Assistance provided by Airlines at the HKIA🛫🛬
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is committed to ensuring a seamless and inclusive travel experience for all passengers, including those with disabilities. With a range of services and facilities in place, HKIA strives to make air travel accessible and comfortable for everyone. To facilitate smooth navigation, HKIA offers a variety of accessibility features. Wheelchair-accessible ramps, lifts, and designated parking spaces are available throughout the airport. Tactile paving and visual aids assist visually impaired passengers in navigating the terminals. Additionally, accessible restrooms and dedicated seating areas cater to passengers with disabilities.
In this article, our Localhood Website Volunteer Team members, Aysegul and Saravanan shed some light on what HKIA and our city’s carrier -Cathay Pacific, has prepared to make a memorable experience whilst traveling with people who needs the extra care.
ALLWAYS is a service provider in the airport and here are some of the services they have to offer. For more information a hotline that is contactable 24 hours (+852 2275 0000) or on their website.
1- Meet and Assist Services:
Some travelers travelling for the first time, might find the airport environment to be overwhelming. Hong Kong airport and ALLWAYS work together to provide meet and assist services for passengers traveling with children or elderly companions. Staff who are knowledgeable and friendly are there to guide you through the check-in, security, and other processes, providing a stress-free experience for everyone. This service ensures that you and your loved ones can navigate the airport seamlessly, making your journey more convenient and enjoyable.
2-Buggy Services:
ALLWAYS also provides buggy services that allows travelers to move around the airport quick and easy. Upon arrival, these services transport you from the arrival gate to the designated drop-off point near Arrivals immigration. Similarly, in the Departures Hall, after clearing Departures immigration, you can meet the buggy rider at the designated point and be transferred to the airport lounge or departure gates. These services are particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility or those carrying heavy baggage, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transit experience.
3-Porter Services: Ever been in a situation where you are travelling with just one too many bags? ALLWAYS is here to provide a solution for that! If you require assistance with your luggage, porter services are available at Hong Kong Airport. Friendly porters are ready to assist you by collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area and transporting it to the arrival area or designated transportation pick-up point. This service allows you to focus on enjoying your journey without the burden of handling your bags, providing convenience and peace of mind.
4-Wheelchair Services:
When traveling with someone who needs assistance walking long distance or have limited mobility, ALLWAYS is committed to ensuring accessibility for all travellers. Wheelchair services are readily available, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to navigate the airport comfortably. Trained staff members aid these travelers, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience for all passengers.
Not forgetting the passengers who need assistance whilst travelling and do not fit in the words mentioned above, like passengers with hearing impairments and visual impairment, HKIA offers visual paging systems that display flight information and announcements for the visually impaired. Induction loop systems are also installed at various locations to enhance communication with staff members. HKIA recognizes that traveling with service animals is important for many passengers with disabilities. As such, the airport has designated relief areas and facilities for service animals, ensuring their well-being and comfort during the journey.
Airlines are also working on assisting passengers who needs more assistance during their time and travel with them. Our city’s unofficial carrier, Cathay Pacific has a lot of information readily available for their future travelers and how to go about getting assistance during their time In the airport as well as inflight. The services offered by the airline really varies on the passengers wants and needs. These include, mobility assistance, young passengers travelling on their own, passenger with learning disabilities, safety assistants, guide/assistance dogs, hearing or speech impaired passengers and not forgetting passengers who require medical equipment’s while traveling. Did you know, they have a designated check in aisle for “special check-in counter” on aisle C, to minimize your waiting time and if you are traveling with elderly companion, this would be the ideal aisle to head to.
There are also lounges for those who are seeking a comfortable and luxurious space to relax before, after or during your transit for your flight in Hong Kong airport. Regardless of whether you are flying business class or holding a special card, you can access some of these lounges by paying a fee. Inside, you'll discover a tranquil environment where you can work, enjoy a meal, or simply unwind. Among the lounge options are the Cathay Pacific Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Emirates Lounge, SilverKris Lounge, The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge, and Club Autus Lounge, not forgetting the Centurion lounge. Each lounge offers unique amenities and experiences, ensuring there's an option to suit your preferences.
Safe travels!!!!