Tips for Traveling With a Wheelchair

Air travel can be challenging, especially for passengers who use a wheelchair — but it’s getting better. New federal rules and airline-specific improvements are making the process of flying with a wheelchair more accessible. Here’s what to know before your next trip.

How to get a wheelchair at the airport

When booking your flight or managing an itinerary you’ve already booked, many airlines provide the option to request special assistance online. If you don't select that option while booking your trip, you can contact an airline’s accessibility desk to request wheelchair service. Be sure to let the airline know at the airport that you’ve requested a wheelchair.

How to bring your own wheelchair

As is the case with those who request a wheelchair from an airline, those who bring their own are also entitled to additional assistance.

You can stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate. At this point, if your chair will not fit in the cabin, it will be taken and checked. If necessary, the airline will then provide an aisle chair to help you get to your seat. Once you have landed, your wheelchair will be waiting for you at the gate. You can also fly with a power wheelchair, but the U.S. Department of Transportation notes that you’ll need to arrive an hour before standard check-in time.

Depending on the airline, you may have access to an onboard wheelchair, which can be used to access the lavatory.

» Learn more: What everyone can learn from a traveler with a disability

Yes, you can check a wheelchair on a plane. This is the case for manual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs. Checking your medical equipment is free.

However, note that some aircraft may have limitations when it comes to accepting powered wheelchairs due to their size. United Airlines has recognized this and created new policies to address it — we’ll talk about that below.

There are no special requirements necessary if you’re bringing your wheelchair on your flight. Eligible manual wheelchairs can be stowed in the cabin of the aircraft, whether that’s in the storage bin above you, under the seat in front of you or in the designated wheelchair storage area on board the plane.

If your wheelchair doesn’t fit or uses a battery, it’ll be taken and checked for free. In this case, we recommend labeling your wheelchair with your name and contact information and attaching any relevant handling or disassembly instructions.

Traveling with a wheelchair can be more complicated than you’d expect, which is why the government and certain airlines are adopting new strategies to help ensure dignity and respect for everyone.

U.S. DOT accessibility policies

The DOT has published its Bill of Rights for passengers with disabilities, which includes the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to accessible facilities and the right to travel with an assistive device.

The DOT also has enacted a rule that will require single-aisle aircraft to provide an accessible lavatory.

» Learn more: New federal rules require more accessible airplane lavatories

American Airlines wheelchair assistance

American Airlines asks passengers to submit assistance requests in advance. After you’ve done so, a coordinator will contact you directly to ensure everything is ready for your trip. The airline also will work with you to book the right seat if you need extra space or have specific mobility needs.

How to get a wheelchair at the airport with American

To request wheelchair assistance, select the “Add special assistance” option during booking or in “Manage Trips” from the airline’s homepage after logging in to your account. You also can request assistance by calling 800-237-7976.

Delta Air Lines wheelchair assistance

Delta Air Lines has debuted a prototype airline seat that allows powered wheelchair users to remain in their own seat during the flight. This is still some way off from being implemented in aircraft, but it’s nice to see that the airline is making strides to become more accessible.

How to get a wheelchair at the airport with Delta

You can request wheelchair service in your Delta SkyMiles account under “My Trips” after booking your flight. You also can call the airline at 404-209-3434.

Southwest Airlines wheelchair assistance

You do not need to notify Southwest Airlines before arriving at the airport to receive disability-related assistance. The airline offers an online Accessible Travel Assistance hub to streamline planning, and while it prefers your wheelchair is stowed on board as a carry-on, it is possible to gate-check your device for cargo.

How to get a wheelchair at the airport with Southwest

Ask any Southwest employee and they will guide you through the necessary steps. Or you can make plans in advance if you prefer, including calling 800-I-FLY-SWA (800-435-9792).

United Airlines wheelchair assistance

For its part, United Airlines enacted a change to its search system that greatly simplifies the process for those who use powered wheelchairs. The updated search feature includes the ability to input the dimensions of your wheelchair. Adding these details allows you to identify which aircraft can accommodate the size of your wheelchair.

Even better, if your preferred flight cannot accommodate your wheelchair, you can book a different flight on the same day — and if it’s more expensive, United will refund you the difference.

How to get a wheelchair at the airport with United

You can request a wheelchair for your flight or airport experience in the traveler information section at booking or in your MileagePlus account under “My Trips” after you’ve purchased your ticket.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now