Pre-Travel Preparation

1. Contact the Airline

• Notify the airline: Inform the airline about your electric wheelchair at least 48 hours before your flight. Provide details such as the wheelchair’s make, model, dimensions, and weight.
• Request assistance: Ask for special assistance services at the airport, including help with boarding and disembarking.

2. Check Battery Type

• Battery requirements: Electric wheelchairs typically use lithium-ion batteries, which have specific regulations:
  • Removable batteries: If the batteries can be removed, they must be kept in separate, secure bags and carried in the cabin.
  • Non-removable batteries: Ensure the power cord is switched off, and there must be no way for the wheelchair to be powered on with the batteries inside. Confirm the specifications meet airline safety standards, typically under 300 watt-hours (Wh) per battery.

3. Prepare Your Wheelchair

• Secure loose parts: Ensure that any detachable parts are securely fastened.
• Protect the controls: Cover the joystick or control panel to prevent damage during handling.
• Label the wheelchair: Attach a label with your contact information and any special handling instructions.

At the Airport

1. Check-In

• Early arrival: Arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.
• Documentation: Bring documentation about your wheelchair, including the manufacturer’s manual and battery specifications.

2. Security Screening

• Wheelchair inspection: Your wheelchair will undergo a security check. Be prepared to assist security personnel with any questions or concerns.
• Personal screening: You may be subject to additional screening procedures. Request a private screening if needed.

Boarding the Plane

• Pre-boarding: Take advantage of pre-boarding to get settled comfortably.
• Transfer to an aisle chair: Airlines provide aisle chairs to help you transfer to your seat if your wheelchair cannot be used on board.
• Stowing the wheelchair: Your wheelchair will be stored in the cargo hold. Ensure it is properly secured to prevent damage.

In-Flight Tips

• Comfort and safety: Bring any necessary cushions or supports to ensure your comfort during the flight.
• Medication and supplies: Keep essential medications and supplies in your carry-on bag.

Arrival and Post-Flight

• Assistance: Request assistance to retrieve your wheelchair from the cargo hold.
• Inspect your wheelchair: Check for any damage immediately upon arrival. Report any issues to the airline staff.

Airline-Specific Rules for Electric Wheelchairs

British Airways  Electric Wheelchair rules

• Notification: Contact them at least 48 hours before your trip.
• Information required:
  • Type of wheelchair/mobility aid.
  • Dimensions and weight (tare weight).
  • Number and type of batteries installed.
  • Instructions for preventing inadvertent operation: The power must be disconnected/isolated so it cannot be inadvertently activated, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Additional information: British Airways Disability Assistance

KLM Electric Wheelchair rules

• Notification: Contact them at least 48 hours before your trip.
• Dimension and weight requirements:
  • Boeing 737s: maximum 112 x 113 x 85 cm, no maximum weight.
  • Boeing 777s and 787s: maximum 152 x 139 x 149 cm, no maximum weight.
  • Embraer 175s, 190s, and 195-E2s: maximum 120 x 100 x 80 cm and maximum 149 kg.
  • Airbus A330s: maximum 152 x 139 x 149 cm, no maximum weight.
• Battery requirements: Batteries must not exceed 160 watt-hours (Wh).
• Additional information: KLM Special Assistance

Iberia Electric Wheelchair rules

• Notification: Contact them at least 48 hours before your trip.
• Battery requirements: For dry battery-powered wheelchairs, the terminals must be isolated for protection from short circuit, and the power pack must be disconnected and attached to the chair.
• Additional information: Iberia Special Assistance, Iberia Special Luggage

Aerolineas Argentinas Electric Wheelchair rules

• Notification: Contact them at least 48 hours before your trip.
• Battery requirements: If they say that you must bring the batteries on board, unplug batteries and store them in plastic containers in your carry-on baggage. Removable lithium batteries should have their terminals protected with plastic caps or insulating tape.
• Additional information: Aerolineas Argentinas Special Services

Ryanair Electric Wheelchair rules

• Notification: Contact them at least 48 hours before your trip.
• Battery requirements: Accepts only dry/gel cell or lithium-ion batteries (each lithium-ion battery must not exceed 160 watt-hours (Wh), with a total not exceeding 300 watt-hours (Wh)).
• Additional considerations: Wheelchairs and mobility aids that cannot be lifted manually into the aircraft hold will only be accepted if both airports can provide the facilities to load/unload the device. Ensure to confirm this with Ryanair.
• Additional information: Ryanair Special Assistance

Vueling Electric Wheelchair rules

• Notification:  Contact them at least 48 hours before your trip.
• Battery requirements:
  • If the battery is NOT removable, it must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid with no maximum watt-hour limit.
  • If the battery is removable, it must be carried as carry-on luggage and must not exceed 300 watt-hours (Wh) for a single battery, or 160 watt-hours (Wh) each for two batteries.
  • Spare batteries must be protected from damage, placed in individual protective pouches.
• Additional information: Vueling Special Assistance

General Guidelines for All Airlines

• Carry-on allowance: You can take up to two personal-assistance devices on board free of charge, provided there is sufficient space on the aircraft and their carriage is not prohibited by the rules on transporting dangerous goods. This may be the case for some electric wheelchairs due to the type of battery they use.
• EU Regulations: EU Travel with Reduced Mobility