Traveling by plane for a person with disabilities or a temporarily injured passenger can turn into a real quest if you do not know your rights and available options. One of the key infrastructure elements that ensures the availability of air transport is ambulift. This is a specialized lifting device that allows you to safely transport a passenger with a disability or problems with the musculoskeletal system directly to the entrance to the aircraft, bypassing the ramp.
Many people mistakenly believe that this service is paid or is available only to those who have arranged escort through the airline. However, the legislation and internal rules of most airports provide for the possibility free order of special transport upon timely notification of the carrier. Understanding how the system works will help you avoid stress and delays on your flight day.
In this article we will look in detail at what an ambulift is, how it differs from a regular stroller, how to fill out an application correctly and what to expect at the airport. Knowing these nuances will allow you or your loved ones to feel more confident when planning a flight.
What is ambulift and how does it work?
Ambulift is not just a large stroller, but a complex technical device specially designed for lifting passengers with limited mobility on board an aircraft. Structurally, it is an electrically driven platform equipped with sides and a safety system. Unlike a conventional wheelchair, on an ambulift the passenger is in an upright or semi-lying position, securely secured with straps.
The device is controlled by an employee of the airport or the ground service of a handling agency. Electric ambulift allows you to smoothly raise the platform to a height corresponding to the door of a specific type of aircraft, be it a narrow-body Boeing or a huge Airbus A380. This is critical because standard telescopic ladders often have a steep incline that is insurmountable for a wheelchair user.
There are various modifications of lifts, adapted for different types of aircraft and operating conditions. Some models are equipped with an awning for protection from precipitation, which is especially important when landing through the apron. Passenger safety is ensured not only by seat belts, but also by a wheel locking system on the platform, which prevents slipping while driving.
⚠️ Attention: The weight of the passenger together with the personal stroller should not exceed the load capacity of the device specified in the technical data sheet of the specific model (usually 250–300 kg). If you weigh more, you must notify the airline in advance to select special equipment.
The use of an ambulift is a standard procedure at large and medium-sized airports around the world. It allows you to maintain the dignity of the passenger, eliminating the need to carry a person in your arms, which can be traumatic and psychologically uncomfortable. The device drives directly to the gate or ramp, providing the closest possible contact with the aircraft.
Who is eligible for special transport services?
Passengers who cannot independently cover the distance to the aircraft or climb the stairs have the right to use an ambulatory lift. These are not only people with official disabilities, but also those who received temporary injuries, for example, a broken leg. The service is also available to older people with mobility difficulties.
Air carriers classify such passengers with the codes WCHR, WCHS and WCHC. WCHR (Ramp) - passengers who can independently climb the stairs and walk around the cabin, but need a wheelchair to move around the terminal. WCHS (Steps) - those who cannot climb steps, but can walk to their chair. WCHC (Cabin) - passengers with limited mobility who require assistance when boarding and moving inside the cabin. It is for the last two categories that an ambulift is most often required.
It is important to understand that having a disability certificate is not a mandatory requirement for ordering a service, although it simplifies the procedure for confirming the need. The main thing is the passenger's physical inability to use standard boarding facilities. If you have temporarily injured your leg and are using crutches, you also have every right to request a lift.
Accompanying persons, as a rule, go through the boarding procedure with the passenger, but they cannot be on the ambulift platform at the same time for safety reasons and weight restrictions. The exception is small children whom the parent holds in their arms, if the design of the side allows this.
How to order an ambulift: step-by-step instructions
Filling out an application for special services is a process that requires time and care. It is best to do this immediately at the time of purchasing an air ticket. On airline websites, when choosing a fare or in the “Special Assistance” section, it is possible to indicate the need for a stroller or lift.
If the ticket has already been purchased, you must contact the airline's call center or the agency through which the purchase was made. This must be done no later than 36–48 hours before departure, although the rules of many carriers allow you to order the service 24 hours in advance. Late ordering does not guarantee availability of equipment at the required time.
☑️ Checklist for ordering special services
When calling, the operator needs to clearly formulate the request: “I need an ambulift to board the plane.” Check to see if a stroller is also required to move around the terminal. After completing the application, you will receive a corresponding mark in the itinerary receipt. Please print this document or save it on your smartphone - you will need it at the front desk.
On the day of departure, arriving at the airport should be done in advance, at least 2-3 hours before the flight. Go to your airline's check-in desk and immediately inform them that you have a special service order. Even if the application has been completed, confirmation on site will speed up the process of calling employees with a lift.
