Do people in wheelchairs get off the plane first?

The roomier bulkhead seating might be an option for some, just be aware the armrests do not raise. Also, keep in mind that wheelchair users exit the aircraft last. The deplaning process can easily take 25 minutes or more, so when booking a connecting flight, always allow ample time.



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Typically, a person will transfer into an aisle wheelchair at the entrance to the plane and staff will assist people with disabilities to their assigned seats. Straps and belts help to hold the person safely in place during this process.

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Passengers who are non-ambulatory can still fly, but they'll need help getting to and from their seat on the airplane. The aisle chair (also referred to as a straight back or high back) is a small wheelchair that is used to transport immobile passengers from their own wheelchair to a seat on the airplane.

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Wheelchairs. Please let a gate or Reservation agent know if you need onboard wheelchair assistance during your trip. Flight attendants can provide assistance in transfers between your seat and an onboard wheelchair, and in moving the onboard wheelchair to and from the lavatory door.

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Some of the difficulties he faced while flying include dealing with untrained staff and instances where his wheelchair has been damaged. “I have to worry about my body parts falling out of the aisle chairs or being banged into the walls,” he said. In some cases, flying can have catastrophic consequences.

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Individuals with a collapsible or break-down wheelchair may stow their device in overhead compartments, under seats, or in the designated wheelchair stowage area if the device fits and is in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations.

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In more understandable terms, US airlines lose or damage about 950 wheelchairs and scooters monthly, more than 31 per day. On average, that's more than 1.5 percent of the wheelchairs and scooters they handle annually.

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If you do choose a bulkhead seat, you will have to transfer or be lifted up and over one or more armrests to get to your seat. Airline employees and booking agents will assume the front row is best for a disabled passenger, but the row behind the bulkhead (with movable aisle armrests) may be more comfortable.

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We recommend that you request wheelchair assistance in advance, by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking or managing your trip online. You can also let a team member at the airport know on the day of travel that you need wheelchair assistance.

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The Airplane Platform Lift has been designed to facilitate the transfer of people with reduced mobility in and out of aeroplanes. The lift is equipped with a foldable platform that allows the easy lifting of wheelchairs on plane stairs.

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We recommend that you request wheelchair assistance in advance, by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking or managing your trip online. You can also let a team member at the airport know on the day of travel that you need wheelchair assistance.

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For example, a carrier may ask the passenger: “How does the requested wheelchair service assist with your disability?” If the passenger does not have a disability, the carrier may refuse to provide the wheelchair service.

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Skip the queues If you have a disability, you can ask to skip the queue at security as part of your Special Assistance. Alternatively, you can pay a small fee to use priority or 'fast track' security lanes at many airports. It's often cheaper to book this in advance by contacting the airport.

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Generally, airline personnel may not ask what specific disability the person has, but they can ask questions regarding the person's ability to perform specific air travel-related functions, such as boarding, deplaning or walking through the airport.

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