How Do People In Wheelchairs Fly

Many people in wheelchairs are reluctant to travel and avoid using airplanes because of the significant limitations many airlines place on them. Airplane seats are designed for the average human body and needs, and little thought is given to people with disabilities. So how do people in wheelchairs fly?

People in wheelchairs use their wheelchairs up until boarding, where they are transferred to an aisle chair. They are boarded first for privacy, moved from the transfer chair to their seat, and assisted with luggage. Wheelchairs are stowed in cargo and are usually transported free of charge.

One of the biggest deterrents to flying with a wheelchair is the regulations that don’t allow a person to fly using their own wheelchair. This is profoundly humiliating and upsetting for wheelchair users, who may need to be carried on and off the plane. While airlines will provide boarding and disembarking assistance, not all airlines provide the same care to passengers with disabilities.

While it varies worldwide, it is often a legal right in many countries that passengers with reduced mobility must be offered assistance when traveling by plane. These standards apply to flights originating and landing in the U.K., the E.U., and the U.S.A.. However, many other countries have similar laws.

As such, passengers in wheelchairs or who need special assistance when flying should have fair access to travel. Unfortunately, travel remains difficult for many people who use wheelchairs due to the regulations of airplane passenger seats.

And rightfully, many people worry about their wheelchairs getting damaged while in cargo, as they are expensive equipment. If your wheelchair is damaged, there is the hassle of replacing it and the inconvenience and discomfort of not having your necessary mobility aids.

The airline should provide support through all stages of your journey in the airport and on the plane. Usually, you will contact the airline ahead of time to explain your needs and request ‘Special Assistance.’

When booking air travel, there are a few things you need to know beforehand.

You may usually stay in your wheelchair for security checks. Security will also check your wheelchair for any potential threats.

The airport assistance team should stay with you if necessary to help you board. Airlines cannot take your wheelchair onto the plane, so it will be stored in the cargo hold.

This is a significant problem for people needing wheelchairs to sit safely.

When boarding the plane, you will be transferred from your own wheelchair to a transfer chair or aisle chair, allowing you to be taken to your seat with dignity. You may need to inform the airline staff how many people will be needed to help lift you into your transfer chair and seat.

You should be the first to board and the last to disembark. This will provide privacy as you are transferred between a wheelchair, transfer chair, and airplane seat. The guidance is that people who need to use a transfer seat should be afforded privacy from other passengers.

If you are unable to carry your luggage, the airline staff should assist you. You may prefer to bring a special cushion to help you sit more easily and to prevent any sores from the seat.

Depending on your needs, the airline may book you a seat by the aisle rather than the window. This makes access easier. You will be buckled into your seat for safety.

Some people have padded wheelchairs to help cushion their movements, but airplane seats do not have this. This can make flying more uncomfortable if you are knocked about by the plane’s movement.

Many wheelchair users find flying risky. The current seating regulations for aircraft mean that wheelchair users must be strapped into a regular seat, which is not always safe or comfortable for a person with disabilities. They run the risk of slamming their head and limbs.

It’s also possible that airline staff could drop them when transferring them from an aisle chair into their seat. Besides the risk of injury, it is also humiliating and embarrassing to be lifted and transferred instead of being able to lock a wheelchair into a suitable seating berth.

Wheelchair users who cannot move without assistance should not be left unattended for longer than thirty minutes, even if they have someone with them unless they say this is okay.

Trains and coaches often have berths designed to hold a wheelchair safely in place using wheelchair restraints. These safety restraint systems must meet specific weight and force guidelines before use. You can check the specifics with Estraints.

However, with airplanes, the situation is different. All seats in an airplane must meet strict safety guidelines. They do not currently accommodate space for an onboard wheelchair.

This makes flying an uncomfortable prospect for many wheelchair users. There are hopes that, eventually, a solution will be found that allows wheelchair users to board the plane in their chairs and remain there for the flight.

Easy seat transfer and discomfort are not the only difficulties wheelchair users face when flying. Some other problems that may occur are:

While standards will differ internationally, the usual practice is to allow passengers to bring two mobility items onto the plane at no extra cost. While this is standard across most airlines, some airlines outside the U.S., U.K., and E.U. may charge extra for wheelchairs.

While air transport regulations have been passed to ensure the safety of wheelchair users, it is still not an ideal way for many people with disabilities to travel. Because they must be seated in standard airplane seats, this can be an embarrassing procedure to board and exit the plane.

Airplane seats are not designed for the safety and comfort of people with disabilities, and this can make the journey painful and uncomfortable. Some people have experienced injuries. It’s hoped that eventually, airlines will have berths suitable for wheelchairs, allowing users to travel in safety.