Checking Your Wheelchair: Navigating Airport Logistics

If you need to check a wheelchair at the airport, it's important to plan ahead. Most airlines and airports offer wheelchair assistance, but it's best to notify them at least 48 hours in advance. This will ensure that the necessary arrangements can be made, and you can travel stress-free. When booking your flight, inform the airline that you require wheelchair assistance and provide specific details about your needs. Some airlines may require you to fill out a wheelchair information form, which can be found on their website. Additionally, review your airline's wheelchair guidelines to understand their policies on flying with a personal wheelchair, stowing a battery-powered chair, or using wheelchair equipment to board the plane.

Requesting a wheelchair in advance

It is important to make these requests at least 48 hours in advance. While some airlines may accommodate last-minute requests, it is not guaranteed. When you make your request, you may be asked to specify how the wheelchair will assist with your disability. This is to ensure that the airline provides the correct type of assistance. For example, if you have difficulty walking long distances but can manage stairs, a cart may be more suitable.

If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you will need to arrive at the airport earlier than normal. It is recommended that you arrive at least one hour before the standard check-in time. It is also a good idea to arrive at the airport as early as possible, in general, to allow time for checking baggage, security screening, and boarding.

If you are travelling with American Airlines, you can request wheelchair assistance online by going to the 'Add special assistance' section on the passenger details page. If you have already booked your trip, you can find your trip using your confirmation code or by logging into your AAdvantage® account. From there, select 'Special Assistance' and then choose the service you need.

Remember, even if you don't require assistance at the airport, it is helpful to inform the airline if you are deaf, blind, or have low vision. This ensures that you receive important safety briefings and flight updates.

Checking in your own wheelchair

• Notify the Airline in Advance: It is essential to inform the airline that you will be travelling with your own wheelchair. Most airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and others, recommend doing this at least 48 hours before your trip. This allows them to make the necessary arrangements and avoid any delays in providing assistance. You can usually do this during the booking process or by contacting the airline directly.
• Arrive Early at the Airport: On the day of your flight, be sure to arrive at the airport with ample time to spare. The recommended arrival time may vary depending on your specific situation, but it is generally advised to be at the airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check in, go through security, and make any necessary arrangements for your wheelchair.
• Check-in Process: When you reach the check-in counter, inform the staff that you will be checking in your own wheelchair. You may be asked to provide specific information about your wheelchair, such as its type (manual or powered), dimensions, and weight. Some airlines may also have size and weight restrictions for mobility aids, so it is important to check these details before your travel.
• Security Screening: After checking in, you will need to go through security screening. Inform the security staff about your wheelchair, as it will also need to be examined. If you are using a manual wheelchair, you may be able to take it through security and have it returned to you at the arrivals gate. However, for powered wheelchairs, there may be additional requirements, such as ensuring the battery is properly disconnected and secured.
• Gate Procedures: Once you have completed the security screening, you will make your way to the departure gate. At this point, you will need to surrender your wheelchair. You can choose to check it in at the gate or with your other luggage. If you check it at the gate, it will typically be returned to you at the jetway upon arrival.
• Onboard Assistance: If you require any assistance during the flight, such as moving to and from your seat or accessing the toilet, inform the airline staff, and they will accommodate your needs as best as possible. Additionally, some airlines offer specific equipment, such as aisle wheelchairs and transfer devices, to assist passengers with mobility needs.

Remember to always provide as much information as possible to the airline, both during the booking process and at the airport. This will help ensure that you receive the necessary assistance and that your wheelchair is properly accommodated during your travel. Each airline may have slightly different procedures and requirements, so be sure to review their specific guidelines for travellers with mobility needs.

Getting through security

Notify the Airport and Airline in Advance:

It is essential to inform both the airport and the airline about your need for wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours before your trip. This can usually be done during the booking process or by calling their customer service. This advance notice will ensure that the necessary arrangements are made, and you may experience delays if you request assistance at the last minute.

Arrive at the Airport Early:

Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This will give you ample time to check-in, go through security, and account for any potential delays or assistance requirements. It is important to remember that requesting wheelchair assistance does not grant priority in security lines.

