To guarantee a service tailored to your requirements, the request for assistance for passengers with disabilities or with reduced mobility must be made to ITA Airways during the flight booking process or at a later stage, but no later than 48 hours before your flight's departure.

Whether at booking or later, it is important to specify to our Dedicated Team the type of assistance required, as described below. For those with multiple disabilities, more than one type of assistance may be requested.

WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE TO AND FROM THE AIRCRAFT
Passenger who can walk independently inside the aircraft and descend and ascend stairs but needs a wheelchair or other means of transport for long distances inside the terminal.

WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE TO AND FROM THE AIRCRAFT AND WITH STAIRS
Passenger who can walk independently inside the aircraft but cannot descend or ascend stairs and needs a wheelchair or any other means of transport for long distances inside the terminal.

WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR PASSENGER TRAVELLING WITH OWN MOBILITY AID
Non-ambulatory passengers, who can travel with their own wheelchair and require assistance from the moment of arrival at the airport, during all phases of boarding and disembarkation of the flight, including when on board the plane until the end of the flight and upon arrival at their destination.

HEARING ASSISTANCE
Passengers with partial or total limitations of hearing who requires communication assistance in the terminal and on the plane.

VISION ASSISTANCE
Passenger who is blind or low vision who requires assistance with wayfinding and communication in the terminal and on the plane.

INTELLECTUAL/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Passenger with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disability who requires assistance in the terminal and on the plane.
Passengers with intellectual or cognitive developmental disabilities may travel alone or with assistance, depending on their specific needs and level of independence. A certification (view a SAMPLE here) from a neurologist/psychiatrist/neuropsychiatrist is required attesting to the psycho-physical suitability to undertake air travel and to determine if an accompanying person is necessary.

PASSENGER OF LARGER SIZE
If you think that your seat in economy class is not sufficient for your comfort, you can consider purchasing a higher class of service (if available) or an additional adjacent seat.

Please request assistance when booking your flight or at a later stage by contacting the Dedicated Team, and in any case no later than 48 hours before your flight’s departure.

Requests for assistance must be made to:

• Arrange assistance at the airport during boarding, disembarkation and/or transit
• Carry your own wheelchair (manual or electric)
• Carry special medical equipment
• Carry a service dog in the cabin

Once on board, the assisted passenger will be accompanied to his/her allocated seat.  For safety reasons, emergency exit seats are not available to passengers requiring assistance. Safety briefings will be provided in audible and visible formats at the seat.

It is important to notify ITA Airways of requests for assistance within the suggested times in order to better prepare the service at all stages of boarding, disembarkation and/or transit in a specific airport and on board the flights as per the itinerary.

The passenger who requested assistance during the booking must arrive at the airport, at ITA Airways check-in desk, at least 2 hours before the flight departure time.

If the request for assistance has not been previously made to ITA Airways, the airport operator will implement all possible actions in order to ensure the passenger is able to board the scheduled flight.

 As per EC regulation no. 1107/2006 concerning the rights of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility in air transport, this assistance service is offered free of charge in all airports.  

 

Free transportation of the following (whether they are held in the cabin or in the hold):

 

• their guide dog or service dog (SVAN)
• two walking aids (e.g., crutches, walker)
• Medical apparatus for use on board or at final destination (e.g., POC) with maximum dimensions equivalent to a cabin baggage
• medications, dressings and any syringes or auto-injectors needed for medicine administration

Transporting a manual and foldable wheelchair in the cabin is possible, subject to the aircraft type and the specific physical characteristics of the wheelchair.

In the HOLD, one piece of luggage of max 23kg is always allowed free of charge for carrying medical supplies (e.g., sanitary devices or other personal care items).

For safety reasons, each aircraft is equipped with designated seats for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. These seats are assigned during check-in at the airport and are always adjacent to the aircraft aisle.

For safety reasons it is not possible to allocate seats next to the emergency exits.

In compliance with the ENAC regulation DG16 / 07/2021, the seating allocation for persons accompanying people with disabilities or with reduced mobility will not bear any additional charges.

If you are travelling with an accompanying person, ITA Airways will make every reasonable effort to allocate a seat next to you or nearby.

