Vital Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility You Need to Know About

Air travel may be intimidating for anyone, but for those with limited mobility, seniors, or families traveling with a loved one who may need additional attention, it can be exceptionally demanding. The stress of air travel is aggravated by long queues, huge terminals, heavy luggage, and unreliable service.

Luckily, certain rights and services are provided to PRM travelers to ensure safe, comfortable, and stress-free journeys.

What is a “PRM Form” in the Airport?

The PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) form guarantees that people with additional needs get the necessary assistance during their journey. This may include:

• Priority boarding
  
• Wheelchair assistance
  
• Guidance and navigation around the airport; this is especially crucial in large international airports where long walking distances, multiple terminals, crowded spaces, and tight flight connections can be overwhelming.

The PRM Process:

Requesting Assistance:

• Assistance normally has to be requested in advance.
  
• You can do so when booking your flight, by contacting your airline directly, approaching the PRM service desk at the airport, or filling out the forms online.

Completing the Form:

• The PRM form collects information, including:
  
  • Personal information (name, contact details, flight info)
    
  • Type of assistance required (wheelchair, escort, special seats)
    
  • Relevant health or mobility information
    

Form Submission:

• The form should be submitted as per airline or airport instructions, via email, online, or at the airport desk.
  

Arrival at the Airport:

• Allow adequate time to reach the airport.
  
• If no arrangement has been made in advance, proceed to the corresponding PRM service desk.

PRM Meaning and Rights

PRM stands for Passengers with Reduced Mobility, referring to travelers who require special assistance due to:

• Physical disabilities
  
• Visual or hearing impairments
  
• Other conditions affecting mobility
  

PRM support in aviation can include boarding, disembarking, mobility aids, and special seating. Airlines and airport operators are responsible for ensuring that PRM travelers enjoy a safe and comfortable journey, supported by well-trained teams who assist with all necessary services.

PRM Rights Across the Globe:

• European Union: Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 guarantees PRM rights.
  
• United States: Air Carrier Access Act provides accessibility of services.
  
• Canada: Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations.
  
• Australia: Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport.
  
• South Africa & Japan: Domestic mobility rights.
  
• India: Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
• International: ICAO Manual on Access to Air Transport by Persons with Disabilities provides global recommendations.
  

Airlines also provide mobility aids and accessible facilities. Many have well-trained teams to assist PRM travelers with boarding, disembarking, and onboard services.

Free PRM vs Paid airssist Services

Standard PRM assistance provided by airlines is free but often limited in scope. It may cover basic wheelchair or escort support but can leave gaps in coordination between services, such as lounge access, transfers, luggage handling, and emergency support.

airssist Meet and Greet services are a paid premium service that ensures full coordination, seamless navigation, and personalized support at every step. This is an investment in comfort, safety, and peace of mind for seniors, families, and passengers with reduced mobility.

How to Obtain Special Passenger Handling Assistance?

Passengers with reduced mobility are expected to contact their airline at least 48 hours prior to the flight to request assistance. This can be done via phone, email, or online forms.

When arranged, the services may include a special passenger service assistant who directs travelers around the airport. This ensures a worry-free and smooth experience, including:

• Check-in and baggage handling
  
• Boarding and security
  
• Navigation through the terminal
  
• Airport messages and announcements
  

This service is comparable to a Meet-and-Greet airport concierge, providing comfort and reassurance while addressing coordination gaps such as mismatched wheelchair support, delayed luggage handling, lounge access issues, and lack of real-time assistance that can arise between different airport services.

Flight Delays and Emergency Handling

Even with PRM services, travelers may face flight delays or unexpected disruptions. airssist ensures that passengers are supported in real-time during emergencies, providing updates, guidance, and assistance to reduce stress and maintain a smooth journey.

Fast-Track and Lounge Access

Passengers with reduced mobility also enjoy fast-track airport check-in, security, and boarding, enabling them to maneuver efficiently around the airport.

Note: PRM support does not include lounge access; lounges must be booked separately.

How airssist Assists Low-Mobility Passengers?

airssist offers a high-end Meet and Greet service that goes beyond standard PRM assistance, making travel comfortable, dignified, and worry-free. Services include:

• Airport Lounge Access: Relax in serene locations with food and beverages, avoiding crowded terminals.
  
• VIP Terminal Access: Complete customs and security privately, ensuring discretion and efficiency.
  
• Airport Escort & Fast Track: Dedicated agents manage all touchpoints from curb to aircraft.
  
• Special Transport: Comfortable and accessible vehicles for a smooth journey to and from the airport.
  
• Wheelchair Travel Concierge: Personalized support for passengers requiring mobility assistance throughout the airport.
  

airssist provides maximum comfort, safety, and assurance for seniors, families, and passengers with physical disabilities.

Conclusion

PRM rights guarantee that passengers with reduced mobility can travel safely by air. However, standard services often leave gaps, creating stress and uncertainty.

airssist Meet and Greet services bridge these gaps, offering a smooth, dependable, and dignified airport journey.

For passengers with reduced mobility, older individuals, and families, airssist is not a luxury. It is essential for safe, stress-free air travel.

Note: Please note that the information on this page is generic & subject to change due to fluctuations in airport services. Kindly confirm service availability with our team, as offerings may vary daily.