Fly Safe Today

This program offers valuable resources and education, providing travelers with disabilities with information on available assistive equipment for purchase.

Assistive equipment

Transfer Sling

In an emergency, the ADAPTS portable transfer sling may be the only safe way off the plane for passengers with disabilities whose wheelchairs are stowed cargo.

Get $15 off with code AWU15

Shop transfer slings online

Harness

The CARES harness for special needs flyers is the first and only harness-type positioning device that’s certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Get 15% off with code AWUCARES

Shop harnesses online

Flying tips

Contact the Airline in Advance

Call the airline’s special assistance or accessibility department at least 48 hours before your flight. Let them know you’ll be traveling with a power wheelchair so they can prepare for it.
Provide details about the wheelchair’s weight, dimensions, and battery type (e.g., lithium-ion, gel cell), as airlines have specific rules for certain types of batteries.

Understand Battery Regulations

Lithium-ion batteries typically have restrictions on size and quantity, so check with the airline if the battery will need to be removed and transported separately.
Gel cell and dry cell batteries are generally safer and often don’t need removal.

Arrive Early at the Airport

Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This extra time allows for any necessary inspection and coordination with airline staff to handle your wheelchair safely.

Bring Key Information and Tools

Bring an information card with instructions on how to operate, put into manual, disassemble, and reassemble your wheelchair, as ground crews may not be familiar with it.
Consider carrying essential tools or quick-release parts (like detachable joystick or leg rests) if they’re easy to remove and could help avoid damage.

Label and Protect Fragile Parts

Label fragile areas of the wheelchair (e.g., joystick) with “Fragile” stickers.
Some travelers use bubble wrap or foam to protect key components, especially if the chair will be stored in the cargo hold.
Take picture of your chair when handing it off.

Ask for an “Aisle Chair” if Needed

Airlines offer aisle chairs for boarding. These narrow wheelchairs help you get to your seat if you cannot walk.

Know Your Rights and File a Complaint if Needed

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) protects the rights of travelers with disabilities in the U.S. If you encounter issues, know that you have the right to request assistance or, if needed, file a complaint with the airline or the Department of Transportation.
What do you do if you have a problem? You can contact the DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division Disability Hotline.
They also offer a Disability Bill of Rights listing your rights.

Consider Insurance

While rare, wheelchairs can get damaged in transit. Check with your insurance to make sure any damage during travel is covered, or inquire with the airline about their liability for mobility devices.

TSA CARES

TSA Cares is a program designed to assist travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances during the security screening process at airports. It provides additional help to ensure a smoother experience through security checkpoints.
To request assistance, you can call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 if your flight is within 72 hours. The program is specifically aimed at helping those who may need extra support, so if you think you qualify, it’s advisable to reach out for assistance.

With these preparations, you should have a smoother experience.We can provide specific information on a certain airline or additional tips for a particular type of wheelchair.

Informational sheets

Air travel should be possible—as well as safe and comfortable—for everyone. Whether you're traveling with a visible or invisible disability, these resources are designed to help you navigate each step of the journey with greater ease, confidence, and support.

Traveling for the first time
Know your rights
How to request assistance and file complaints if needed
Preparedness for travel
Traveling with a child with a disability
What to do when your wheelchair is broken
Expanding on fact sheets
What is the difference between ADA, ACAA,
Scripts for advocating
Things that came out of 2024 FAA reauth

FAQs about traveling

How are wheelchairs loaded on airplanes now?

Right now, wheelchairs are literally lifted into the cargo hold of the Airplane. You can see how it is done in the video below. It takes 4 baggage handlers to do it and they almost drop it.

What should I do if an airline has damaged my wheelchair?

If an airline has ever damaged your wheelchair or discriminated against you based on your disability, please file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation as well as the airline.. Airlines need to know whenever they are not servicing the Disabled Community properly. The Department of Transportation has a formal complaint system where all complaints are investigated and reports covering the entire airline industry are published every year. The airlines and DOT need to know of problems so they can be addressed.

Will I be able to fly in a scooter?

We understand the importance of inclusive air travel solutions and the need for greater accessibility. While passengers can bring their mobility scooters on flights, remaining seated in them during the flight presents unique logistical and safety challenges. Current regulations require mobility scooters to be stowed in the cargo hold, with passengers transferring to standard airplane seating.

Will I be able to move around the airplane?

No. For safety purposes your wheelchair will have to be restrained for the entire flight just like for accessible buses. If you need to use the restroom, or lavatory, during your flight, airline personnel will assist you in transferring to an aisle wheelchair, a narrow chair designed for mobility within the aircraft. This specialized wheelchair will be used to transport you to and from the lavatory.

When do you expect airplanes to have a wheelchair spot?

Air travel should be accessible and comfortable for every passenger, regardless of their mobility needs. Over recent years, significant progress has been made in testing and developing products and solutions that could one day allow passengers to remain in their wheelchairs during a flight.

While these advancements are promising, establishing a definitive timeline for the availability of wheelchair spots on commercial airplanes remains challenging. The process involves navigating complex regulatory requirements, safety certifications, engineering constraints, and airline adoption across a global industry. As a result, it is not within our authority to set or predict a specific date when these accommodations will become standard.

Our commitment, instead, is to support the ongoing development, provide expertise, and advocate for accessible solutions. By collaborating with industry stakeholders and ensuring that the needs of passengers with disabilities remain at the forefront, we strive to make air travel safer and more dignified for everyone.