If ITA Airways deems it necessary, it may request medical clearance (MEDIF and FORM A "Information Sheet for Customers Requiring Assistance") directly from the passenger or his/her doctor in the following situations:

• passengers suffering from infectious diseases that could pose a risk to the flight safety (including diversions and emergency landings)
•  passengers in need of medical assistance or equipment (e.g., passenger showing obvious respiratory difficulties), as their health condition could worsen during or due to the flight.
• passengers who have undergone surgery in the 30 days prior to departure

Similarly, for certain types of assistance, ITA Airways may request the presence of an accompanying person.

ITA Airways Assistance Team can provide all the necessary information.

Online check-in is not available for passengers requesting assistance.

Seats on board will be assigned by contacting our Dedicated Team Monday- Friday 9am-8pm; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 9am-5pm CET or during check-in at the airport.

When booking your flight, please inform ITA Airways of your need to travel with a wheelchair whatever the type, or any other mobility aid. You can transport up to two mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair and walker) free of charge.

Depending on the assistance required and whether or not a wheelchair is needed, once at the airport the airport manager can collect you from various meeting points located on the terminal floor and escort you to check-in, or from check-in directly to the aircraft stairs, as well as offering you assistance to climb the stairs and take you to your seat on the plane. For more information, we recommend that you consult the website of the European departure airport.

In this case, the wheelchair will be made available by the airport. More details can be found in the section 'type of assistance'.

Although ITA Airways does its best to ensure that mobility aids are transported safely, certain factors may prevent them from being transported.  For full details and possible limitations, please identify below the type of wheelchair you need to be transported.

Manual wheelchair
Your manual wheelchair will be collected at the check-in counter or after your accommodation on board to be transported in the aircraft hold. 

Wheelchairs and mobility aids powered by unsealed batteries (spillable)
Allowed by ITA Airways. Further information will be provided during the booking process.

Wheelchairs and mobility aids powered by sealed batteries (non-spillable)
If the wheelchair or mobility aid is powered by sealed batteries and can be placed inside the hold in an upright position, the battery may remain attached to the wheelchair/electric device provided it complies with the following conditions:

• The battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair/mobility aid
• The electrical contacts of the battery must be protected against short circuits
• The electrical circuits have been isolated
• One (1) spare battery is allowed for so-called wet batteries and two (2) for nickel-metal hydride batteries

When booking the service, we ask you to provide our Dedicate Team with the technical data sheet of the wheelchair including battery specifications.

Wheelchair and mobility aids powered by lithium-ion batteries
These batteries are considered dangerous and for this reason they are subject to the following conditions:

• The batteries used must be of a tested type (UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3.)
• Where the battery is removed by the user, if the mobility aid is specifically designed to allow its removal, the battery must not exceed 300 Wh or for a device with two batteries required for its operation, each battery it must not exceed 160 Wh.
• If the battery is not removed, there is no Wh limit.

They should only be carried in the passenger cabin, inside a protective case.

If the mobility aid does not comply with the safety requirements, it may not be allowed on board. Therefore, when booking the service especially with the travel agency please ensure to contact our Dedicated Team to provide the technical data sheet of the wheelchair that includes the battery specifications.

Maximum dimensions of the wheelchairs
For the maximum dimensions of personal wheelchairs and weights allowed in the hold of the various types of aircraft, it is important to communicate this information to our Dedicated Team no later than 48 hours before your flight’s departure.

Download the form fill it out and attach it to your device.

Starting 1 August 2024, additional requirements for entry into the USA apply to all dogs, including guide dogs and recognized assistance dogs. To fill out the appropriate form and learn about all the requirements, please visit the CDC's designated section here.

On ITA Airways, task- trained assistance dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge.

For connecting flights check the regulations of the airline operating the individual flight.

If you are traveling with multiple airlines, we therefore recommend that you request confirmation from each airline that your dog will be accepted on board.

General Terms of Service
Regardless of breed or type, task-trained assistance dogs have been trained to assist people with motor disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, intellectual/relational disabilities or other disabilities of a psychiatric nature.

For the dog, it is required to present a training certificate in which the dog center/institution of reference certifies on headed paper (or with a legible stamp) that it is a service dog that must wear the relative harness. The service must be requested at least 48 hours before your flight's departure to our Dedicated Team, who will inform you of the necessary documents for the acceptance of your dog. On the day of departure, the documentation will be verified; therefore, we recommend arriving at the airport well in advance (at least 2.5 hours for European flights and at least 3.5 hours for non-European flights). Boarding will only be guaranteed if the documentation complies with the requirements specified by the Dedicated Team and as outlined on the website.

