The Complete Airport Travel Checklist for Electric Wheelchair Users — Free to Print
· Philip Grant
Flying with an electric wheelchair is absolutely doable — but it requires more preparation than standard travel. Airlines, airports, and security all have specific requirements, and missing even one step can cause serious delays or, worse, damage to your chair.
This checklist is free to print and use. Work through it in the weeks and days before your flight, and you'll arrive at the airport with confidence.
✅ 6–8 Weeks Before Travel
- ☐ Notify your airline that you are travelling with a powered wheelchair — most require advance notice (check your airline's specific policy, usually 48–72 hours minimum but earlier is better)
- ☐ Confirm your wheelchair dimensions and weight — measure length, width, height, and total weight including battery
- ☐ Check the airline's powered wheelchair policy — lithium battery watt-hour (Wh) limits vary by airline (typically 300Wh per battery)
- ☐ Identify your battery type — lithium-ion, lithium polymer, gel cell, or dry cell (each has different airline rules)
- ☐ Request airport assistance (PRM) — book Passenger with Reduced Mobility assistance through the airport or airline
- ☐ Book accessible accommodation at your destination if needed
- ☐ Check destination airport accessibility — lifts, accessible toilets, assistance availability
✅ 2–4 Weeks Before Travel
- ☐ Get a battery certificate or letter from your wheelchair supplier — confirming battery type and watt-hour rating (many airlines require this)
- ☐ Check travel insurance covers your wheelchair — confirm replacement value and damage/loss cover
- ☐ Photograph your wheelchair from all angles — essential evidence if damage occurs during handling
- ☐ Label your wheelchair clearly with your name, flight number, and contact details
- ☐ Arrange medication — pre-load your pill organiser, carry a letter from your GP for controlled medications, check rules for your destination country
- ☐ Confirm return journey assistance is also booked
✅ 48–72 Hours Before Travel
- ☐ Reconfirm PRM assistance with the airline and departure airport
- ☐ Charge your wheelchair fully
- ☐ Check battery terminals are protected — airlines may require terminals to be insulated or disconnected
- ☐ Pack your carry-on with everything you need if your chair is delayed (medication, charger cable, comfort items)
- ☐ Print or save your battery documentation — have it accessible at check-in and security
- ☐ Confirm your Blue Badge is packed if driving to the airport
✅ Day of Travel — At Home
- ☐ Charge your phone fully and carry a power bank
- ☐ Pack your car door grab handle if being dropped off — makes getting in and out of the car independently much easier
- ☐ Pack your medication organiser — pre-loaded and alarmed
- ☐ Carry copies of all key documents: boarding pass, passport, travel insurance, battery certificate, GP letter if applicable
- ☐ Allow extra time — arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights
✅ At the Airport — Check-In
- ☐ Go to the accessible check-in desk or notify staff immediately on arrival
- ☐ Declare your powered wheelchair and present battery documentation
- ☐ Ask how and where your chair will be stored on the aircraft (hold vs. cabin)
- ☐ Confirm you will be reunited with your chair at the aircraft door on arrival — not the baggage carousel
- ☐ Attach a fragile/priority tag to your wheelchair if offered
✅ At the Airport — Security
- ☐ Inform security staff you use a powered wheelchair before going through
- ☐ Be prepared for a manual pat-down — electric wheelchairs cannot go through standard scanners
- ☐ Keep medication in your carry-on in original packaging where possible
- ☐ Have your battery documentation ready — security may ask to see it
✅ Boarding & On the Aircraft
- ☐ Board early — request priority boarding when checking in
- ☐ Transfer to an aisle chair if required — airport staff should assist
- ☐ Confirm your wheelchair has been loaded before the aircraft doors close if possible
- ☐ Note the time and staff name if you hand over your chair — useful if anything goes wrong
✅ On Arrival
- ☐ Wait for your wheelchair at the aircraft door — do not proceed to baggage reclaim without it
- ☐ Inspect your wheelchair immediately for any damage before leaving the gate area
- ☐ Report any damage immediately to airline staff and complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport
- ☐ Photograph any damage on the spot
- ☐ Contact your travel insurer if damage has occurred
Useful Products for Electric Wheelchair Travellers
These are the products Phil recommends for making airport travel smoother:
- Car Door Grab Handle — independent access at drop-off and pick-up
- Smart Weekly Pill Organiser — never miss a dose across time zones
- Wheelchair Accessories — bags, holders, and travel essentials
- Full Travel Collection — everything chosen for real-world accessibility