Accessible Travel To/From the USA
Traveling With Disabilities
On the following page you will find useful information for accessible travel to and from the USA.
We suggest you discuss your proposed trip with your doctor and make all the necessary preparations. Then book your flight as soon as possible and tell us at least two days before departure what you would like, either by email to medicalservices@flyedelweiss.com or by phone to +1 669 272 1225.
Please read the various topics discussed below. If you still have a specific medical question, please contact the dedicated team of our Service Center either via contact form, by email to medicalservices@flyedelweiss.com, or by phone to +1 669 272 1225 (available 24 hours daily from Monday to Sunday).
On Edelweiss flights you can either check in your battery-driven mobility aids as baggage or take them with you in the cabin. Battery-driven mobility aids include respirators, CPAP machines (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), portable oxygen concentrators and ventilators. Passengers with disabilities who use a FAA-approved personal respirator/ventilator are permitted to take their equipment (including non-spillable batteries) on board. The battery power must be sufficient for 150% of the maximum flight duration.
Edelweiss permits the carriage of battery-driven mobility aids that use both spillable and non-spillable batteries. The batteries must be clearly marked “SPILLABLE” or “NON-SPILLABLE” so that our staff can deal appropriately with each type of battery. Batteries that show signs of damage or leakage may be refused.
If you cannot inform us in advance, Edelweiss staff will be happy to help you at the airport to store your mobility aids in the aircraft.
If you have a hearing impairment, please contact us before your trip so we can make the necessary arrangements. You can do so either via contact form or by email to medicalservices@flyedelweiss.com.
If you cannot advise us in advance, our staff will be happy to assist you at the airport.
You can take your service dog with you on board of Edelweiss flights free of charge. Please find out about the general requirements for taking an assistance dog into the aircraft cabin with you.
Under the following link you will find all the necessary information for taking your service dog with you.
In the event of problems during your trip with Edelweiss, please ask our crew members or ground staff if you can speak with a complaint resolution official (CRO).
With their specialist training, our CROs have the sensitivity and knowledge required and are familiar with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration regulations and laws, those of the Department of Transportation, the Air Carrier Access Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. They will be happy to deal with your concerns.
CROs are available during operating hours at all our US destinations and in Zurich.
If you think that Edelweiss has violated any provision of Section 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 382, you can file an official complaint in accordance with the relevant procedure in Section 14 CFR Part 382.65 via the following channels:
By post:
Air Consumer Protection Division/C-75
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
West Building, Room W96-432,
Washington, D.C. 20590
1-202-366-2220 (voice call)
1-202-366-0511 (relay service)
Online:
Aviation Consumer Protection Division
US Department of Transportation hotline for people with disabilities:
If you have a time-sensitive issue with the service on your flight in connection with your disability that requires immediate attention, call 1-800-778-4838 (voice call) or 1-800-455-9880 (relay service) for support. This hotline is available between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST from Monday to Friday.
Consult the full regulations in Part 382
If you require more detailed information, you can download a copy of Part 382 under the following link.