European airports have been offering assistance to passengers with disabilities since 2008. Staff provide support and assistance at every stage, from check-in and security checks to boarding the aircraft. However, the services offered, the conditions and the number of seats available for disabled passengers depend on the airline and the type of aircraft. Generally, passengers cannot be required to present a medical certificate in order to receive free assistance at the airport and on board. In a few cases, however, the airline may request additional information to support the request.
Please note: airlines are not obliged to provide assistance with eating or taking medication during the flight. Anyone who requires this level of assistance during a long flight, for example, must bring an accompanying person who can perform these tasks.
Tip: the airline or airport must be informed if any problems arise during a trip or if a mobility aid is damaged, for example. If you have any questions or experience any problems as a result of such an incident, you can contact the national enforcement body of the country in which the incident occurred.
The Your Europe website provides further information and also has an interactive guide on air passenger rights.
Taking your wheelchair on the plane
If you are travelling with a wheelchair, you should book your flight well in advance and call the airline directly to notify them. The following points should be clarified in advance:
For flights within Europe, you can usually take two mobility aids (e.g. a wheelchair and a pair of crutches) into the cabin, provided there is sufficient space on board. Alternatively, these can be transported in the cargo hold as bulky baggage. There are no additional costs for this.
If you have a manual wheelchair, you can use it at the airport and fold it up at the aircraft door. You should check it in at the counter with your other luggage in advance. Checking in a non-folding wheelchair usually is not a problem. However, it is advisable to inform the airline at least 48 hours in advance, or preferably when booking.
You should also ensure that any medical equipment, such as a ventilator, meets the respective airline's requirements. It may be helpful to provide a declaration of conformity from the manufacturer.
The question of whether a guide dog can travel in the cabin or must be placed in the cargo hold depends on various factors and should be clarified with the airline individually. Many airlines allow certified and appropriately identified service dogs to travel in the cabin. However, restrictions may apply—for example relating to certain types of aircraft or in terms of seat availability.
Tip: before booking, it is advisable to check whether your wheelchair is covered by travel insurance.
Electric wheelchairs/scooters
While electric wheelchairs can generally be taken into the cabin, special regulations do apply, particularly with regard to batteries and the size/weight of the device.
Loose parts, such as the armrests, headrest and footrest, should be removed. If necessary, the power cable and control button should also be removed and stowed in your carry-on luggage.
Batteries do not need to be removed if it is ensured that the power circuit is interrupted or the fuse is switched off. Airport staff should be informed about how to switch the electric wheelchair to manual operation so that it can be transported and secured easily.
Batteries can be considered a safety risk. The type of battery determines whether it is allowed in the cabin:
Battery type | Carriage on the aircraft | Conditions |
Dry/gel battery | permitted | usually no problem, but must be declared |
Lithium-ion battery | permitted under certain conditions | usually < 300 Wh capacity; removable or can be switched off safely |
Wet battery (liquid) | problematic/often rejected | only with special permission |
Tip: the watt hours (Wh) are indicated either on the battery itself or in the device's data sheet. If you cannot find the information in either of these places, contact the manufacturer or a medical supply store for assistance.
Different regulations may apply to flights outside the EU or across EU borders. It is advisable to check with the respective airline in advance to clarify any costs and transport regulations: