Need assistance at the Airport?

– by Lynn Black, Information Officer

We all enjoy a break from time to time which often involves a flight from our local airport.

We also know it can sometimes be a bit of a hassle getting parked, carrying luggage, finding the passport which was in your hands a minute ago, but has mysteriously and inexplicably disappeared into a pocket or handbag – you know what I mean. So we understand how much worse it can be for someone with MND and the person they are travelling with – to think of all the extra things you might need to take with you and how you will get about when you arrive at your destination.

However, at least help and assistance is at hand at the airport to ease some of the stress and strains of travelling. If you are travelling by air and require assistance, help is available while you are at the airport and during your flight. – it’s just a case of knowing what to do and who to contact.

For people with reduced mobility and other special requirements, help is available at the airport from your arrival at the airport through to boarding your flight and disembarking at the end of your flight.  However, you are recommended to request assistance at the time of booking to give your airline as much notice as possible for both your departure and your arrival.

Information about how to get help and who to contact at Scotland’s 3 three main airports is given below. On the airports’ websites, you will find information about the following:

• Drop-off points
• Where to park for short stay or long stay parking,
• How to use your Blue Badge
• How to get assistance from the car parks into the airport buildings.
• Travelling by public transport to and from the airport

Please remember that even if you are fairly mobile, there can be long distances within airports and therefore assistance might still be required.

Aberdeen Airport

If you’re thinking of jetting off for a break, and would like to ask about special assistance at Aberdeen Airport, you can contact their Assistance Contact line for help and information.

Telephone: +44 (0)1224 725767 (provided by the company G4S). Open 04:00 to 22:30 daily.

Email: PRM.Aberdeen@uk.g4s.com

Text: Send texts to 80800 and start your message or enquiry with the word Airport. We will text or call you back. Available 24 hours.

Minicom: +44(0)141 585 6161 for passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing

Website : https://www.aberdeenairport.com/aberdeen-airport-guide/special-assistance/assistance-contact-info/

https://www.aberdeenairport.com/aberdeen-airport-guide/special-assistance/request-assistance

Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport has very good information on its website and they have a booklet about the services they provide for travellers who require assistance.

Website  http://www.glasgowairport.com/im-departing/passenger-info

Booklet : http://www.glasgowairport.com/media/93878/15475-prm-document-24316.pdf

For Reduced Mobility Assistance queries at Glasgow Airport, please contact them by :

Telephone: +44 (0) 141 842 7700 (24 Hr)

 Email GLA.PRM@ocs.co.uk

Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport has produced a booklet and several very helpful information videos to assist travellers with reduced mobility and who require special assistance. These can be viewed on their website.

Website http://www.edinburghairport.com/prepare/special-assistance

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/edinburghairport/files/2017/02/20170223_PRM_Journey.pdf

For further information, please contact the airport information line on

Telephone : 0844 770 3040 (UK) or   +44 (0)131 3484203 (from outside the UK).

Further Information

Please remember that we have Factsheets on our website about Travelling and Holidays which contain more in-depth information on these topics.

Factsheet 9 Travelling and Holidays

Factsheet 12 Travel Insurance

Factsheet 17 Motoring and MND

Factsheet 37 Long Distance Travel

We also have a web page about companies and organisations which specialise in holidays for people with mobility problems. If you need any further advice, please contact us by email, phone, via the website or Social Media.