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It is important that you let the airline know exactly what your needs are as soon as possible and certainly at least 48 hours before flying. Asking questions about the help that they can provide and explaining what adjustments are needed to suit your particular needs at the very outset gives staff the opportunity to provide the best possible service.
Do not assume that either travel agents or airline booking staff will know or understand your personal requirements. The particular needs of disabled people vary widely, even between people with the same disabling condition.
Ask that any pre-booked assistance or services be confirmed in writing on your ticket or itinerary. Travel agents should all have an ABTA checklist which is a short questionnaire covering any particular assistance or requirement you may have on your journey - click here to see a copy of the ABTA checklist. Some airlines ask for these needs to be identified on a special form called an "Incapacitated Passengers Handling Advice" (INCAD), but it is not always necessary.
Remember that, if you make clear your needs at the outset, the airline cannot then claim they were not made aware what was needed, if things should not go according to plan.
British Airways (www.britishairways.com/travel/additionalneeds/public/en_gb) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virginholidays.co.uk/info/important/disabled_customers/customer_care/) are two airlines that have "special needs" departments dedicated to dealing with the particular requirements of their disabled passengers.
If you have impaired hearing and travelling unaccompanied, let the airline know in advance so that staff can help ensure you do not miss announcements at the airport. On boarding the aircraft make sure that cabin staff are also aware that you are deaf or hard of hearing. Most UK airports have induction loops and some staff may also be trained in sign language.
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