Optimum support –travelling with a disability

Type of assistance required:

• Special information, e-g. whether you need to travel with a battery powered wheelchair, respirator or guide dog

Type of mobility restriction:

• WCHR (Wheelchair Ramp): You are able to walk short distances and climb short flights of stairs. For longer distances you require a wheelchair and assistance.WCHS (Wheelchair Steps): You are able to walk short distances, but cannot climb stairs. For longer distances you require a wheelchair and assistance.
• WCHC (Wheelchair Carry): You need a wheelchair at all times and are also dependent on assistance on board the aircraft. Having entered the aircraft, you cannot reach your seat on your own.
• BLND (Blind): You are blind or visually impaired and require assistance during your journey.
• DEAF (Deaf): You are deaf, hearing-impaired or deaf-mute and require assistance during your journey.
• MAAS Elderly (Meet and Assist Elderly): Your mobility is reduced due to age and you require assistance during your journey.
• DPNA (Disabled Passenger Needs Assistance): You require assistance during your journey due to a mental disability.

• Go to Airlines

Please notify your airline that you wish to travel with your own wheelchair. This can then be transported free of charge in the cargo hold. If you have an electric wheelchair, you must remove the batteries and know the battery type and dimensions (height, width and weight) of your wheelchair. You can obtain this information from your wheelchair manufacturer.

Each airline has different regulations regarding the carriage of electric wheelchairs. Please enquire with your airline before your journey.

• Go to Airlines

Airlines must be notified of recognised guide dogs. Such dogs are usually allowed to travel free of charge with their owners in the cabin. Ask your travel agent or the embassy in your destination country about entry regulations governing dogs.

Further information about travelling with animals can be obtained from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).

• Go to the FSVO

Please obtain a medical certificate if you are carrying medication (aerosol pumps, syringes, etc.) or rely on special aids (e.g. prostheses). You will require this certificate at the security check.
In addition, please check the security requirements at both Zurich Airport and the airport at your destination for your return flight.

The following times are based on Regulation (EC) no. 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council of 5 July 2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air. They are binding for the airport operator and the service provider assisting passengers with reduced mobility at Zurich Airport.

Departure

The following rules regarding waiting times apply to departing passengers who have registered in good time and who arrive at the pick-up point two hours before the scheduled departure time and report to the service provider:

• 80% of passengers should not wait more than 10 minutes for assistance,
• 90% of passengers should not wait more than 20 minutes for assistance,
• 100% of passengers should not wait more than 30 minutes for assistance.

A departing passenger is deemed to have registered in good time if he/she has announced a need for assistance at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time at his/her airline or travel agency/tour operator and if the notification was forwarded to the service provider 36 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Departing passengers who were not registered in good time or departing passengers who report too late to the pick-up point must expect the following waiting times:

• 80% of passengers should not wait more than 25 minutes for assistance,
• 90% of passengers should not wait more than 35 minutes for assistance.
• 100% of passengers should not wait more than 45 minutes for assistance.

Arrival

For arriving passengers who have registered in good time, the following rules regarding waiting times apply after arrival of the aircraft. The arrival time is deemed to be the final arrival and standstill of the aircraft at the parking position (ATA):

• 80% of passengers should not wait more than 5 minutes for assistance,
• 90% of passengers should not wait more than 10 minutes for assistance,
• 100% of passengers should not wait more than 20 minutes for assistance.

An arriving passenger is deemed to have registered in good time if he/she has announced a need for assistance at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time at his/her airline or travel agency/tour operator and if the notification was forwarded to the service provider 36 hours before the scheduled departure time. Arriving passengers who were not registered in good time must expect the following waiting times:

• 80% of passengers should not wait more than 25 minutes for assistance,
• 90% of passengers should not wait more than 35 minutes for assistance,
• 100% of passengers should not wait more than 45 minutes for assistance.

