Flying With A Wheelchair In The US: 5 Top Tips For First-Time Travelers

Oct 29, 2024

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For those flying with a wheelchair for the first time, navigating the complex web of federal, airline, and airport regulations regarding the use of these mobility devices can be difficult. For starters, all passengers with mobility and accessibility needs can bring a mobility device with them on a flight. However, the specific guidelines for doing so vary by the exact flight and mobility device type.

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While accessibility is strictly protected by laws in the United States, foreign nations may not offer the same level of accommodation, and passengers should be aware of foreign regulations regarding the use of mobility devices on aircraft. For this piece, we will focus exclusively on flying with mobility devices within the United States.

Despite extensive protections for Americans with disabilities, there are a few restrictions that passengers should be aware of, some of which may significantly affect their journey. Furthermore, there have been many initiatives by airlines in recent months that will allow passengers to significantly improve the likelihood of not encountering any issues related to traveling with their mobility devices. Let's take a deeper look at what traveling with a wheelchair looks like in the United States and five key things that passengers should keep in mind before taking their wheelchair on a flight.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is one of the key authorities regulating whether passengers can travel with wheelchairs and other personal mobility devices. For starters, the organization has an extensive list of devices that are classified as accessible mobility devices, which extend beyond just wheelchairs and include all the following:

For passengers with collapsible mobility devices (including collapsible wheelchairs), they are fully welcome to store them onboard the aircraft if room can be found. Carriers are also required to check wheelchairs at no additional cost if a passenger cannot bring them onboard, and must return them to their owners in their original conditions, according to DOT guidelines.

It may be difficult to evaluate whether a mobility device can be efficiently stored somewhere onboard the aircraft. As a result, passengers with mobility accommodations are encouraged to work with the aircraft's crew to find the best place on board to store their mobility devices.

Certain aircraft currently have dedicated storage facilities for wheelchairs and other collapsible mobility devices. By collaborating with the crew to identify the optimal location for these devices, passengers can ensure the most efficient travel experience. However, if one is concerned about mobility devices being damaged in flight, it might be better to check where they can be securely fastened in the cargo hold.

A recent video shows a wheelchair rolling out onto the tarmac, speaking conversations about how airlines treat mobility devices.

Passengers are encouraged to reach out to airlines before traveling with a wheelchair, as it can ensure that the airline is best prepared to support them throughout their journey, according to Conde Nest Traveller. This can allow airlines to inform passengers of any specifications regarding their flight that might affect their mobility needs. Furthermore, passengers will also be able to raise any concerns they may have with the airlines, and resolving these in advance can help prevent any issues from occurring at the gate or in flight.

The passenger was thankful to LOT Polish Airlines' cabin crew, who, despite the situation, were helpful and apologetic.

It is important to note that the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), which performs security screenings at airports, has special guidelines for wheelchair users. Typically, passengers are required to walk through a millimeter wave scanner or a metal detector, but this may not always be possible for those in wheelchairs.

As per TSA guidelines, passengers in wheelchairs will not be required to exit their mobility devices and may receive a pat-down if they cannot pass through the metal detector with their device. The wheelchair will also be extensively examined, and all removable parts may be inspected by safety officers, according to Wheelchair Travel.

Of the many initiatives by airlines to help improve the travel experience for those in need of mobility accommodations, United's digital sizing tool is one of the most innovative. It offers passengers a three-step experience during the booking process that can drastically improve their travel:

For the most part, carriers are continuing to innovate to help improve the passenger experience for those with disabilities. This new initiative, in collaboration with the United Spinal Association, offers unique opportunities for passengers to gauge how their mobility needs will be met by the aircraft they are booking.

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