Embarrassing, Uncomfortable and Risky: What Flying Is Like for Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs (Published 2022) (2024)

FAQs

How do people in wheelchairs fly in airplanes? ›

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.

The explicit rationale behind the regulations involves safety. Last year, in response to questions about wheelchair access, a major airline industry group told Aviation Week that "aircraft seats are constructed to meet rigorous safety regulations that include survivability at several times the force of gravity.

Very often people with mobility disabilities are drawn to the "bulkhead" seats or seats at the front of the plane. These seats offer more legroom and can be a good choice.

We transport all types of personal wheelchairs, including folding, collapsible, non-folding manual and electric/battery-powered wheelchairs, electric-powered carts and scooters, one additional wheelchair battery, crutches, braces or other prosthetic devices provided it is on the same flight with the passenger who is ...

If you have difficulty standing, you may ask for a chair or you may request to be screened while seated in your wheelchair or scooter. Aids: Walkers, crutches, walking canes or other mobility aids and devices must undergo X-ray screening. A TSA officer will inspect the item if it cannot fit through the X-ray.

If I have a disability, am I allowed to board the airplane before passengers without disabilities? Yes. If you self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs additional time or assistance to board the airplane, the airline must allow you to board the airplane before other passengers.

The US Department of Transportation reported a total of 11,527 incidents of damaged or lost wheelchairs in 2023. Airlines damaged or lost more than 11,000 passenger wheelchairs last year – and a new federal proposal seeks cut the inconvenience for wheelchair-reliant travelers with six-figure penalties against airlines.

Yes, you can travel with your wheelchair on flying an airplane. However, there are some important things to consider, including the size and type of wheelchair. There is limited space onboard larger airplanes for a single standard wheelchair or transport chair.

Most seniors prefer getting seated at or near the front of the plane, which provides more legroom and a shorter walk to the restroom.

How do disabled people go to the bathroom on planes? ›

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.

Airlines are also required to provide passengers with disabilities many types of assistance, including wheelchair or other guided assistance to board, deplane, or connect to another flight; seating accommodation assistance that meets passengers' disability-related needs; and assistance with the loading and stowing of ...

Passengers who have disabilities can board the airplane before all other passengers, even those who have purchased priority boarding. An airline employee is required to assist you if requested. This is usually the case as most people who use power wheelchairs cannot push themselves in a manual wheelchair.

ONBOARD WHEELCHAIRS

Flight attendants are trained in the operation of this wheelchair and will assist you with its use but are not, however, required to lift or carry you. Aircraft with fewer than 60 seats are not equipped with an onboard wheelchair.

Remove all removable parts of wheelchair (sideguards, cushion, armrests, headrests, laptrays, footrests, etc.) and place them in the duffle bag and carry it on the plane. Anticipate that if a part is removable it will be lost by the airline.

Delta Air Lines earned the top honors and the 2022 title of best U.S. airline for wheelchair users, with Southwest and United rounding out the top three.

Contact the Airline In Advance

If you have a disability and would prefer or need a certain type of seating accommodation, it is recommended that you contact the airline at the time you make your reservation in order to learn more about the method that the airline uses to make arrangements for a seating accommodation.

Airlines are also obliged to provide assistance to and from the toilet and most will have onboard wheelchairs on each of their aircraft. It is important to discuss your onboard needs with the airline before you travel so that they can tell you about the facilities that are available and how their staff can help you.