Please note: Dogs that offer emotional support are not considered task-trained assistance dogs and therefore their transportation is not provided free of charge on board our flights. Their carriage may be possible at a charge according to the procedures for boarding dogs in the cabin or in the hold depending on the weight and size of the dog.

We also advise you to enquire in advance about entry conditions in other countries

General requirements for transport:
To guarantee flight safety and comfort in the cabin, the dog must be trained to obey and behave appropriately in a public environment (e.g. does not bark, growl, attack people or other animals).

For small dogs, it is not mandatory that they travel in the appropriate pet carrier for the entire duration of the flight. If they travel without one, a leash and muzzle must be used (the latter if requested by the captain).

The guide dog must remain in front of the owner's seat.

On board the dog must:

• Remain under the direct control of the passenger at all times.
  
• Must not sit on a passenger seat and cannot be in an emergency exit row.

In addition, the following provisions must be complied with while the animal is on board.

The passenger must have a muzzle available to be used only if requested by the pilot in command (if the dog, during the flight, shows aggression). The transport of the animal is free of charge even if it must be loaded in the hold. The passenger is responsible for damages and additional costs resulting from the transport of the dog

On board the dog must:

• Remain under the direct control of the passenger at all times.
• Must not sit on a passenger seat and cannot be in an emergency exit row.

In addition, the following provisions must be complied with while the animal is on board.

Assistance is allowed only with the prior authorization of ITA Airways. It is dedicated to all passengers immobilized from the pelvis down or with both lower limbs in a cast and tense, such as not to allow them to travel seated and seated.

Stretcher assistance on board ITA Airways aircraft is available at a charge, on almost all aircraft in the fleet. The service is not available for infants and for those passengers who do not reach 1 meter in height. Passengers traveling on a stretcher must have the authorization (or MEDIF) and FORM A "Information Sheet for Customers Requiring Assistance" to travel by air and be accompanied. If medical assistance is required, the accompanying person must be a doctor or a nurse. All costs related to medical assistance and ground transportation (e.g. ambulance) are the responsibility of the passenger.

We recommend to request the service well in advance, no later than 96 hours before the flight’s departure (not considering holidays) by contacting the Assistance Team. If calling from abroad check here.

The service does not fall under Regulation EC1107/06.

If you require oxygen therapy, ITA Airways can provide this service for an additional fee.

• As oxygen therapy is not part of the normal aircraft structure, you will need to request this service from the Assistance Team at least 96 hours before flight departure (excluding weekends/holidays). To request this service from overseas, please check here.

• The availability of the service will depend on the amount of oxygen required for the passenger and the duration of the flight.
• Passengers travelling with oxygen therapy equipment must have air travel clearance (or MEDIF) and form A  "Information sheet for customers requiring assistance", and must be accompanied.
• If medical assistance is required, the travel companion must be a doctor or nurse. All costs related to medical assistance and ground transportation (e.g. by ambulance) are at the sole expense of the passenger.

ITA Airways also allows passengers to carry their own oxygen tank/oxygen therapy equipment for medical use free of charge, under the following conditions:

1.    An authorization request must be obtained by contactingthe Assistance Team at least 48 hours before the departure of the flight, following authorization by a medical professional.

2.    Each oxygen tank must not exceed 5 kg gross weight.

Please note: Liquid oxygen is prohibited.

 

PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS (POC)

If you need to travel with your own portable oxygen concentrator (POC), you can do so free of charge, on condition that the same is permitted on board our flights please see here for the list of authorized equipment

It is not necessary to fill out the medical form (medif); a medical certificate is sufficient to certify:

• that the user of the POC has the physical and cognitive abilities to use it independently, or if it is necessary for them to travel with a person capable of performing these functions on their behalf;
• whether the use of the POC is required for the entire duration of the flight or only for part of it;
• what the maximum oxygen flow required is.

Transportation conditions:

1.    Only battery-operated oxygen concentrators may be used on board.

2.    Make sure you carry an adequate number of spare batteries (in your hand baggage only) to run your POC for the entire duration of the flight, as we cannot guarantee they can be recharged on board the flight.