To use the special parking facilities, you will require a valid disabled parking permit. The following options are available to you:

Individual drop-offs and pick-ups

• Departure: Check-in 1 and 2 (designated parking spaces for wheelchair users)
• Arrival: Arrival 1 and 2 (designated parking spaces for wheelchair users)
• Access cards: Please go to the pick-up point for passengers with reduced mobility in check-in 1 or 2 or to the Service Center (parking P2) and show your parking card for passengers with reduced mobility. You will then receive an access card which will allow you to park 45 min. in the curbside lanes free of charge (regular 5 min.). After 45 minutes you will have to pay the regular parking fee.
• Exit: At the pay station, please insert your entry ticket followed by the access card.

Regular drop-offs and pick-ups

If you regularly drop off or pick up disabled people at the airport, you can apply for a free electronic parking permit (key card). The key card allows you to park for free for 30 mins. at Check-in 1 and 2 and at Arrival 1 and 2. Please complete the application form.

• Curbside lane permit application form (German) (pdf)
• Rules governing the use of the inner curbside lanes (German) (pdf)

Parking for longer

If you are planning to be at the airport for longer than 30 mins., the best option is to park in one of the car parks at the regular rate. Special disabled parking facilities can be found in the following car parks:

• The routes from the airport railway station to Check-in and the arrival halls are barrier-free.
• Routes are well marked and indicated with tactile markers for the visually impaired.
• If you require assistance to the aircraft, please report to the pick-up point in Check-in 3 directly above the airport railway station (callbox).

• More information from the SBB

• The bus station is located directly above Check-in 3.
• Routes are indicated with tactile markers for the visually impaired.
• If you require assistance to the aircraft, please report to the pick-up point in Check-in 3 two floors below (callbox).

• More information from ZVV

Taxis will take you directly to the check-in halls or wait for you outside the arrival halls.
Behinderten Transport Zürich (BTZ) offers a taxi service with special vehicles for wheelchair users.

• Go to Behinderten Transport Zürich (German only)

• Please report to the pick-up point for passengers with reduced mobility two hours before your departure. Please either contact a member of staff or call us via the callbox. There are pick-up points at every Check-in.
• An attendant will assist you as required at Check-in and accompany you to the aircraft.
• If possible, please go straight to the check-in desk for your airline (at least 90 mins. before departure). You might find it helpful to book a porter.
• You will need a key to use the disabled toilets at the airport. The Eurokey can be obtained from the information desk at Check-in 2, the Switzerlandinfo desks in Arrival 1 and 2, and from the
• Service Centre in car park P2.

Please note that the waiting time is usually a maximum of 10 mins. (this may differ). If you have notified your airline or travel agent in good time (when booking the flight or at least 48 hours prior to your departure), we guarantee that you will arrive at your aircraft in time. If you did not give enough notice or are late on the day of travel, unfortunately we cannot guarantee this.

• Find pick-up points
• Find Eurokey distribution points

Security check

• Passengers using a wheelchair who are unable to stand will be checked separately in a security booth.
• If you are carrying medication (aerosol pumps, syringes, etc.) or rely on special aids (e.g. prostheses), please have the relevant medical certificate available and notify the security staff.
• If you are using an electric wheelchair, the batteries must be disconnected.
• If you wear a pacemaker, please inform the security staff. You should not pass through the metal detector, as sensitive pacemakers may be disrupted.

• More information about the security check

• Please notify your airline or your travel agent in advance – before your return flight, too – if you require assistance. It's best to do this when booking your flight, but you should do this at least 48 hours before your return flight.
• After landing, an attendant will meet you either at your aircraft seat or at the gate. If you have provided sufficient notice, the waiting time is usually a maximum of 10 mins.
• Your attendant will help you to retrieve your baggage and will accompany you to a drop-off point in the arrivals hall.
• You can arrange to be picked up from here or you can make your own way to the railway station, bus station or car park. All routes are barrier-free.
• You will need a key to use the disabled toilets at the airport. The Eurokey can be obtained from the information desk at Check-in 2, the Switzerlandinfo desks in Arrival 1 and 2, and from the Service Centre in car park P2.

• Find Eurokey distribution points