Flying with a Wheelchair or Mobility Device: What to Request and When

Assistance at the airport

Airlines must provide wheelchair assistance from check-in to the gate, onto the aircraft, and to baggage claim at no charge under the Air Carrier Access Act. Request it when booking so it is on the record; you can also request it at the airport, but the wait is longer. Assistance through immigration and to a connecting gate is included.

Your own wheelchair or scooter

Manual and powered chairs fly free and do not count against the baggage allowance. You keep a manual chair to the aircraft door on most carriers; powered chairs are loaded in the hold. Tell the airline the type, dimensions, weight, and battery type in advance.

• Lithium-ion batteries: allowed with limits on watt-hours; some must be removed and carried in the cabin.
• Wet-cell batteries: must be disconnected and packed to the airline's spec.
• Larger aircraft have an onboard aisle chair and an accessible lavatory; regional jets often do not.

Seating

Passengers who cannot transfer easily are entitled to a seat with a movable armrest, and a companion assisting with a disability can be seated next to you. Bulkhead rows are held for passengers with fused legs or service animals on request. Exit rows are not available.

Damage and complaints

If a chair is damaged or lost, the airline must repair or replace it and provide a loaner. Complaints go to the airline's complaints resolution official, who must be available at every airport, and then to the Department of Transportation.

Booking it

Call (708) 866-8751 and list every request: wheelchair to the gate, aisle chair on board, your own device and its battery, seating needs, and any connection help. The agent codes each one on the reservation, which is what the airport staff read.