Whether you’re new to using a wheelchair or you’ve been using one for a long time, the thought of flying with a wheelchair may feel daunting. Like any new experience, it’s all about preparation and understanding what to expect.
To help you feel more comfortable about taking your wheelchair on a plane, we spoke to Phil Friend OBE Hon DSc, a wheelchair user himself and one of the UK’s foremost consultants on disability matters. We asked him to put together some important tips about things to know before you fly. We’ve also included a guide of what to expect once you get to the airport.
Taking the time to do plenty of research before booking a flight will help you to make sure you know exactly what to expect and what booking limitations there may be. It will also give you the confidence that flying with a wheelchair is absolutely achievable.
It’s a good idea to use a travel operator who specialises in holidays for people with disabilities, particularly if this is your first time travelling with a wheelchair. They will already be familiar with the specific needs of people in wheelchairs, as well as the processes and accommodations in place at the airport and on the plane.
While booking through an agent may mean more limited options to choose from, it will give you the peace of mind that nothing has been forgotten, for a stress-free first experience of flying with a wheelchair or travel mobility scooter. They will also be able to book wheelchair-friendly places to stay at your destination, and suggest suitable activities to do throughout your trip.
If you would prefer to take care of the flight and wheelchair arrangements yourself, here are the important considerations you need to know.
Depending on the airline and the type of aeroplane, you might be asked to use a particular seat when flying with a wheelchair, or you may not be able to book a specific seat at all. Even if you can’t book a seat, it’s important to plan ahead and decide where would be best for you to sit if you have the option.
While a window seat can be great, they are more difficult to get to than aisle seats. If you need easier access to the seat or a little space to extend your legs, an aisle seat or one with extra leg room would be more suitable. Sitting next to the aisle might make it more likely for you to be accidentally bumped by passengers walking up and down the plane, so it’s worth bearing your physical condition in mind.
Whether you should sit near the front or back of the plane when travelling with a wheelchair will depend on where you will board the plane from, and the location of the toilet.
A seat near the front of the plane will mean not being taken through the entire aircraft to get to your seat, which will make getting on and off the plane quicker and more comfortable. There'll also be more legroom and space to transfer in bulkhead seats. However, not all planes board from the front, so it might be worth checking with the airline and choosing your seat accordingly.
If you think you'll need to use the toilet during the flight and are able to walk short distances, a seat near the facilities would be a good idea. Some but not all planes have a disabled toilet with wheelchair access, so do enquire with the airline before booking. If you can’t access the toilet and will be using continence products instead, you could pick for a seat further away to help others who do need to be close.
It sounds like a simple thing but a comprehensive checklist for travelling with a wheelchair is essential. Make sure you make note of everything you need to do, from what tasks you need to do before you go away right down to what you need to pack and in what bag.
There are lots of things to consider before your flight. Making a list will help you to remember you’ve done everything you need to do for a smooth journey.
Here are some of the things you might need to remember:
Make sure you have everything you need for the flight in your carry-on luggage and that it is easily accessible. Include:
For the journey, remember to wear loose-fitting clothes with layers, which will help you to stay comfortable and relaxed.
If you’re flying with a wheelchair, it’s important to make sure you allow extra time before your flight, particularly during busy periods.
Once you get to the airport, it’s a good idea to head over to passenger assistance as soon as you can. They will be the ones helping you through the process of checking in, getting through security and heading through customs.
The passenger assistance team is there to look after you until you’re seated on the plane, at which point the airline crew will take over.
When it’s time to board, you’ll most likely be one of the first passengers to get on so you’re seated and comfortable before the plane gets busy.
If you’re unable to walk unaided, the passenger assistance team will transfer you to an "aisle chair" to get you onto the plane. This is a narrow, lightweight wheelchair designed to fit down the aisle. The passenger assistance team will help you into your seat and then remove the aisle chair.
When you reach your destination, you may require an Ambulift to disembark the plane if you can’t manage the airstairs. The Ambulift is a vehicle with an enclosed platform on the back that can be raised and lowered to reach the plane door. They are very safe but can be a little unnerving if you don’t like heights. Some airports only have a small number of Ambulifts available, so you may need to wait for it to arrive.
It’s worth remembering that all airports, airlines and planes are different, so the information given should be taken as a general guide. If you have any questions or special requirements, make sure you contact the airport or airline directly, in advance, and they will be able to advise you on flying with a wheelchair.
Our range of wheelchairs has lots of options that are suitable if you’re planning to fly abroad, including lightweight and folding wheelchairs that are easier to transport, and transit wheelchairs, which are ideal for those who are always on the go.
If you’re thinking about flying with a wheelchair and would like some advice on purchasing a suitable model, we can help. Our team of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants offer an Expert Advice Service and will be happy to assist you.
Most airports will allow you to use your own wheelchair right up to the departure gate. After that, the passenger assistance team will transfer you to an aisle chair to take you to your seat, and to help you to disembark at your destination. Your wheelchair will be stowed in the hold or, for folding manual wheelchairs, in a dedicated storage closet in the cabin.
You can take an electric wheelchair on a plane, but it will need to be stored in the hold. You'll need to tell the airline in advance that you are travelling with an electric wheelchair, giving the make and model, to ensure there's enough space in the hold to stow it safely and securely. There may be restrictions regarding the size and weight of luggage, as well as restrictions relating to the battery, so it might not always be possible to take your electric wheelchair on a plane.
There are no additional charges to take your wheelchair on a plane, regardless of what type of chair you use or whether it’s stowed in the hold or the cabin. However, some airlines place restrictions on other equipment you may need to bring, so it’s important to check with them first.
Passengers in both manual and electric wheelchairs get onto the plane with the help of the passenger assistance team. The passenger will be transported to an aisle chair, which is a narrow, lightweight wheelchair that is able to easily fit down the aisle.
Those with some mobility may choose to sit close to the toilets for easier access. If you aren’t able to walk unaided, you'll need to use continence products such as disposable pads or a portable urinal for the journey.
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