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How can I get special assistance at the airport?

Move effortlessly through the bustling corridors of an airport, with personalised assistance that transforms a potentially tiring journey into a smooth and enjoyable experience. For people with reduced mobility or disabilities, this is within easy reach thanks to dedicated services. In France and across the European Union, airports and airlines such as Chalair are doing everything they can to ensure equal access to air travel. Find out here how to request and receive special assistance at the airport.
Published on 4th November 2025

Plan ahead for any assistance you may need right from the booking stage

The key to a successful journey lies in preparation. When you book your ticket, please let us know straight away if you require special assistance.

At Chalair, this is easily done when booking online via our website. Please provide specific details, such as whether you’ll be using a wheelchair or travelling with an assistance dog. Doing this at an early stage allows our team to coordinate with the airport to ensure you receive the best possible support. Please allow at least 48 hours before departure to ensure the services are available. If you forget to mention this when making your initial booking, you can amend your booking via your Chalair account. Planning ahead avoids any surprises and ensures a smooth experience from the moment you arrive.

European regulations reinforce this approach. Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 requires airports and carriers to provide free and appropriate assistance.

By letting us know your requirements early, you can exercise these rights without any complications. Please remember to describe your equipment in detail, such as the weight of your wheelchair or the type of battery, to enable a quick check.

This preparation turns special assistance at the airport into a major asset for your comfort.

Choose the right time to arrive at the airport

Arriving on time is essential to make the most of the assistance. Allow at least two hours before departure for a domestic flight, and three hours for longer journeys.

At Chalair, our regional flights benefit from this buffer to ensure seamless coordination. Once you arrive, head to the dedicated reception points, which are often marked with clear symbols near the entrances or car parks. These areas allow you to register your arrival and initiate special assistance at the airport without any unnecessary waiting.

If you are travelling with a companion, please mention this when you check in. The airport provides assistance with formalities, such as baggage check-in and security checks. If you have a connecting flight, check the minimum time required to avoid any last-minute rush.

This organisation ensures a smooth transition to boarding, where the team will take over to help you settle in comfortably.

Discover the services tailored to your specific needs

Special assistance at the airport covers a wide range of needs.

For passengers with reduced mobility, this includes wheelchair transport from the car park to the aircraft. French airports, regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, offer assistance with customs and security checks, helping you avoid exhausting queues. On board, Chalair ensures you are allocated suitable seats, with space for your equipment.

If you use a medical device, such as a ventilator, please inform the airline when making your booking. Two pieces of mobility equipment per person may be carried free of charge, subject to prior notification.

Assistance dogs may travel in the cabin at no extra cost on domestic flights.

These services, which comply with European standards, make travel accessible to everyone. In the event of loss or damage to your equipment, the airport will provide a temporary replacement, followed by compensation in accordance with international conventions.

Manage medical equipment and accompanying persons with ease

Transporting medical equipment requires special attention. Please provide the technical specifications when requesting special assistance at the airport. Wheelchair batteries, for example, must comply with regulations on dangerous goods. Chalair accepts these devices with 48 hours’ notice, making it easier to accommodate them on board.

Companions are often allocated an adjacent seat, subject to safety considerations. No medical certificate is required for assistance, but a certificate for assistance dogs speeds up the process.

In France, these rights extend to flights to the European Union, protecting passengers against any unjustified refusal of boarding. Should an exceptional situation arise, please contact our team for a swift resolution.

Enjoy a tailored regional journey with Chalair

Chalair excels at regional flights, where special assistance at the airport is particularly valuable for short, comfortable journeys. Our trained teams provide personalised care, from the ground to the air.

Travel with peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that reliable assistance is on hand at every stage.