AAA Traveler - Summer 2016 - 16

TRIP NOTES

As airlines work to increase efficiency, passengers with special needs are finding it more
challenging than ever to make sure the services they rely on are available and accessible.
Let your AAA Travel Specialist know which services you require and they will work directly with the
airlines to ensure the appropriate Special Service Request (SSR) code is entered prior to your flight.

Most Common SSR's:
PASSENGERS WITH
DISABILITIES:
It would probably be a good idea to
notify the airline about specific
disabilities or impairments,
including autism, Alzheimer's and
Asperger's syndrome if it's possible
that the passenger could be
disruptive. Note that most airlines
may require passengers who need
personal or continuous attending
care or who are unable to follow
safety instructions to travel with a
safety assistant.
WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE:
Mobility information, such as
whether the passenger can ascend
and descend stairs, will help the
airline determine the correct level
of service necessary. If the passenger is traveling with their own
wheelchair, you'll need to be able
to tell the booking agent what
type of battery it uses.

LAP CHILD:
Although children under the age
of two can fly free on domestic
flights, the age, weight and name
of the child will need to be noted
at the time of reservation. To
accommodate oversized, fragile
or specialty baggage, let your
travel agent know if you will be
traveling with golf clubs, other
sporting equipment or items that
require special handling in your
checked luggage. There are
typically additional fees for
mentioned items.
MEAL PREFERENCES:
Gluten-free, low-sodium and
other meal options are available
for travelers booking international or long-haul domestic firstclass flights only. Note that most
airlines cannot provide buffer
zones or special cleaning for
passenger with nut allergies.

UNACCOMPANIED MINOR:
Name and contact information of
individual picking up the minor is
required. He or she will need to
show photo ID before the child will
be released. And unfortunately not
all airlines allow unaccompanied
minors, so check before booking.
PETS:
Dogs and cats in carriers that fit
under the seat in front of you may
be carried onto the plane; otherwise, they'll need to be checked as
cargo. Passengers will need to
provide the pet's breed and the
dimensions of the travel kennel at
time of reservation. Check before
you go because some airlines have
a maximum carrier size, along
with other kennel requirements,
and may only allow a certain
number of animals to be on a
particular flight.

There are nearly a hundred separate SSR's that cover everything from mobility levels and specific disabilities to
traveling with an emotional support animal. Some SSR's, such as requiring on-board oxygen or bringing aboard
certain battery-powered wheelchairs, require at least 48 hours notice. Your AAA Travel Specialist will help you
navigate this process so you or your companion arrive safely.
Make sure all your special requests are covered. Your AAA Travel Specialist will discuss any areas of
concern with you and work directly with the airline to accommodate your travel requirements.

16 VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA OFFICE

CALL 1-800-750-5386

CLICK AAA.COM/TRAVEL

http://www.AAA.COM/TRAVEL

AAA Traveler - Summer 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AAA Traveler - Summer 2016