US Airways Special Assistance

Mobility Assistance: It is suggested that you shall inform US Airways at least 24 hours before departure of flight in case there is a need to get special mobility assistance. The carrier provides moveable aisle seats to passengers with wheelchairs and also has provision for keeping more leg space in the seats.

While at the airport, the carrier will provide the curbside assistance for the mobility disabled. You are also requested to check in at least 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the flights. Some airports also have the electric carts for carrying the passengers. On board wheelchairs and easy access to the lavatories are some of the other facilities to be provided by the airline to the mobility disabled.

US Airways and US Airways Express both have designated priority space in the cabin of each aircraft for keeping in stow one collapsible wheelchair. Wheelchairs kept in cabin stow are not counted towards the carry on baggage. Non collapsible wheelchairs are accepted as checked baggage.

In case of battery powered wheelchairs, the passengers are required to inform the carrier at least 48 hours in advance and check in 1 hours prior to the usual time limit. US Airways requires that three types of batteries shall be packaged separately. These are lithium-ion batteries, battery which is not properly secured to wheelchair and any spillable battery which is not possible to store in upright position. It is also important to remember that only those lithium ion batteries are permitted on board which contain less than 25 grams of equivalent lithium content or are rated 300 watt hours or less. Per person only up to 2 such batteries are allowed to be transported.

Assistance to Vision and Hearing Impaired: Assistance is provided to the visually and hearing disabled at the various stages of journey from the airport, to the airplane gate, embarking and disembarking and at drop-off or pick-up.TDD/TYY service is available in most of the airports for the visually impaired.

Unaccompanied Minors: The policy of US Airways with respect to the unaccompanied children is categorised into two: those who are of 11 years and less and those who are more than 11 years of age.

Children of less than 2 years of age shall be accompanied by an adult of 16 years of age or more. However, if they are travelling with their parent, the restriction of 16 years does not apply. Children of 2-11 years of age group shall travel with an adult of 16 years and above. Children in the age group of 5-11 years can travel as ‘unaccompanied minors’ only on nonstop flights and shall buy the assistance by paying USD 150 (excluding tax) each way. However, the fee is not charged while flying between Charlotte and Brazil.

Children who are in the age group of 12-17 years may travel unaccompanied on nonstop or connecting flights. They do not need our assistance but, if requested, the UNM assistance is provided on payment of fee of USD 150 as fee.

Infants: Infants can be carried in US Airways either in the lap (of a person 16 years and above) or in a separate safety seat approved by FAA. On the international flights, an infant in lap may need a paper ticket and is required to pay 10 percent of adult fare along with non-discounted government taxes and surcharges.

Pregnant Women: Rules related to pregnant women are same as that of the American Airlines.

While traveling in domestic sector (not above water), for the the flight of less than 5 hours duration, pregnant women are not allowed to travel within 7 days of due and after pregnancy. If there is a need to travel, a medical certificate from doctor and clearance from the Special Assistance Coordinators is required.

While traveling in the international sector (over water), travel is not permitted within 30 days of due date unless examined by obstetrician within 48 hours of due departure and certification in written is required. Travel within 10 days of international travel shall have clearance from the Special Assistance Coordinators.

Service Animals: Carriage of service animals on US Airways flights is permitted. There is no restriction on the types and the numbers of service animals provided these can come in your lap on in front of your seat without blocking the aisles.

While there is no charge for the service animal, there is a fee for the pets used for work (sniffer dogs). so, there is a need to differentiate between service and working pets. Service animals are recognized by way of Animal Id Card, Harness or tags, credible verbal assurance or other written documents.

For carrying pets in the cabin area, there is a requirement to call in advance since not more than 6 pets can be carried on each flight. Pets are not accepted in cargo while the AA does accept these in cargo. 1 small domestic dog, cat or bird can be carried in cabin by paying USD 125 each way as additional fee. For carrying a second pet, it is important to buy a seat and no extra pet fee will be charged for this second pet. It is important to note that you might not be permitted to have carry on pets on flights to/from certain destinations such as Europe, South America, Middle East, Antigua, Bridgetown, Barabados, Monetgo Bay and St. Lucia.

Special animal relief areas are present at Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix airports.