Airport Wheelchair Assistance
Book flights with wheelchair help
Need help getting to or from your flight? We’ve got you. If you or someone you're travelling with needs a wheelchair at the airport, just let us know when booking or get in touch after. We’ll make sure the airline is informed and share anything else you need to know.
You can ask for airport wheelchair help if you have reduced mobility - this could be due to a chronic condition like arthritis, an injury or recent surgery. Tap the options below to learn how to request help and what to expect at the airport.
Book flights with special assistance at Alternative Airlines
Flying with extra needs? We’re here to help. Whether it’s medical requirements, extra seats, or travelling with pets, we make it easy to book flights that work for you. You can request special help when booking, or get in touch with our team for anything more specific.
- Extra seat 💺 - Need more space? You can request an extra seat when booking with us.
- Flying with oxygen 💨 - If you need to bring oxygen on board, we’ll help you arrange it with the airline.
- Pets/ emotional support animals 🐶 - We can help you travel with pets or registered emotional support animals.
- Medical conditions and allergies 💊 - Need to bring medication or manage allergies while flying? We’ve got you.
- Unaccompanied minors 🧒🏻 - We help organise care and support for children flying alone.
- Special meals 🍽️ - Request meals for your dietary needs when booking.
- Travelling with infants 👶🏻 - Flying with an infant? Let us help you plan for a smoother journey.
- Disabilities 🤝 - We’ll make sure you get the help you need for a safe and comfortable flight.
When should you contact us to request reduced mobility assistance?
You can request wheelchair or mobility help at the airport once you've booked your flight. But if you have any questions before you book, just get in touch - we're here to help.
We want your journey to be as smooth as possible. That’s why we recommend letting us know at least 48 hours before your flight if you need mobility help. Some airlines and airports need this much notice to get everything in place - and without it, there’s a chance they may not be able to help or even allow you to fly.
It’s always best to contact us as soon as you know you’ll need assistance. And when it comes to the day of travel, give yourself extra time at the airport, especially during busy periods like summer holidays.
What types of wheelchair assistance are available?
Types of wheelchair assistance are broken down into 3 categories. Contact Alternative Airlines if you require any of the following on your journey:
- WCHR-(R=Ramp) - Passengers who require wheelchair assistance as they can climb stairs, but cannot walk long distances (eg. to get to their gate)
- WCHC-(S=Stairs) - Passengers who cannot climb stairs. A PAU (Passenger Aid Unit) is required to get the passenger into Aircraft, but passengers can walk from cabin door to their seat (i.e. can walk in cabin)
- WCHC-(C=Cabin) - For passengers who are immobile and require full assistance
Those who require one of the above may request reduced mobility assistance to do any of the following:
- Get from a designated meeting point in the airport
- Go through customs and security to the boarding gate
- Get onboard the plane and into your seat
- Stow your cabin bag in the overhead locker
- Get off the plane after landing
- Retrieve your luggage and any mobility equipment
- Take you to a meeting point at the airport
Common problems with airport wheelchair assistance and how to plan ahead
We know flying with a wheelchair can come with extra challenges. Here's what to watch out for — and how we can help.
Checking in your wheelchair 🧳
- Some airlines may have restrictions on certain types of wheelchairs, especially electric ones, due to size or weight.
- Smaller airlines might not be able to carry all types of wheelchairs, but we’ll always notify the airline of your needs when you book with us.
Airport facilities ✈️
- Airport facilities vary. Some have jet bridges or mobile lifts, while others may require passengers to use stairs.
- Many airports have long distances between check-in and departure gates.
- Some airport staff may not be able to help if your special assistance request is made less than 48 hours before departure.
- We’ll always do our best to make sure the airline is informed of your requirements - just let us know at least 48 hours before your flight.
Wheelchair assistance vs. personal care 🦽
- We’re here to support all our customers with reduced mobility or disabilities.
- Airline and airport wheelchair assistants are not required to offer personal care, such as help with using the bathroom.
- If you need this type of support, we recommend travelling with a companion.
- Staff are also not allowed to give medical treatments or operate medical equipment, due to legal restrictions. A companion is required if you’ll need help with this during your flight.
Meals and food access 🍴
- Wheelchair assistants are only responsible for helping with your travel - not for escorting you to restaurants or food stands.
- To be safe, bring your own food from home, especially if you have connecting flights or limited time in the airport.
Travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair or scooter?
Let us know what type of battery your wheelchair or scooter uses when you book. This helps us check the rules with your airline in advance.
