Most assistance will need to be added directly with your airline, but we have some additional information to help you below. At the bottom you'll find some quick links to our most popular airlines taking you to their information too.
You'll need your flight reference when dealing with your airline. This is NOT your Thomas Cook booking reference. You can find your airline reference in the flights section of your booking confirmation/Invoice, shown here:
At the airport:
Assistance can be arranged at all UK airports; you'll need to contact your flight provider to get this added to your booking. This can be done in most cases online on their 'Manage My Booking' page. This should be done at least 48 hours before you depart to make sure the equipment needed to assist you is available. Around most airports you will find assistance stations, there may either be a person or a phone to use to get assistance and help through the airport.
Seating onboard:
You'll need to contact your airline to arrange seating either on the phone or though their 'Manage My Booking' page on their website.
Equipment:
If you’re taking any medical equipment with you, you'll need to contact the airline directly so they can add this information to your booking. Most airlines will allow you to carry 2 pieces of medical equipment free of charge but you'll need to speak to the airline to confirm. You'll need the dimensions and weights of the equipment too.
If you're taking a wheelchair, we advise having the make, model, weight (KG) and the dimensions (length x width x height in CM) ready as they may need to take this information. If it's battery powered, you'll also need the information of the battery.
Walking sticks can be taken onboard and do not need any additional documentation with them.
Medication:
If you are taking medication with you please check if there are any restrictions on the type of medication. you can Click here to go to the travel advice page from the FCDO, find the country, the information will be in the entry requirements section under medication. We recommend you take a copy of your prescription with you.
Medical conditions:
If you have recently suffered a stroke, epilepsy, a heart condition, or any other serious condition, you may be required to get a Fit to Fly letter from your doctor, please let your airline know and they will advise if you need this.
- Infections – if a passenger has chicken pox, mumps etc. your airline will advise at which point you can travel. For example: passengers can usually travel 7 days after the appearance of the last spot, as this implies the infection is no longer contagious.
- Broken limbs - Passengers can usually travel with a cast. If it’s within 48 hours of the cast being applied, the cast usually must be split to allow for expansion while flying.
If it’s a full leg cast, you may be required to purchase additional seats to keep the leg elevated as this reduces the risk of swelling. If it’s just your lower leg, additional seating isn’t usually required. - Autism - Passengers may not require assistance but need extra support at the airport. Airlines may not be able to help directly with this, but some airports do offer additional services such as lanyards that can be collected on arrival at the airport and worn, so staff are aware that passengers wearing them require extra help.
- Allergies - Please inform the airline in advance of travelling and the cabin crew on boarding. They can make an announcement and can request passengers don’t eat products containing this ingredient. This does not guarantee complete restriction if passengers do not follow this request. Make sure you carry any medication you may need while onboard.
Assistance dogs:
You will need to add your assistance dog to your flight booking directly with the airline.
Dogs will normally sit in the space on the floor in front of the seat. If it is not possible for the dog to sit there or the dog is of a larger breed, the airline may charge for a second seat to be enough floor space for the dog to lie down. A safety harness should be taken on the plane to enable your dog to be secured during take-off and landing.
Emotional support dogs are not allowed when travelling to and from the UK.
Oxygen on the flight:
If your device fits in your cabin baggage and will not be needed for the flight, you don't need to notify the airline. If the device will be carried in addition to your baggage allowance or if you need to use a device during your flight, you’ll need to contact the airline directly.