SPECIAL NEEDS

At Travel Specials we believe that all our customers needs are special. To help make your journey more enjoyable it is important that you have access to as much information as possible regarding the facilities available not just at your destination but at all the stops along the way. We have found a lot of useful information for you but should you have any further queries simply call one of our agents and we would be happy to help.
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AIRPORT FACILITIES

Cork Airport
In 1999 Aer Rianta introduced a Bye-Law which obliges all service providers at the State airports to make available such facilities, as are required by passengers with disability in order that they may avail themselves of all airport services. Aer Rianta has continued to update and improve the facilities it provides for passengers with disabilities throughout the airport. Aer Rianta is a customer service oriented organisation. Should you need any assistance whilst at Cork Airport please do not hesitate to contact any staff member.

Special Parking
Reserved easy access car parking is available opposite the entrance to the Terminal Building.

Wheelchairs and Portage
Should extra assistance be needed, please contact your airline in advance of your arrival at Cork Airport.

Airport Facilities
The Terminal Building at Cork Airport is easily accessible. Specially adapted facilities include telephones, toilets and lifts. The lifts are fitted with Braille buttons.

Airline Needs
Should extra facilities or assistance be needed after check-in, please contact your airline to advise them in advance.

Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is dedicated in providing access and services to our Disability Travellers.

Aer Rianta as airport managers for Dublin Airport provide the infrastructure, which enable passenger access through the terminal to the aircraft by means of lifts and ramps.

Some airlines provide wheelchair assistance as part of their passenger handling service. Other airlines outsource this service to Greencaps Limited, an independent company providing various support services on request. There are some occasions where this service must be booked in advance as travelling may fall outside Greencaps’ operational hours (6.00am - midnight daily), their phone number is 00 353 1 814 4633.

Aer Rianta recommends that passengers with disabilities should notify their airline when booking if special facilities are required.

Drivers with disabilities hoping to make use of one of our easy access car park spaces should phone Aer Rianta (00 353 1 814 4828) to ensure against disappointment. Please be ready to tell us the date and times you will require parking facilities. Other details taken include drivers name and registration number of car. Drivers should ensure that their vehicles have appropriate stickers to identify them.

Should extra assistance be needed, Greencaps Limited provide wheelchair and porterage services for a small fee and may be contacted prior to arriving at the airport (00 353 1 814 4633).

Our facilities include:

1. Set down area on Departure and Arrivals Roads for people with disability.
2. Specially reserved easy access car parking spaces are available on the ground level of the multi-storey car park for both long term and short term stays. The spaces are linked to car park control by an intercom system. Reduced parking rates apply for long term stays.
3. Fully accessible terminal building.
4. Specially adapted facilities including toilets and lifts, all clearly signposted. New lifts have an inbuilt voiceover and have Braille buttons.
5. A minicom telephone located at the information desk.
6. A series of induction loops to facilitate amplification of announcements for passengers with hearing difficulties
7. A counter loop system at the information desk to facilitate clear communication with the information assistants on duty.
8. A wheelchair-friendly facility at our Information Desk in the Arrivals Hall.

Aer Rianta is a customer service-oriented organisation, and operates a policy of disability awareness training for its entire front line staff. Should you need any assistance whilst at the Airport please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Agents or indeed any staff member.

Shannon Airport
Passenger Facilities for Persons with Disabilities

Aer Rianta is a customer service oriented organisation and is committed to providing facilities for passengers with disabilities utilising its airports. Aer Rianta continues to improve and update these facilities throughout its Airports on an on-going basis. Aer Rianta operates a policy of disability awareness training for its entire front line staff.

This guide is designed to aid passengers with special needs as they travel through Shannon Airport, offering information about the services available and how to make the journey more enjoyable and manageable.

If you experience any difficulty during your visit to Shannon please do not hesitate to contact any of our staff who will be happy to assist.

Useful Numbers & Information Points

General Queries (061) 712000 – LoCall number 1890 SHANNON (742666)
Car Park Information (061) 712534/712539
Vehicle Assistance (061) 712408
Left Luggage (061) 712408
Lost Property (061) 712408
Porterage (061) 712408
Tourist Information (061) 471664
Bus Enquiries (061) 313333

Airlines

Flight Information Reservations
- Aer Lingus (061) 715400 0818 365000
- Air Canada (061) 472344 1800 709900
- Belavia (061) 715400 (061) 474082
- British Airways (061) 715400 1800 626747
- British European (061) 715400 1890 925532
- Continental Airlines (061) 712664 1890 925252
- Delta Airlines (061) 471200 1800 768080
- Royal Jordanian (061) 715400 (061) 712875
- Ryanair (061) 472344 0818 303030
- Skynet (061) 234400 (061) 234450
- US Airways (061) 712091 1890 925065

AERTEL Page 574

WEB SITE www.shannonairport.com
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GENERAL INFORMATION

For general enquiries contact Aer Rianta at Shannon Airport on (061) 712000, LoCall 1890 SHANNON (742666).

