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.
Trusted globally
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines