Flying with a Wheelchair: Airport Assistance Guide 2026

Airlines and airports are legally required to provide free assistance to passengers with reduced mobility — from check-in all the way to boarding. The key is notifying the airline when you book, or at least 48 hours before departure, so the assistance can be arranged in advance.

♿ WCHR, WCHS, WCHC — what the codes mean

• WCHR (Wheelchair – Ramp) — needs a wheelchair only for longer distances; can climb stairs and move independently once seated
• WCHS (Wheelchair – Steps) — needs help on stairs too, but can transfer in and out of the seat unassisted
• WCHC (Wheelchair – Cabin/Chair) — cannot transfer at all and needs full assistance all the way to the seat

📞 How to book assistance

• Request assistance as soon as you book — through the online form or the airline's call center, not just at check-in
• Notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure — last-minute requests often can't be arranged in time
• Share your own wheelchair's dimensions, weight and battery type with the airline in advance

🛫 What happens at the airport

Assistance staff meet the passenger at the check-in counter and escort them through security, passport control and to the gate. Passengers with reduced mobility board first, using an aisle chair to move down the narrow cabin aisle to their seat.

🔋 Flying with your own wheelchair

• A power wheelchair's lithium battery must be declared in advance — the airline decides whether it can travel in the cargo hold
• The wheelchair is usually used right up to the gate, then loaded in the cargo hold and returned gate-side at the destination
• A manual (non-electric) wheelchair travels free of charge and doesn't count against your baggage allowance

More on traveling with a family member who needs assistance — see the traveling with elderly parents guide. Flying while pregnant has its own rules — see the flying while pregnant guide. Compare fares on Travel365's price calendar.