Communicate Your Abilities and Needs:

Inform your wheelchair attendant about your specific abilities and limitations before reaching the security screening area. This will help them understand the type of assistance you require. If you can stand and walk, you will need to go through the standard security screening process, including walking through the device and placing your carry-on items on the belt.

Security Screening Process:

If you cannot walk through the standard security screening device or stand with your arms raised, you will be subject to a pat-down screening. You have the option to request a private pat-down if you prefer. Your wheelchair will also be examined, so it is essential to communicate any special requirements for its handling.

Checking Your Personal Wheelchair:

If you are travelling with your own manual or electric wheelchair, you will need to check it at the boarding gate. Some airlines may allow you to use your manual wheelchair within the airport until the boarding gate, where it will be stowed in the aircraft hold. Always check the specific policies of your airline regarding the use and storage of personal wheelchairs.

Boarding the Aircraft:

Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance are usually boarded before most other passengers. Be sure to clearly state your needs and abilities to the wheelchair and flight attendants, so they can provide you with the best possible assistance. If you need assistance during the flight, such as using the restroom, inform the flight attendants, and they will accommodate your request.

Tipping Your Wheelchair Attendant:

In the United States, it is customary to tip your wheelchair attendant as many of them are paid below the minimum wage. This is not mandatory but is appreciated and can help improve their working conditions.

Boarding the plane

When it's time to board the plane, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process. Firstly, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early, especially during busy travel periods, to allow enough time for checking in, baggage drop, and security clearance. It is also important to inform your wheelchair attendant about your specific needs and abilities before reaching the security screening area. If you can stand and walk, you will need to go through the standard security screening process. However, if you cannot walk through the screening device or stand with your arms raised, you will be subjected to a pat-down screening, which you can request to be done privately. Your wheelchair will also be examined by the security staff.

After completing the security checks, you will need to proceed to the boarding gate. At this point, you will need to check in your personal wheelchair, if you have one. Airlines do not permit passengers to use their own wheelchairs on board the flight. If your wheelchair requires disassembly, make sure to bring the necessary instructions. It is recommended to arrive at the boarding gate ahead of other passengers, typically around 40-60 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes or more for international flights. This will allow the ground staff to assist you in boarding and ensure your wheelchair is loaded into the aircraft hold.

When boarding the plane, you will be transferred from your personal or airport wheelchair to an aisle wheelchair, which will allow you to move down the aircraft aisle to your designated seat. If an aerobridge is unavailable, a Disabled Persons Lift (DPL) will be used to get you onto the plane. Onboard, flight attendants can assist you in getting settled and escort you to the toilet if needed. However, they may not be able to help with transfers to and from the onboard wheelchair. Therefore, if you require assistance with toileting, it is advisable to travel with a companion or safety assistant.

Arriving at your destination

Once you have arrived at your destination, a wheelchair attendant will be waiting for you as you deplane and will take you to the baggage claim area. If you need to use the restroom, be sure to inform the attendant.

At your destination airport, you can either collect your wheelchair from the arrivals carousel or, if applicable, it will be provided at the arrivals door. If you have travelled with a manual (non-motorised) wheelchair only, you can collect it at the arrivals gate at your destination, as it will have been taken through security screening on departure.

If you have travelled with a battery-powered mobility aid, such as an electric wheelchair, it will be provided at the arrivals door at international ports. You can also collect it from the arrivals carousel.

If you require further assistance, airline staff can escort you to the baggage carousel, connecting flights or carriers, or even to the closest drop-off point, such as a taxi rank or bus stop.

It is important to note that some airlines, such as Qantas, may not be able to help with dismantling or reassembling mobility aids. Therefore, if your mobility aid needs to be adjusted or collapsed, you are responsible for assembling and disassembling it. However, where assistance is required, airport ground staff will ask you to explain, instruct and supervise the process.

If you are travelling with a companion, they can request an escort pass from your airline. This will allow them to accompany you to your departure gate or meet you at your arrival gate. However, not all airlines issue escort passes at every airport, so it is advisable to plan for wheelchair assistance independently as well.

Frequently asked questions