There may be circumstances when travellers require special needs or assistance to enable them to have an enjoyable holiday. This could include assistance with a particular medical condition, dietary arrangements or mobility needs.
We know that it’s vital for customers to understand and make their own minds up about what assistance they will need, including getting adequate information including walking distances at airports or onboard large ships.
We also know it’s vital to help customers provide the right information about their needs to the right people at the right time. We would certainly not want to make any assumptions about the any assistance required.
Consequently we ask customers with special requests to complete ABTA’s checklist form below prior to making a confirmed booking so that we can check availability with travel suppliers that can be relied upon to provide appropriate service and assistance.
The questions aren’t meant to be intrusive. The information you provide will be treated confidentially and will only be used to check that the transport, accommodation and facilities in the destination are right for you. It all helps to ensure you receive a quality service tailored to your particular needs.
If you’re travelling by plane or ship you should provide information about your needs at least 48 hours before you travel and preferably at time of booking, especially if you are planning on taking your own wheelchair or an assistance dog. Pre-notification is vital because without it you have no legal guarantee that you’ll get the assistance you need on your journey.
You’ll see an arrow like this > in the checklist to highlight the pre-notification info that airports, airlines, ship operators and maritime ports need. Your travel agent or tour operator will send your information to the appropriate people.
