How to Travel by Plane in a Wheelchair — What You Need to Know

Know Your Rights Before You Book

Under UK and EU law, airports and airlines are legally required to provide free assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. This is called PRM assistance (Persons with Reduced Mobility), and you're entitled to it regardless of which airline or airport you use.

This includes:

• Help from check-in through to your seat on the aircraft
• Assistance with boarding and disembarking
• Safe handling and return of your wheelchair or mobility equipment
• Priority boarding if needed

Always request PRM assistance at the time of booking — don't leave it until you arrive. Most airlines have a dedicated accessibility team or a field on their booking form.

Telling the Airline About Your Wheelchair

Airlines need specific information about your wheelchair to handle it safely. Be ready to provide:

• Manual or powered — powered chairs require battery type details (lithium-ion batteries have specific rules)
• Dimensions and weight — folded if applicable
• Whether it can be stored in the cabin — some smaller manual chairs can go in the overhead locker or a dedicated cabin space. The Lightweight Folding Travel Wheelchair is specifically designed with travel in mind
• Whether it needs to go in the hold — most powered chairs will

If your chair goes in the hold, it will be returned to you at the aircraft door on arrival — not at baggage reclaim. Confirm this with your airline in advance.

At the Airport

Arrive with extra time. Even with PRM assistance booked, airport processes take longer when you need support.

Key things to know:

• Check in early — some airlines require wheelchair users to check in at the desk rather than online
• Security — you'll go through an alternative screening process; staff are trained for this
• Airside assistance — once through security, your PRM assistant will stay with you or be available on request
• Boarding — you'll typically board first via a jet bridge, ambulift, or aisle chair depending on the aircraft and airport

What to Pack for the Journey

The right kit makes a real difference, especially on longer trips. Here's what we'd recommend having with you:

• Wheelchair Bag — keeps your essentials accessible without needing someone to carry a bag for you. Waterproof with a reflective strip for visibility.
• Waterproof Wheelchair Leg Blanket — useful for outdoor transfers, waiting on the tarmac, or cooler destinations.
• 2-in-1 Bottle & Phone Holder — keep water and your boarding pass within reach without relying on a tray table.
• Wheelchair Wheel Covers (Set of 2) — protect your wheels from airport grime and wet tarmac. Wipe clean and fold away small.
• Blue Badge, if applicable: add it to your packing checklist if you plan to use it during your trip.

On the Aircraft

Most aircraft have at least one accessible toilet, though space is limited. Let the crew know your needs when you board — they can help with positioning and timing.

Your wheelchair will be stowed in the hold during the flight. An aisle chair (a narrow transfer chair) will be used to move you to and from your seat if needed. You can request this at any point during the flight.

When You Land

Your wheelchair should be returned to you at the aircraft door. If it isn't — or if it's been damaged — report this immediately before leaving the aircraft door area. Airlines are liable for damage caused during handling.

PRM assistance will be available on arrival to help you through immigration, baggage reclaim, and to your onward transport.

A Final Word

The best trips start with good preparation. Know your rights, communicate your needs clearly, and pack the essentials that make you comfortable and independent. The rest is just the journey.

Browse our full Philability Travel collection for everything we'd recommend taking with you. Free UK delivery on orders £10 and over.