Most airlines will allow wet cell (spillable) batteries for electric wheelchairs, but some may need to remove the battery and pack it in a secure container. If that’s the case, we recommend arriving early at the airport and speaking to the check-in desk.
Non-spillable batteries are usually fine too, as long as they meet airline safety standards.
Is wheelchair help available for connecting flights?
Yes, wheelchair help should be available when you have to change planes. Once your first flight lands, you’ll usually be asked to wait until other passengers have left the plane. A wheelchair attendant will then meet you at the aircraft door and take you to your next gate.
If you need to stop at a restroom along the way, just let the attendant know you’re a disabled traveller and need to make a quick stop.
In the US, airlines must provide wheelchair help for connections by law. But this isn’t guaranteed everywhere, so it’s a good idea to double-check before you travel.
Need help or have questions about special help between flights? Get in touch with our team - we’re here to make sure your trip runs smoothly. And remember to leave enough time between flights to meet all your needs without stress.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I request wheelchair help when booking a flight?
If you need help getting through the airport or onto the plane, you can request wheelchair support while booking your flight with us.
On the passenger details page, you’ll see a section where you can tell us what type of help you need. Once we’ve got that, we’ll pass it on to the airline so they can arrange everything in advance.
If plans change or you need to update your request, we’re here to help. Simply get in touch with us before your flight.
What kind of wheelchair support can I get at the airport?
Wheelchair support isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, there are different levels of help available:
- From check-in to the departure gate
- From check-in all the way to the aircraft door
- From check-in right through to your seat onboard
You can let us know which option you need when you book. If you’re unsure, it’s better to request more help than less. Airport staff are there to support you at every step.
Can I take my own wheelchair on the flight?
Yes, you can travel with your own wheelchair, whether it’s manual or electric. Airlines will usually store it in the aircraft’s hold and return it to you when you land.
If it’s electric, we’ll need some details like the battery type and size. Let us know as early as possible so we can pass the info on to the airline and avoid any last-minute issues. There’s no extra charge for bringing a wheelchair on board.
What if my wheelchair gets damaged during the flight?
Airlines aim to take good care of mobility equipment, but damage can sometimes happen during loading or unloading. To reduce the risk, it helps to:
- Remove or secure loose parts like footrests or controls
- Add a clear label with your name and contact details
- Include handling instructions if your chair needs special care
It’s also a good idea to take photos before your journey and check whether your travel insurance covers mobility aids, just in case you need to make a claim.
Can I stay in my wheelchair during the flight?
Unfortunately not. All passengers must sit in a standard seat during the flight, including take-off and landing. Your wheelchair will be stored safely by the crew.
If you need help getting to your seat, staff will use a special aisle wheelchair to support you on board. Most long-haul planes also have an onboard wheelchair to help with moving around the cabin, but toilets are often small and may not be fully accessible.
How early should I arrive at the airport if I’ve requested wheelchair support?
We recommend arriving at least three hours before your flight is due to leave. This gives airport staff time to meet you, guide you through check-in, help with security and get you to the gate without rushing.
If it’s a large airport or a busy time of day, giving yourself a little extra time can make things smoother and less stressful.
Do all airlines offer the same support for wheelchair users?
Not quite. Each airline handles things a bit differently. Full-service airlines tend to offer more thorough support, while some low-cost carriers might only provide the basics. The size of the aircraft and even the airport you’re flying from can also make a difference.
If accessibility is a big factor for your journey, we’re happy to help you choose an airline that’s more likely to meet your needs.
Do I have to pay for wheelchair assistance?
No, wheelchair support at the airport is completely free. Airlines and airports are legally required to provide this service at no extra cost. That includes help at check-in, through security, at the gate and during boarding.
If you’re travelling with someone who’s helping you throughout the flight, they’ll need to book a ticket as normal, but some airlines may let them sit next to you for free or at a reduced rate.
Can I fly alone if I use a wheelchair?
Yes, many people who use wheelchairs fly independently. If you can follow safety instructions, communicate with the crew and manage your own basic needs like eating and using the toilet, you should be fine to travel solo.
However, if you need hands-on help during the flight, the airline may ask you to travel with a companion. If you’re not sure, it’s best to speak with us or the airline before you fly.
What if I forgot to ask for wheelchair support when I booked?
No worries - it’s not too late. If you forgot to request support at the time of booking, just get in touch with us or your airline as soon as you can.
Ideally, let us know at least 48 hours before your flight so there’s time to get everything arranged. While last-minute help is sometimes possible, advance notice means a smoother experience for you on the day.