To request special assistance or a wheelchair on Brussels Airlines, contact customer service at 1-866-323-7710 or submit a request through their website before your flight.
Traveling by air should be comfortable and accessible for everyone. Brussels Airlines understands that some passengers may require extra support during their journey due to mobility limitations, medical conditions, age related needs, or other personal circumstances. To ensure a smooth and stress free experience, the airline offers a wide range of special assistance services designed to meet individual passenger requirements.
Whether you need wheelchair support, medical assistance, help for visual or hearing impairments, or assistance while traveling with an elderly companion, Brussels Airlines provides clear procedures to request and receive support. Knowing how and when to request special assistance is important so the airline can prepare in advance and ensure your journey is safe and comfortable from start to finish.
This guide explains everything you need to know about requesting special assistance on Brussels Airlines, including the types of services available, how to request them, what to expect at the airport, and helpful tips to avoid last minute stress.
Special assistance refers to services provided to passengers who need additional support while traveling. Brussels Airlines offers assistance throughout the entire travel experience, including check in, security, boarding, inflight support, and arrival at the destination airport.
These services are available for passengers with reduced mobility, temporary injuries, chronic medical conditions, visual or hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, elderly travelers, pregnant passengers, and those traveling with service animals.
Requesting assistance in advance allows the airline to coordinate with airport staff and ground services, ensuring everything is arranged before your flight.
Any passenger who feels they may need additional help during their journey can request special assistance. This includes but is not limited to:
Passengers who use wheelchairs or mobility aids
Passengers with temporary injuries such as fractures
Passengers with visual or hearing impairments
Passengers with intellectual or cognitive disabilities
Elderly passengers who require extra help
Passengers with medical conditions that need attention
Passengers traveling with assistance or service animals
Passengers who need help navigating large airports
You do not need to provide unnecessary details about your condition. Brussels Airlines focuses on understanding what kind of assistance you need, not the medical reason behind it.
Brussels Airlines provides several types of assistance to accommodate different passenger needs. Understanding these categories will help you request the right service.
Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance
Passengers with reduced mobility can request wheelchair assistance at the airport. This includes help from check in to boarding, moving between terminals, and assistance upon arrival.
There are generally three levels of mobility assistance:
Passengers who can walk short distances but need help through the airport
Passengers who can walk to the aircraft but cannot climb stairs
Passengers who require a wheelchair at all times
When requesting assistance, clearly indicate your level of mobility so the airline can arrange appropriate support.
Assistance for Visual Impairments
Passengers with visual impairments can receive guidance through the airport, assistance with boarding, and help locating seats and restrooms onboard. Cabin crew are trained to assist visually impaired passengers during the flight and explain safety procedures verbally.
Service animals for visually impaired passengers are also accepted, subject to airline policies and destination regulations.
Assistance for Hearing Impairments
Passengers with hearing impairments can request assistance for important announcements, boarding information, and safety instructions. Cabin crew can provide one on one explanations when needed to ensure passengers feel comfortable and informed throughout the journey.
Medical Assistance and Special Medical Needs
Passengers with medical conditions may require special arrangements such as oxygen support, mobility aids, or seating considerations. Brussels Airlines may request a medical clearance form for certain conditions to ensure it is safe for you to fly.
If you are traveling with medical equipment or medication, inform the airline in advance so they can confirm cabin or cargo requirements.
Assistance for Elderly Passengers
Elderly travelers who need extra help can request assistance even if they do not have a medical condition. This includes help with walking long distances, boarding, and handling carry on luggage.
Brussels Airlines staff are trained to assist elderly passengers with patience and care to ensure a comfortable journey.
Assistance for Cognitive or Developmental Disabilities
Passengers with cognitive or developmental disabilities can request personalized assistance throughout their journey. This may include guidance through the airport, help understanding procedures, and reassurance during boarding and inflight service.
Traveling companions can also coordinate with airline staff to ensure smooth communication.
The best time to request special assistance is during the booking process. Brussels Airlines allows passengers to add assistance requests directly while making a reservation online.
When booking your ticket:
Select the option for special assistance
Choose the type of assistance you require
Provide any relevant details that help staff understand your needs
Confirm your request before completing the booking
Adding your request early allows the airline to plan properly and coordinate with airport teams.
If you have already booked your ticket, you can still request special assistance.
You can do this by:
Logging into the Manage Booking section on the Brussels Airlines website
Adding special assistance details to your reservation
Contacting customer support for help updating your booking
It is recommended to submit your request at least 48 hours before departure. This ensures enough time for arrangements to be made at both departure and arrival airports.
Once your request is submitted, Brussels Airlines reviews the information and coordinates with airport ground services. You may receive a confirmation message indicating that your request has been recorded.
In some cases, especially for medical assistance, the airline may contact you for additional information or documentation. Respond promptly to avoid delays or issues at the airport.
On the day of travel, arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow extra time for assistance.
At the airport:
Inform check in staff about your assistance request
Airport staff will escort you through security and passport control
You will receive priority boarding when applicable
Staff will help you reach your seat and store carry on items
At arrival, assistance staff will be available to help you disembark and reach baggage claim or connecting flights.
Brussels Airlines cabin crew are trained to support passengers with special needs during the flight.
They can assist with:
Explaining safety procedures
Helping you move to the restroom if required
Storing and retrieving cabin baggage
Providing reassurance and comfort
However, cabin crew cannot provide medical treatment or personal care such as feeding or lifting. Passengers who need this level of assistance should travel with a companion.
Passengers can bring personal mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches. Brussels Airlines usually transports mobility aids free of charge.
It is important to:
Inform the airline in advance about the size and type of equipment
Remove detachable parts before check in if possible
Label equipment with your contact details
Battery powered wheelchairs may require special handling, so notify the airline early.
Brussels Airlines allows recognized service animals to travel with passengers who need them. Rules may vary depending on destination regulations.
Passengers should:
Notify the airline in advance
Provide required documentation
Ensure the animal meets health and training requirements
Service animals usually travel in the cabin with their handler.
If your journey includes connecting flights, Brussels Airlines will coordinate assistance at transfer airports. Make sure your assistance request covers the entire journey, not just the first flight.
For long layovers, assistance staff can help you navigate terminals and reach rest areas or lounges when available.
To ensure everything goes smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
Request assistance as early as possible
Arrive at the airport early
Carry essential medications in your hand luggage
Bring copies of medical documents if required
Communicate clearly with airport and cabin staff
Travel with a companion if you need personal care
Being prepared helps avoid stress and ensures the airline can support you effectively.
Avoid these common mistakes when requesting assistance:
Waiting until the last minute to make a request
Not providing enough details about your needs
Assuming assistance is automatic without confirmation
Forgetting to reconfirm assistance for return flights
Always double check your booking before travel day.
Brussels Airlines is committed to providing inclusive travel experiences. Their staff receive training to assist passengers with diverse needs respectfully and professionally.
The airline continuously works with airports and service providers to improve accessibility and passenger comfort. This commitment helps ensure that passengers with special needs can travel with confidence and dignity.
Requesting special assistance on Brussels Airlines is a simple and supportive process designed to make air travel accessible to everyone. Whether you need help with mobility, communication, medical needs, or general guidance, the airline offers thoughtful services to ensure your journey is safe and comfortable.
The key to a smooth experience is early communication. By requesting assistance in advance, providing clear details, and arriving prepared, you allow Brussels Airlines to create a travel experience that meets your needs.
Air travel should be enjoyable and stress free for all passengers. With the right planning and the support services offered by Brussels Airlines, you can focus on your journey and destination with confidence and peace of mind