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ADVANCE NOTICE FROM YOUR AIRLINES

Inform your Airline in advance as to how they can help you will most certainly result in a more enjoyable trip. Information that the Airlines may need to know could include questions such as those outlined below:

Do you require assistance?
Do you require an escort?
Do you require wheelchair transportation through the Airport?
Do you seek to travel with a wheelchair or an electric wheelchair?
Will you be carrying hazardous materials such as the battery of a wheelchair?
Do you require a wheelchair to assist you to embark or disembark the aircraft?
Do you require oxygen on board the aircraft?
Do you require assistance to travel with an incubator?
Do you require an electrical supply on board the aircraft?
Will you be traveling using a stretcher?

If you feel that some of the above are relevant to your needs, Aer Rianta strongly advises that you contact your Airline well in advance of your flight, if possible at time of booking.

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PARKING YOUR CAR

Passengers who may require assistance from the Car Park can contact our Porterage Service staff who will be happy to assist.

When leaving the car park, drivers with disabilities are requested to pay their parking fee at the cashier booth located at the car park exit. A valid mobility sticker will be required.

Facilities for ‘set down and pick-up’ are available for people with disabilities at the entrances to our Arrivals and Departures concourses.
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IN THE TERMINAL

Lifts/Escalators
There are a number of lifts and escalators located in the terminal building. Clear directional signage points the way to each. Most lifts have directional inbuilt voiceovers.

Telephone & Snack Vending Machine Facilities
Low-level Coin, credit card telephones & Snack Vending Machines are located throughout the Terminal Building to facilitate passengers in wheelchairs.

Facilities for Partially Sighted
Guide dogs and hearing dogs are the only dogs permitted in the terminal building.

The airport directional and information signage is clearly placed, well lit and uses optimum colour contrast to ensure everyone can read them correctly

Security Check
All passengers must pass through the security check before reaching the departures lounge. Such a search may be carried out by hand or by using hand-held detectors. If required, a private search area away from the main area can be provided.
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AIRLINE FACILITES

Aer Lingus

1. What passenger assistance is offered by Aer Lingus?
2. Should I make arrangements for special assistance before my flight?
3. Can I bring my own wheelchair with me when traveling with Aer Lingus, and if I need one, is there a charge?
4. Can I bring my own oxygen, and is there a charge for oxygen supplied on board the aircraft?
5. How can I arrange a special meal to meet dietary or religious requirements?
6. Can I bring my guide dog on board at no extra charge?
7. Can I bring medication on board?
8. Can I book a child or a young passenger traveling alone on Aer Lingus services?

1. What passenger assistance is offered by Aer Lingus?
Aer Lingus offers the following assistance on all flights, which arrive at their destination only before 21:00:

Meet and Assist (Aer Lingus staff member to assist from check-in to the aircraft or from the aircraft to the Arrivals Hall) Wheelchair Assistance

2. Should I make arrangements for special assistance before my flight?
Yes. Let us know when you're booking your flight and we'll be there to help you, on the ground, in the air, and wherever your journey takes you in the Aer Lingus network.

3. Can I bring my own wheelchair with me when traveling with Aer Lingus, and if I need one, is there a charge?
You can use your own wheelchair, or one supplied by Aer Lingus or one of our handling agents. Both the wheelchair and dedicated staff assistance are free of charge. Certain restrictions apply to the transportation of battery-operated wheelchairs, so it is advisable to let us know what type of battery yours uses when you're booking.

4. Can I bring my own oxygen, and is there a charge for oxygen supplied on board the aircraft?
Due to Irish and international regulations, oxygen needed on aircraft must be dispensed only from approved airline-supplied containers. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice prior to departure should you require oxygen. There is a charge of EUR75/USD75/GBP50 per flight segment for this service.

5. How can I arrange a special meal to meet dietary or religious requirements?
By telling us at least three hours before your flight departure from Ireland, or six hours before your flight departure to Ireland. But check with your travel agent that the meals are served on the flight in question.

6. Can I bring my guide dog on board at no extra charge?
Yes, guide dogs accompanying visually-impaired passengers are carried free of charge. They can travel in the cabin when harnessed and sit at the passenger's feet. But check first that quarantine regulations permit the animal's entry at your destination.