Procedure for boarding and disembarking using a lift
The landing process using an ambulift differs from the standard one. After passing through security and passport control, the passenger is taken to a waiting area, often in a special room for people with reduced mobility (PRM). From there they will call an employee who will escort you to the gate.
Boarding is carried out on a priority basis, usually before the mass boarding of other passengers. You will be taken to the ramp by ambulift. The employee will fix the platform at the level of the aircraft door, after which the flight attendants will assist in transferring to the narrow-type wheelchair (AISLE CHAIR), which is used to move around the cabin.
- 🛑 The employee checks that the seat belts are secure on the platform before lifting.
- 🛑 The passenger must remain in his wheelchair or be transferred to the ambulift platform according to the instructions of the staff.
- 🛑 Personal items taken into the cabin are handed over to the flight attendants separately or placed in a special compartment of the platform, if it is safe to do so.
Arrival and disembarkation occur in reverse order. The ambulift arrives at the plane after all other passengers have left the board, or simultaneously with them, depending on the airport rules. You will be met at the ramp, taken down to the platform and taken to the baggage claim area or to the terminal exit, where you will be met by greeters.
⚠️ Attention: At some airports, if there is strong wind or icing, the use of an ambulift may be temporarily prohibited by flight safety. In such cases, it may be necessary to wait until weather conditions improve or use alternative planting methods.
Specifications and Limitations
Understanding the technical limitations of the ambulift will help you avoid awkward situations. The devices have certain dimensions and load capacity. The standard platform is designed for the weight of a passenger and stroller up to 250–300 kg. The dimensions of the stroller also matter: if you are using an electric stroller of a non-standard size, you may be asked to check it as baggage, and you may be transferred to a standard airport stroller before boarding the ambulift.
Below is a table with approximate characteristics of popular ambulift models used at airports:
| Parameter | Meaning/Description |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 250 – 350 kg |
| Lifting height | up to 4.5 – 5.5 meters |
| Drive type | Electric (battery) |
| Lifting speed | 0.15 – 0.2 m/s |
It is important to consider weather conditions. Open-type ambulifts are not completely sealed, so the passenger may get wet in rain or snow. Mobile ambulifts with awning are less common, but provide better protection. If you are flying in bad weather, take extra clothing or a blanket.
Rules of conduct and advice for passengers
To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants in the process, it is important to follow certain rules. The passenger must strictly follow the commands of the employee operating the ambulift. Sudden movements, getting up from the seat during lifting or trying to lean on the sides are prohibited.
If you are traveling with your own supply of medications or life-saving devices, keep them with you rather than packing them in your luggage, which will end up in the cargo hold. On an ambulift, the bag can be placed between the legs or on the knees, if it does not interfere with the fixation with straps.
Feel free to report any discomfort. If the belts are tight or you feel cold/hot, tell a staff member about it before you start lifting. It is also important to notify the staff in advance if you have a service animal traveling with you in the cabin - there will also need to be a place or procedure for it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to order an ambulift directly at the airport on the day of departure?
Theoretically it is possible, but this does not guarantee the availability of the service. Ambulift is a special equipment that is planned by the dispatch service in advance. If all the cars are busy or are being serviced, you may be refused or asked to wait for several hours. Always order the service at least 36 hours in advance.
Do I have to pay to use an ambulift?
In most countries of the world, including Russia (according to FAP-82), escort services and provision of special transport (strollers, ambulatory lifts) for passengers with limited mobility are provided free of charge. You only need to pay for additional services that are not included in the standard set, for example, for being accompanied by a porter outside the airline’s area of responsibility.
What if I'm too fat for a standard airport stroller?
The ambulift has a wider platform than a standard wheelchair. However, if you cannot sit in a standard seat, be sure to notify the airline when booking. They can provide a bariatric wheelchair to move around the terminal, which will then be installed on the ambulatory platform.
Can an accompanying person travel on an ambulift with a passenger?
As a rule, no. The platform is designed for one passenger and his stroller. The accompanying person goes down/ascends the stairs separately or waits in the exit area. An exception may be cases of accompanying small children, but this is decided individually with the aircraft commander and ground services.
The use of ambulift makes air travel accessible to millions of people. Knowing your rights and procedures allows you to turn a potentially stressful situation into a comfortable journey. Plan ahead, don't be afraid to ask for help, and enjoy your flight.