Does anyone know about Elal's support for people with disabilities?
We are trying to get a passport renewed for a possible companion, but if that does not go through/ isn't feasible, what are our options?
She called and was told they don't offer anything.
She would be flying from FLL and is visually and hearing impaired (would have trouble hearing announcements and navigating to gate),
realistically another passenger might be able to help her but we are not interested in just winging it.
Anyone have experience with a similar situation?
TIA in advance, Tizku lemitzvos.
She can request a wheelchair when she makes the reservation (ie, can't just show up at the airport and ask for it). My mother has mobility issues, and has been doing this for years. Whoever drives her to the airport goes to the desk and asks for a wheelchair, and a wheelchair assistant brings a wheelchair to the car, checks her reservation, carries her bags to check-in, takes her and her carry-on through security, and deposits her at the gate. She might sit there for a few hours, and then shortly before boarding, the assistant returns and brings her up the jetway to the door of the plane for early boarding. From there, she can make her way to her seat. When she arrives in Israel, a wheelchair meets her at the door of the plane and brings her through passport control and to the baggage claim (where family meets her).
Of course, most people using this service are elderly people who can't walk long distances, or younger people with a broken leg, but if her disability makes it difficult for her to get around, it might be appropriate.
Once, we were able to find her a travel companion by asking around and putting notices in various places. A lovely older couple answered, and we went to meet them a couple days before the flight. They were happy to check in with her while waiting at the gate and on the plane to see if she might need anything, so you might try something like this.
