What to know when you are flying with a wheelchair

For any traveller, manoeuvring through an airport can be hectic. Pushing past the chaos at the airport, I have taken hundreds of flights over the past ten years while using my powered wheelchair. I have learned firsthand the ins and outs of air travel when flying with a wheelchair and I want to help ease your fears and concerns throughout this article. So, let’s get your questions answered!

Can I bring my wheelchair on an aeroplane?

Since I use a power wheelchair, I am not currently allowed to bring my wheelchair into the cabin of the plane. Airlines are only required to allow manual wheelchairs in the cabin of the aeroplane at this time. Power wheelchairs are stored in the cargo hold, as they are too large to go in the seating area. If the plane has 100 or more seats, the airline is required to allow at least one manual wheelchair inside the aircraft. It may be broken down or collapsed, and then stowed in an overhead bin or in the designated wheelchair storage area. If your manual chair does not fit in the storage area inside the plane, the airline staff is required to store it free of charge in the cargo area beneath the plane.

How much does flying with a wheelchair cost?

Within the UK and the EU, flying with a wheelchair does not cost any more than flying without one. Actually, it is free to check up to two items of mobility equipment in addition to any other checked bags. This includes crutches, scooters, sports chairs, and any other mobility devices.

How do people in a wheelchair get on a plane?

People who use a wheelchair can request assistance from airport staff to board a plane if needed. The staff will assist you into an aisle chair at the plane door either by lifting you, or by giving you a helping hand, and then rolling you to your seat.

The aisle chair is a narrow wheelchair that will fit down the aisle of the plane with ease. By communicating your needs to the staff in the airport, this can ensure a safe, easy transition. They can then also assist the wheelchair user by helping them comfortably into their plane seat.

How do I request a wheelchair for a flight?

If you feel that you will need to use a wheelchair at the airport, but will not be bringing your own, select 'special assistance' when booking your flight online. All airports have loaner wheelchairs that you can use if needed when you arrive. You can also request a wheelchair when checking in or upon your arrival at the airport by talking to the airport staff.

Can you bring your own wheelchair through security?

A person that uses a wheelchair is allowed to bring their own wheelchair through security. Security agents will ask if you are able to stand and walk through the body scanners at the airport. If you are not able to walk, a security agent can assist you in your wheelchair around the scanning area and do a hands-on pat down screening of you. They will also complete a hands-on scan of your wheelchair.

How can you protect your wheelchair from damage during a flight?

Protecting your wheelchair from damage during flight is very important. For me, my power wheelchair is the only way that I can manoeuvre around, and I certainly don’t want it broken. I have found that by taking off all removable parts such as my knee pads and my headrest, and placing them in my cabin bag, it does help to protect my chair. I also wrap my joystick with bubble wrap, place a plastic bag over it and tape it on. Remember, if you are using a manual wheelchair, first make sure that it is collapsed as small as it can go, and then request that it be placed inside the cabin’s storage area.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is no reason that you should put off flying with a wheelchair any longer. As long as you are prepared and have a desire to travel, you can easily roll to the gate, board the plane with assistance if needed, and enjoy your flight. Airlines welcome travellers that use wheelchairs and airports have trained staff that are prepared to assist travellers with disabilities if needed.