7. Can I bring medication on board?
Yes, but always pack it in your carry-on cabin baggage so you have easy access to it. If you use needles to inject medication, bring along a note from your doctor to show at security checks etc.

8. Can I book a child or a young passenger travelling alone on Aer Lingus services?
Unaccompanied children under 12 years of age will not be accepted for travel on any of our scheduled services. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 years or over who will take responsibility for the child. Confirmed reservations made prior to 01 February 2003, will be honoured and special assistance will be provided to these children.

Young passengers between the age of 12 and 15 inclusive may travel unaccompanied solely on the basis that they are traveling as an adult. Aer Lingus will not be responsible for or provide any special assistance for these passengers. The parent/guardian will be required to sign a Form of Indemnity at the airport of departure relinquishing Aer Lingus from any responsibility to provide special assistance to these passengers. Aer Lingus may deny boarding to any unaccompanied young person between the age of 12 and 15 inclusive should the parent/guardian fail to complete the Form of Indemnity.
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BMI BABY

bmibaby aims to offer the best possible service at the best possible fare. If you need to use any of the services below or require any extra assistance when travelling with us please contact bmibaby reservations on 0870 264 2229 and an advisor will be happy to help.
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MEDICAL CLEARANCE

OXYGEN

WHEELCHAIR PASSENGERS

ACCEPTANCE OF GUIDE DOGS

TRAVELLING DURING PREGNANCY

EASYJET

Does easyJet accept passengers with disabilities / reduced mobility?

easyJet is unable to accept passengers with a level of disability which requires the presence of a care assistant unless a care assistant is travelling with that passenger. A maximum of two disabled passengers can travel with one care assistant.
Passengers with special needs who book their seats over the telephone must advise the sales agent of their requirements at the time of booking. Passengers purchasing seats over the Internet must then contact the easyJet call centre, quoting their confirmation number, to give details of their requirements.
Passengers with special needs will not be allowed to sit in emergency exit rows of the aircraft in case of an emergency evacuation of aircraft.

Does easyJet carry wheelchairs onboard?

Passengers' folding wheelchairs will be carried free of charge in addition to their normal baggage allowance.
easyJet will accept a maximum of two wheelchair passengers per flight. The airline will only accept groups of three or more wheelchair passengers by prior arrangement.
Wheelchairs that are powered by sealed, non-spillable types of battery are acceptable for carriage on easyJet aircraft. The battery must be disconnected and securely attached to the equipment. The airline will not carry wheelchairs with spillable batteries.
Wheelchairs facilities can be provided at check-in for passengers who are completely immobile and cannot walk unaided, or are unable to climb the aircraft steps, or cannot walk long distances.

I'm travelling with an infant / young child. Will I be charged for him / her?

Infants under the age of two years (on the date of travel) may fly free of charge provided they sit on an adult's lap. However, they do not qualify for a baggage allowance. No more than two infants per accompanying adult are allowed.
Babies must be at least two weeks old to be able to fly.
It is the accompanying person's responsibility to ensure that the minor is adequately secured into the aircraft seat. To this end easyJet will accept a car seat supplied by the accompanying person for any child over six months for whom an airline seat has been purchased, provided that the car seat has a rigid metal or plastic frame, is no wider than 42cm, has a four point harness and is upright and forward facing.
Children aged two years or over must pay the same fares as adults.

I need more than one seat. Do I have to pay extra?

Our minimum seat dimensions are as follows:
Pitch (distance between back of seat and back of seat in front): 29" (approx. 72.5cm)
Width (distance between armrests): 171/2 " (approx. 44cm)
If you are unable to fit into a single seat with the above dimensions for any reason (such as special medical requirements e.g. a broken leg) you will be required to purchase additional seating.

Does easyJet accept unaccompanied children for travel?

easyJet does not accept unaccompanied children for travel. Unaccompanied young persons must be 14 years or over to be accepted.
Children under 14 years of age cannot travel without an adult aged 16 years or older, who will take responsibility for the child.
Spanish and French children under 18 years travelling without their parents/legal guardians and with an ID card must have a form of written authorisation to travel from their parents.

