Flying to Lisbon with a Wheelchair or Mobility Aid

Under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, the airport's managing body must provide the assistance described in the regulation's Annex I so you can take your flight — provided you notified the airline, its agent or the tour operator of your needs at least 48 hours before the published departure time. That notification also covers the return flight if both flights are with the same airline.

If you notify later than that, or not at all, the airport must still make all reasonable efforts to provide the assistance.

The regulation's conditions include presenting yourself for check-in at the time the airline stipulated in writing in advance, so ask the airline when that is.

Annex II of the regulation lists transport of up to two pieces of mobility equipment per person, including electric wheelchairs, in addition to medical equipment — subject to 48 hours' advance warning, possible limits on space on board, and the rules on dangerous goods (which is where battery requirements come in).

Article 12 says that if wheelchairs or other mobility equipment are lost or damaged while handled at the airport or carried on board, the owner is entitled to compensation under the applicable international, EU and national rules.

Ask the airline in advance which details it needs about your equipment — for example its dimensions, weight and battery type — and get its confirmation in writing.

Lisbon Airport says its assistance service, MyWay, is available for any passenger with a disability or reduced mobility who is departing from, in transit through, or arriving at the airport, and that it includes mobility aids and trained staff who assist according to your needs.

Request the assistance through your airline when you book, so the 48-hour notification under the EU regulation is met for every flight in your itinerary.