu
* Vegan/Vegetarian
* Low-cholesterol
* Baby food

### How to Request:

* During booking or through “Manage Booking”
* At least **24 hours before departure**

---

## **16. Assistance for Elderly Travelers**

Seniors traveling alone can request:

* Wheelchair
* Priority boarding
* Escort to gates
* Help with luggage
* Reminders for medication

It’s recommended to **arrive 3 hours early** and inform gate staff about any concerns.

---

## **17. Assistance for Unaccompanied Minors**

Turkish Airlines provides UMNR service for:

* Kids aged **5–12 years** (mandatory)
* Teens aged **13–18 years** (optional)

The airline assigns a staff member to:

* Escort child at all times
* Assist during connections
* Handover at destination

**Parent or guardian ID required** during drop-off and pickup.

---

## **18. FAQs on Turkish Airlines Special Assistance**

### ❓ Is special assistance free on Turkish Airlines?

Yes, most services like wheelchair and guide dog accommodations are free.

### ❓ Can I bring a personal caregiver?

Yes, but a separate paid ticket must be booked for the companion.

### ❓ What if I forget to request assistance?

Contact the airport team immediately. They may accommodate you, depending on availability.

### ❓ How early should I arrive?

At least **3 hours** before departure if you need special assistance.

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## **19. Contact Information**

### 🛫 **Turkish Airlines Special Assistance Department**

* **Phone (Global):** +90 850 333 0 849
* **Email:** [specialassistance@thy.com](mailto:specialassistance@thy.com)
* **Medical Clearance:** [medicaloperations@thy.com](mailto:medicaloperations@thy.com)
* **Website:** [www.turkishairlines.com](https://www.turkishairlines.com)

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## **20. Final Thoughts**

Turkish Airlines is deeply committed to providing an inclusive and accessible travel experience. From check-in to landing, the airline ensures that passengers needing extra support are treated with **respect, dignity, and compassion**. Whether you're flying short-haul or internationally, requesting special assistance is straightforward—as long as you prepare ahead.

### ✅ Quick Recap:

* Request assistance **at least 48 hours before travel**
* Submit medical documents early if needed
* Contact the **Special Assistance team** for personalized help
* Bring all required paperwork to the airport
* Arrive early and notify staff again at check-in

Your comfort and safety are a top priority — don’t hesitate to ask for the support you deserve.
