Booking a flight can be a straightforward process, but when special assistance is needed, it’s important to know how to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you require help due to mobility issues, a medical condition, or other needs, Ryanair offers various ways to request special assistance. This guide will walk you through all the methods available, including using live chat, phone calls, and specific steps during the booking process.
I wanted to point out just now that I believe adding special assistance to your booking and adding the DPNA code are essentially the same thing – but I can’t find information to clarify that.
To learn more about the DPNA code watch this video and read the caption.
1. Adding Special Assistance During the Booking Process
The most seamless way to request special assistance is to do so while booking your flight on the Ryanair website or app. Here’s how:
Check out this quick tutorial if you want to see visuals of the steps on a mobile device so you know you are booking the right thing.
Step 1: Start Your Booking
- Go to the Ryanair website or open the Ryanair app.
- Enter your travel details, including your departure and destination airports, travel dates, and number of passengers.
- Click “Search” to find available flights.
Step 2: Select Your Flight
- Choose the flight that best suits your schedule and click “Continue.”
Step 3: Passenger Details
- Enter the required passenger details such as names and contact information.
- During this step, look for the “Special Assistance” section. It has a wheelchair icon and says “Need special assistance?” there is a slider you can move to turn this option on (to change it to yes).
Step 4: Request Special Assistance
- Once you have turned the toggle to on for special assistance, a list will appear.
- Under the “Choose Special Assistance” section, you can specify the type of assistance needed. Options may include wheelchair assistance, help with boarding, assistance for visually or hearing impaired passengers, and more.
- Provide any additional information that may help the airline understand your needs better.
TIP: If you are booking special assistance for something like autism or ADHD you should select “Intellectual disability – walker required PRM seat.” It will then ask if you are bringing your own wheelchair, select the right answer based on your own circumstances. If the answer is no – don’t worry, this doesn’t mean they will turn up with a wheelchair (this is what I originally thought) but you can go to request one if you need it.
Step 5: Complete Your Booking
- Continue with the payment process to complete your booking.
- If you want to select your seats, you should be able to now select the seats in the disabled area for free for the disabled passenger(s) and a companion. This is free, when normally we have to pay to select seats on Ryanair.
- After booking, you will receive a confirmation email. This email will also include information about your special assistance request.
2. Requesting Ryanair Special Assistance via Live Chat
If you prefer to arrange special assistance after booking or have specific questions, using Ryanair’s live chat service is a convenient option. Here’s how:
Step 1: Access Live Chat
- Visit the Ryanair website.
- Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and click on “Help Centre.”
- In the Help Centre, select “Contact Us.”
- Click on “Live Chat” to initiate a chat session with a customer service representative.
Step 2: Provide Booking Information
- When prompted, provide your booking reference number and personal details to the live chat agent.
- Clearly state the type of assistance you require and any specific details that might be necessary for the airline to accommodate your needs.
Step 3: Confirmation
- The live chat agent will confirm that your request has been added to your booking.
- You will also receive an email confirmation of the special assistance request.
3. Requesting Special Assistance by Phone
For those who prefer speaking directly to a customer service representative, requesting assistance by phone is an effective method. Here’s how:
Step 1: Find the Contact Number
- Go to the Ryanair website and navigate to the “Help Centre.”
- Click on “Contact Us” and find the appropriate phone number for your region.
Step 2: Make the Call
- Call the Ryanair customer service number.
- Have your booking reference number and personal details ready.
Step 3: Explain Your Needs
- Inform the representative of the type of assistance you require.
- Provide any additional information that may be necessary to ensure you receive the appropriate help.
Step 4: Confirmation
- The representative will add your request to your booking and provide confirmation.
- You will also receive an email with details of your special assistance request.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Advance Notice: Try to request special assistance at least 48 hours before your flight to ensure that all necessary arrangements can be made. I do it immediately when I book now.
- Arrival at the Airport: Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure to allow ample time for assistance. There is usually a special assistance desk or office that you go to to get the help you have arranged. In Edinburgh airport, for example, this is actually outside before you even go into the main airport building.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your travel experience with Ryanair is comfortable and stress-free. Whether through the booking process, live chat, or a phone call, Ryanair strives to accommodate the needs of all passengers requiring special assistance.
Headed to Europe? Check out our Europe travel PECS cards to make your trip with someone with autism that little bit easier.