How do you navigate an airport in a wheelchair?

When you get to the airport, promptly identify yourself to a skycap or the ticket counter agent as someone who requested help when you bought your ticket. Wheelchair assistance will then be summoned if that's what you need, or perhaps a guide if you're visually impaired.



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You are entitled to stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate. At the gate, your wheelchair will be taken from you. If you cannot walk, you will be transported to your aircraft seat in an aisle chair. Your wheelchair will be returned to you at the gate once you reach your destination.

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If you are able to stand or walk for a short distance, you may choose to walk through the scanners and then get back in your wheelchair as soon as you're on the other side. If you have to stay in your chair the entire time, security may choose to use a “pat down” screening.

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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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Should I tip for wheelchair assistance at the airport? Tipping is at the discretion of the traveler, but it is recommended that you tip. The suggested tip amount ranges from $5 to $10, but you can always increase the amount if the service is exceptional.

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To use this service, please contact the carrier during the booking process or directly before the flight. You can do it by phone or by filling a special form (among other things, you must provide knowledge about the medical condition of the passenger, including the need to provide him with a wheelchair). Attention!

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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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There are no big wheels to push so you will need a flight attendant to push you. There is at least one accessible bathroom onboard which is big enough to fit the aisle chair in. Flight attendants can help you transfer if you need it. They'll appreciate it if you do not ask for assistance while they are serving meals.

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Bulkhead seating typically works best for wheelchair users since it's the first row of seats in economy class. By requesting a bulkhead seat, you can avoid being wheeled farther back in the plane, and the bulkhead seats usually allow more legroom and space to transfer.

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A: Most airlines allow passengers with a disability, including those who use a wheelchair, to board first. This enables you to take your time and find adequate space for your luggage or equipment. However, the policy may vary depending on the airline and the flight.

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Planes have a designated space to hold 1 collapsible wheelchair. Mobility devices can also be stored overhead or under your seat. Non-collapsible wheelchairs, scooters or other battery-powered wheelchairs can be checked at the ticket counter or departure gate.

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Airport wheelchairs We have manual wheelchairs available for use at all our airports. These chairs are typically 18 inches wide.

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Do I have to pay extra to fly with a wheelchair? It's free to check up to two wheelchairs, scooters or mobility devices, including sports wheelchairs and personal medical equipment, in addition to your checked bags. We recommend any mobility device not needed for assistance to your gate be checked in the airport lobby.

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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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A person with a disability may have a physical or mental impairment that impacts a major life activity - such as walking, hearing, or breathing. This may be on a permanent or temporary basis. For example, a person with a temporary disability may have a broken leg that is temporarily fused or immobilized.

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How to order special assistance? Special assistance at the airport is free. To use this service, please contact the carrier during the booking process or directly before the flight.

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