They must collect the form from their local police station which must be presented with their ID card at the check-in desk and at passport control.
If they do not have this form the passport control officers will refuse them travel.
Children travelling with a valid passport do not require this form as a passport acts as parental authority.
This from is required for both International and Domestic flights.
A Family Book (Livret de Famille) is not sufficient ID for a child/infant to travel on international flights.
Children travelling on easyJet international flights must have either a valid ID card or passport and any other necessary documents.
Portuguese nationals and alien residents under 18 years and leaving or re- entering Portugal unaccompanied by their father, mother or legal guardian need a travel authorisation. This travel authorisation must be:

signed by the father, mother or legal guardian; and
the signature is notarised if the father, mother or legal guardian reside in Portugal; or
the signature is authenticated by a Portuguese embassy or consulate in the country where the father, mother or legal guardian reside.
This travel authorisation is also required when minors are accompanied by a person other than their father, mother or legal guardian. In such cases the travel authorisation must also clearly show the name of the accompanying person. Foreign minors under 18 years and travelling alone may be refused entry if they do not have anyone in Portugal taking responsibility for their stay
easyJet does not operate an indemnity policy and therefore under no circumstance, under the Child Protection Act, must another passenger be asked to accept responsibility during flight of an unaccompanied minor.
easyJet will accept children aged 14 years or under in large groups (i.e. 10 or more) on the condition that there is a minimum ratio of one accompanying adult per 10 children. In these instances an adult is considered to be anyone aged 16 years or above. Passengers travelling in such groups must call the easyJet call centre on 0871 7 500 100 in advance of travel so that the appropriate arrangements can be made. (Calls charged at 10p per minute within UK)

Are babies allowed to fly?

Infants (being children under the age of two years on the date of travel) may fly free of charge provided they sit on the lap of the accompanying person. No more than two infants per accompanying person are allowed. Infants under two weeks of age will not be accepted for travel.
Children aged two years or over must occupy their own seat and pay the same fares as adults.
It is the accompanying person's responsibility to ensure that the minor is adequately secured into the aircraft seat. To this end easyJet will accept a car seat supplied by the accompanying person for any child over six months for whom an airline seat has been purchased, provided that the car seat has a rigid metal or plastic frame, is no wider than 42cm, has a four point harness and is upright and forward facing. The required restraint device for the age of the infant is detailed below:
Age Restraint Device
2 weeks - less than 6 months Infant/extension seat/safety belt
6 months to less than 2 years Infant/extension seat or suitable car-type safety seat
2 years to less than 3 years Any suitable car-type safety seat or seat/safety belt
3 years or more Seat/safety belt

If an adult is travelling with more than one infant under the age of two years, but no less than six months, one infant may sit on the accompanying adult's lap and the other infant(s) must occupy separate seats and be seated in a car seat in accordance with the above table.
An adult with two or more infants aged six months or less cannot be accepted for travel.
A child between the ages of two and three years may be seated in a car seat in accordance with the above table.
Infants born prematurely are not permitted to fly under the age of six months post-expected date. The permitted date for travel is calculated by adding six months to the number of weeks that the infant has been born prematurely. A baby is considered to be premature if born three weeks or more before their original delivery date.

Does easyJet allow animals to travel onboard?

The carriage of live animals, including pets, insects, reptiles, or any other form of livestock, is forbidden under any circumstances, with the exception of service dogs for blind and/or deaf passengers and helping dogs for the disabled on UK and French domestic flights only. Dogs will only permitted to travel if the passenger is in possession of an official Environmental Health Card, and the dog is wearing the standard identifying jacket.

Passengers are required to advise easyJet in advance if they will be travelling with a service dog by calling the easyJet sales centre. In addition, in order to ensure that all necessary procedures are completed, passengers must check-in at least ninety minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight.

Does easyJet allow expectant mothers to fly?

Expectant mothers can be accepted for travel up to 27 weeks (inclusive) without a medical certificate. When travelling between 28 - 35 (inclusive) weeks a medical certificate confirming the number of weeks of pregnancy is required confirming that the passenger is fit to fly.
Pregnant passengers cannot be accepted for travel on or after week 36, and therefore all return sectors must be completed no later than week 36. All medical certification must be supplied by a doctor - medical certificates completed by a registered midwife cannot be accepted. Hotels & Restaurants

When Booking a hotel ask the following questions:
1. Is there car parking facilities for disabled drivers and passengers?
2. Is the hotel accessible from the front? – some hotels require a wheelchair user to use a side or back door to get in.
3. Are the toilets near the bar accessible?
4. Is the bedroom big enough to accommodate a wheelchair?
5. Does the bathroom have facilities suited to the needs of a wheelchair user?
6. Are wardrobe facilities suited to the needs of a wheelchair user? Those of us who use wheelchairs do like to hang up our clothes!
7. Are tea, coffee, television or radio facilities convenient for a person with a disability to manage? It is important to ask these questions and any others that directly effect you?
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