Flying with Mobility Needs
Wheelchair and mobility-device handling, accessible seating, and airport assistance booking.
Booking wheelchair assistance
Request wheelchair assistance when you book, or at least 48 hours ahead through the airline's accessibility desk. If you use a power chair that can't fit down the aisle, specifically ask for aisle-chair assistance so ground staff bring the right equipment.
Traveling with your own mobility device
In most countries, manual and power wheelchairs fly free and don't count toward your baggage limit. Battery type matters for power chairs — tell the airline in advance so they can follow the correct handling procedure, and ask about 'gate delivery' so your chair is waiting for you planeside instead of at baggage claim.
Choosing accessible seating
Bulkhead seats give more room for transfers, and aisle seats near the front reduce the distance for an aisle-chair transfer. It's worth calling the airline directly to confirm a seat actually suits your needs rather than relying on the seat map alone.
What to expect at security and boarding
You can usually stay in your own wheelchair through security screening with a modified pat-down, or request private screening if you'd prefer. Pre-boarding is standard for passengers who need extra time — let the gate agent know as soon as you arrive.