Last updated: Monday, July 7th, 2025
Flying with a travel electric wheelchair for the first time? You’re definitely not alone. Many travelers wonder: “Can I take my wheelchair on a plane?” The answer is yes—and with a little prep, it’s easier than you might think.
This guide will help you understand what to expect, how to plan, and how to make the experience smooth from check-in to arrival.
Know Your Rights as a Wheelchair User
Thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act, U.S.-based airlines must provide accommodations for passengers with disabilities. That includes allowing wheelchairs, mobility aids, and support devices to travel with you—free of charge.
Airlines must assist with boarding, deplaning, and stowing mobility devices. If you’re using a portable wheelchair or power chair, you have legal protections that guarantee your right to fly.
Choosing the Right Travel Electric Wheelchair
The type of chair you travel with matters. A lightweight, folding electric wheelchair is ideal for airport terminals, narrow aisles, and storage compartments.
Consider something like the Carbon Fiber Electric Wheelchair from All Star Wheelchairs—compact, foldable, and designed specifically for travel. It’s lightweight enough for airline handling and durable enough for daily use.
Before you fly, double-check:
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Total weight, including batteries
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Foldability and dimensions
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Battery type (especially for lithium-ion)
These details help airlines prepare for storage and handling.
Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
Contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance. Let them know you’ll be traveling with a wheelchair and request any special accommodations.
Be specific: If you need aisle seating, early boarding, or an accessible lavatory, request it now. Provide info about your travel electric wheelchair—battery specs, dimensions, and whether it folds.
Planning early helps avoid surprises at the gate.
Can I Take My Wheelchair on a Plane?
Yes, you can take your wheelchair on a plane—even powered ones.
Here’s how it works:
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You’ll stay in your chair through the airport and up to the gate
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At boarding, you transfer to an aisle chair
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Your travel electric wheelchair goes into the cargo hold
Airline staff will guide you through the process. But it’s always helpful to double-check policies for your specific flight.
Getting Through the Airport with Ease
Once you arrive, notify staff that you’re traveling with a wheelchair. They’ll guide you through security and assist with boarding.
Here’s what to expect:
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Stay in your chair until boarding
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Airport staff will help transfer you to a boarding chair
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Your portable wheelchair is tagged and stowed securely
The earlier you arrive, the better—especially for international flights.
Clearing Security with a Travel Electric Wheelchair
Security screening with a mobility device is a little different, but not difficult.
When you reach the TSA checkpoint:
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Let officers know about your device
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Ask for a private screening if preferred
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Remove any loose parts like cushions, crutches, or braces
TSA agents are trained to assist wheelchair users respectfully and efficiently. Still, giving yourself extra time—2 hours for domestic flights, 3 for international—is always smart.
To be safe, check your chair's battery type and consult this TSA battery-powered wheelchair guide.
Understand Battery and Airline Rules
If your chair uses lithium-ion batteries, you’ll want to be extra careful. Airlines follow TSA guidelines for safety.
Here’s a breakdown:
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Gel and dry-cell batteries: Generally allowed without restrictions
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Lithium-ion batteries: Must meet watt-hour limits (usually under 300 Wh)
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Removable batteries: May need to be carried on board
Label everything clearly, and bring documentation if you can. A spec sheet or user manual can save time at check-in.
Boarding the Plane and Stowing Your Wheelchair
Before you board, make sure staff understands how to handle your wheelchair. You can:
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Attach instructions to the frame
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Fold and secure loose parts (joysticks, cushions, footrests)
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Use labels to indicate fragile areas
If your chair folds, ask whether it can be stowed in the cabin. Some lightweight portable wheelchair models qualify.
Either way, staff should handle your device with care.
In-Flight Comfort and Accessibility
Once onboard, don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. Airlines often offer:
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Priority seating
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Wheelchair-accessible lavatories
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Assistance moving within the cabin
If you need an oxygen device or have other medical equipment, notify the airline in advance. Your comfort matters, and most crews are ready to help.
What Happens to My Wheelchair During the Flight?
Your wheelchair is stored in the cargo hold unless it fits in-cabin. Most portable electric wheelchair models go under the plane, carefully tagged and stored.
To protect it:
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Take photos before handing it over
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Remove and carry the battery (if required)
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Fold or detach parts that may break
If your chair is damaged, file a report before leaving the airport. Airlines are responsible for repair or replacement.
After You Land: Reuniting with Your Wheelchair
Once the plane arrives, your chair should be returned to the gate. Occasionally, it may take a few minutes to retrieve.
Inspect it carefully before leaving the airport. If anything feels off—damaged joystick, bent frame, missing parts—report it immediately.
Never leave without checking.
Helpful Tips from Frequent Flyers
Experienced wheelchair travelers recommend the following:
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Label everything, including your name and contact info
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Bring zip ties or Velcro to secure parts
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Carry manuals or battery documentation
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Use a joystick cover to protect controls
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Print operation instructions for airline staff
And always give yourself extra time. First-time flyers especially benefit from a stress-free pace.
Accessible Ground Transportation After the Flight
Once you've landed, make sure your ground transportation is ready.
Consider:
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Renting a wheelchair-accessible vehicle
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Using rideshare apps with hand-control options
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Calling ahead to confirm pick-up services
Planning ahead helps your trip stay smooth after the flight ends.
Shopping for a Travel-Ready Wheelchair?
If you’re still deciding on the right model, look for a portable wheelchair with:
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Airline-approved lithium batteries
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Easy folding design
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Lightweight frame (ideally under 55 lbs)
The Carbon Fiber Electric Wheelchair from All Star Wheelchairs is one option that checks all the boxes. Built for air travel, it’s lightweight, durable, and foldable in seconds.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Flying with a portable wheelchair or travel electric wheelchair doesn’t need to be stressful.
If you plan ahead, communicate with the airline, and know your rights, you can fly with confidence—whether it's your first trip or your fiftieth.
Got questions? Reach out anytime at support@allstarwheelchairs.com or call us at (669) 267-5655 or check out our collection of folding electric travel wheelchairs for flight-ready options.