Planning on flying with a wheelchair? You’re not alone. At Wheelers, we talk with travelers like you every day who are looking forward to their trips but have questions about navigating air travel with a mobility device.
Air travel should be accessible to everyone, and knowing what to expect makes all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or taking your first flight with a wheelchair, understanding how airlines handle mobility equipment will help you arrive at your destination ready for adventure, not stress.
We’ve compiled answers to the questions we hear most frequently from our customers about flying with wheelchairs. From check-in procedures to TSA screening and what happens to your chair during flight, we’ll walk you through each step of the journey. We’ve also included practical tips from wheelchair users who have mastered air travel and know exactly what makes for a smooth experience.
The best part? When you land at your destination, we’ll have an accessible van waiting, giving you the freedom to explore on your own terms.
Can I Bring My Wheelchair on a Plane?
Yes, absolutely. The Air Carrier Access Act guarantees your right to travel with your wheelchair, whether it’s manual or powered. Airlines cannot refuse to transport your wheelchair due to its size or weight.
For manual wheelchairs, you typically have two options: gate-checking (which we recommend) or checking it with your baggage. Power wheelchairs almost always need to be checked, as they’re too large for cabin storage.
The key difference? Manual wheelchairs are more compact and may be stored in the cabin if there’s space (though this is increasingly rare on crowded flights). Power wheelchairs, with their batteries and motorized components, require special handling and are transported in the cargo hold.
Keep in mind: Airlines don’t count mobility devices as part of your baggage allowance, so you won’t pay extra fees for bringing your wheelchair.
How Do I Check My Wheelchair at the Airport?
Most wheelchair users prefer gate-checking their chair, which means you’ll use your own wheelchair throughout the airport until you reach the aircraft door. Here’s how the process typically works:
- When you arrive at the check-in counter, inform the agent that you’ll be gate-checking your wheelchair. They’ll attach a special tag to your chair that identifies it as gate-checked equipment.
- At the gate, remind the gate agent that you’ll need your wheelchair brought to the aircraft door when you land at your destination.
- Before boarding, airline staff will provide an aisle chair (a narrow wheelchair designed to fit in airplane aisles) to transfer you to your seat.
- As you transfer, give clear instructions about how to fold or disassemble your chair if needed. Remove any detachable parts like cushions or accessories to carry onboard with you.
If possible, take photos of your wheelchair before handing it over. This documentation will be valuable if you need to file a damage claim later.
For power wheelchair users: Airlines need information about your battery type (wet, dry, or lithium-ion) to handle it safely. It helps to bring your wheelchair’s manual or a specification sheet that explains battery information and disassembly instructions.
What Happens to My Wheelchair During the Flight?
Once your wheelchair is gate-checked, airline staff will transport it to the cargo hold. Manual wheelchairs are typically folded and secured alongside other fragile items. Power wheelchairs require special handling because of their batteries.
For safety reasons, airline staff may need to disconnect your battery during flight. This is why providing clear handling instructions is so important. If your chair has specific folding mechanisms or requires special care, we recommend attaching simple instructions directly to the chair.
The cargo hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled, just like the cabin, so extreme temperature changes won’t affect your equipment. However, the biggest concern is handling during loading and unloading. This is when most damage occurs.
Pro tip: If your wheelchair can be folded or partially disassembled, consider bringing bubble wrap or a protective cover to add an extra layer of protection.
Can I Stay in My Wheelchair During the Flight?
Unfortunately, current aircraft designs don’t allow passengers to remain in their wheelchairs during flight. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require all passengers to use the aircraft’s seats, which are specially designed to withstand the forces experienced during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
When boarding, you’ll transfer to an aisle chair (a narrow wheelchair that fits in the airplane aisle) and then to your assigned seat. If you need assistance with this transfer, airline staff are required to help.
