Assistance for elderly passengers on Emirates/ at airport? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Assistance for elderly passengers on Emirates/ at airport?

323
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 23:37

Hi ladies,
My elderly parents and brother (who is mentally handicapped) arrive this weekend, flying on Emirates. They are pretty mobile and won't need a wheelchair but may need help getting off the plane and with their luggage, and being pointed in the right direction e.g. to passport control. How is best to request assistance for them, should I contact Emirates and/or the airport? Or do we just hope for the best and assume the staff will be on hand to help automatically?
I have heard of the Marhaba service but as they are mobile I don't think it's really necessary to pay for the package.
TIA

323
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 08:50
Thanks sueb and oopsiedaisie. I'll definitely go for the assistance then. Appreciate your advice.
2262
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 00:29
its a long walk from the plane to passport control then baggage. Marhaba will arrange for a trolly to take your parents and brother to passport control and they wil go much quicker..then will take them to baggage and make sure their luggage is organized and they will then take your family to meet you. It is worth the money as you should not rely on someone helping. Now, you can ask emirates for wheel chairs or they do have the trolley service they can wait for on their own. Personally, I would get Marhaba, and have them meet your family .....:)
2287
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 00:27
Personally I would not rely on the staff to be on hand and help. In Dubai I've walked all the way to immigration without seeing even 1 staff member. Wheelchairs etc. could be requested via airline, but you obviously don't need them (however would be the cheap option to get them off board, through immigration and luggage). Marhaba or Ahlan would be your best option. They are not about transport (unless needed), but about helping people find their way and ease the immigration process. They will also help with the luggage. I would definitely go for Ahlan with elderly parents.
 
 

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