3.    Spare batteries must be protected against damage and short circuit, and stored inside their original packaging, making sure that any exposed terminals are isolated with tape or by storing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective case.

4.    The passenger must be able to use the equipment without any assistance.

5.    In case an oxygen concentrator needs to be used during the flight, it can be carried as carry-on baggage or registered baggage, as long as the batteries have been removed.

6.    Oxygen concentrators that require the use of compressed gas (tanks) to be operated cannot be used on board.

7.    POCs must be free of oil, grease or any other petroleum-based lubricants, in good working condition, with no excessive signs of damage, wear-and-tear or incorrect use.

 

Please Note: We also accept oxygen concentrators that are not listed in the above mentioned list of authorized equipment, as long as they have a label with the following declaration highlighted in red

Example of the required POC label:

“The producer of this portable oxygen

concentrator has determined

this device complies with all

applicable FAA acceptance criteria for

portable oxygen concentrator carriage and use on board aircraft.”

 

Please refer to the transportation conditions for batteries

The opportunity to carry on board your medical support equipment is subject to ITA Airways approval after verifying the technical characteristics and their compatibilities with the cabin seats. Further information will be available by contacting our Assistance Team.

 The request must be made no later than 72 hours before your flight’s departure.

As per EC Regulation 1107/06 Annex II, our crews can provide assistance to passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility for:

• accompanying them from their seat to the restroom (there is no obligation to lift the passenger or provide assistance in using the restroom).
• opening food and drink packages on their behalf (there is no obligation to help administer drinks, meals or medicines beyond the service provided to other passengers)

 

Therefore, if a person with a disability or reduced mobility needs to be helped to perform these specific functions (e.g., use of toilet, administering meals or medication), they need to travel with a companion for the care and safety of the person.

Our aircrafts are all equipped with manual wheelchairs that can be used for moving from your seat to the toilets.

Our on-board toilets are equipped with hand rest support to facilitate their use by passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility (only some toilets).

In accordance with the current regulation EC 1107/06, an airline, its agent or a tour operator cannot refuse a booking request for reasons of disability or reduced mobility.

Refusal of booking or boarding can only take place:

• For safety reasons
• If the size of the aircraft or its doors make it physically impossible to board or transport the passenger with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Please note that if the flight is operated by third-party carrier, some assistance services may not be available or may differ (e.g., wheelchairs on board).

For futher details on your specific flight, please contact our Assistance Team. If calling from abroad click here.

If the person with disabilities or reduced mobility believes that they have suffered a disservice in violation of Regulation (EC) 1107/2006, they can file a complaint with the ITA Airways or Airport Operator as the case may be.

More specifically, in case of lost or damaged wheel chairs, or other mobility and assistance devices, the passenger who flew on an ITA Airways flight can send a complaint using our contact form.

Otherwise if the response appears to be inconsistent with the provisions of the regulation, passengers with reduced mobility or with disabilities can submit a complaint to ENAC ( Italian Civil Aviation Authority) , preferably using the following online form:  https://moduliweb.enac.gov.it/applicazioni/reg1107_English/modulo.asp

It is possible to send a complaint to ENAC if the service problem occurred:

• at an Italian airport.

• on flights departing from an Italian airport (regardless of the nationality of the carrier).

• on flights arriving at an Italian airport if operated by an EU carrier.

On 26 July 2008, the Regulation (EC) no. 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air came into force.

For further information you can download the regulation here.

Getting to the airport, finding oneself in large and noisy spaces, boarding an air plane are seemingly simple things, but for persons with autism they can be moments of discomfort.

In such cases, being aware and in control of the situation can make all the difference!

The initiative is part of the broader ENAC project “Autism - Traveling through the Airport.” ITA Airways is the first airline to join, in partnership with the ANGSA association (Associazione Nazionale Genitori perSone Autistiche - National Association of Parents of Autistic People), with the aim of helping people with autism to live serenely a unique experience such as traveling by air, in every moment. 

All details here.

Accessibility Statement

• ONBOARD OXYGEN THERAPY  1 July 2024 Update on the list of portable oxygen concentrators (POC) allowed on ITA Airways flights -
• RECOGNIZED ASSISTANCE DOGS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS  1 August 2024 News New Regulations for Transporting Dogs to the USA - CDC Final rule -