To make your flight more comfortable:
- Request a bulkhead or aisle seat for easier transfers and more legroom
- Bring your wheelchair cushion to use in your airplane seat
- Consider bringing a transfer board if that helps with your transfers
- Let the airline know in advance if you’ll need assistance
How Do I Request Assistance at the Airport?
The key to a smooth airport experience is planning ahead. When booking your flight:
- Indicate your need for wheelchair assistance during the booking process. There’s usually a section for special service requests where you can specify what type of help you need.
- Call the airline directly after booking to confirm your assistance request and provide details about your wheelchair (type, dimensions, weight, and battery type for power chairs).
- Arrive early – we recommend at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international travel. This gives you plenty of time for security screening and boarding assistance.
At the airport, airline staff can provide services like:
- Wheelchair assistance if you don’t bring your own
- Help navigating the terminal
- Priority boarding
- Assistance with stowing carry-on items
- Transfer support to and from your seat
Remember that airport personnel assist many travelers daily, so providing clear instructions about your specific needs helps them serve you better.
Are There TSA Screening Procedures for Wheelchair Users?
Yes, TSA has specific procedures for screening passengers who use wheelchairs. Here’s what to expect:
If you can stand briefly, you may be asked to stand for 5-7 seconds while your wheelchair goes through the X-ray scanner. If you cannot stand or prefer not to, you can request a manual pat-down screening while remaining in your chair.
For a pat-down screening:
- You’ll be taken to a private screening area if you prefer
- A TSA officer of the same gender will conduct the screening
- They’ll explain the process before and during the screening
- They’ll inspect your wheelchair, including cushions and any pouches
To speed up the process:
- Inform the TSA officer about any sensitive areas before the screening begins
- Tell them about any difficulty raising your arms or other mobility limitations
- If you use a power wheelchair, be prepared to explain how it functions
You can also get a TSA Notification Card (available on the TSA website) to discreetly inform officers about your needs without having to explain in public.
What If My Wheelchair Gets Damaged or Lost?
Despite everyone’s best efforts, wheelchair damage during air travel does occur. If you discover damage to your mobility device:
- Report it immediately – before leaving the airport, find the airline’s baggage service office and file a damage report. Taking this step at the airport is crucial for your claim.
- Document everything – take clear photos of the damage and get a copy of your damage report with a claim number.
- Know your rights – under the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines are responsible for repairing or replacing damaged mobility equipment. They should cover all costs and provide a loaner while yours is being repaired.
- Follow up persistently – stay in regular contact with the airline’s customer service department until your issue is resolved.
If you encounter resistance from the airline, you can file a complaint with the Department of Transportation through their Aviation Consumer Protection Division. Remember to keep copies of all communications and reports.
Additional Tips for Flying with a Wheelchair
Based on feedback from our customers who are frequent flyers, here are some practical strategies that can make a big difference:
- Book direct flights whenever possible to reduce the number of times your wheelchair is handled
- Carry basic repair tools in your carry-on (within TSA guidelines) – items like Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, and wrenches specific to your chair
- Label everything – attach your contact information to your wheelchair and any removable parts
- Download the airline’s accessibility app, if available – many now offer specialized assistance tracking
- Connect with the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) – every airline has one on duty to address accessibility issues
- Consider travel insurance that specifically covers mobility equipment
If you use a power wheelchair, carrying a manual backup (even a transport chair) in your checked luggage can be a lifesaver if your power chair is damaged.
Fly Confidently with Your Wheelchair
Flying with a wheelchair requires some extra planning, but don’t let that stop you from exploring the world. With each trip, you’ll develop your own system that works for your specific needs and equipment.
Remember that airline policies can vary, so it’s worth checking your specific carrier’s wheelchair guidelines before your trip. Most airlines now have dedicated accessibility pages on their websites with detailed information.
When you land at your destination, having accessible transportation waiting makes your trip even smoother. That’s where we come in. Our accessible van rentals give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, without relying on public transportation or taxi services that may not meet your needs.
Get a quote today and plan your accessible journey knowing that when you land, you’ll have an accessible van waiting for you.