Skip to content

Save $100 on All Orders Over $1000! Use Code: MOBILITY100 at Checkout.

FREE SHIPPING│30 Days Easy Returns│Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Travel the Right Way with Scooters and Motorized Wheelchairs on Airlines - Mobility Plus Direct
October 5, 2023 Daniel Parker

Air Travel Tips for Scooters and Wheelchairs

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, full of new experiences and opportunities to explore! For those with mobility challenges, a little extra preparation can make all the difference. In this article, we’re sharing practical tips to help you navigate your journey with confidence, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience.

Pre-flight preparation:

Traveler's rights document
Preparation is essential for every travel experience, and traveling with mobility aids is no different. Whether it’s choosing your airline, understanding the destination’s culture, or ensuring your hotel has the right facilities, planning ahead can make all the difference.
Start by notifying your airline early about your specific needs. This gives you the chance to discuss their policies and clarify any restrictions on the size and weight of power wheelchairs they can accommodate.
Ensure your wheelchair  or mobility scooter meets the airline’s guidelines. Most airlines can handle mid-sized power wheelchairs and some smaller full-sized models, even if not explicitly stated. As long as your mobility device—whether a travel scooter, power chair, or other aid—meets the airline’s size, weight, and safety requirements, and its battery is FAA-compliant, the airline must transport it free of charge.
It is useful and important to know you have rights. Most countries and jurisdictions have laws in place e.g. in America, your right to fly with a mobility device is protected by the “Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights” (Click Here), and within the Bill of Rights, it is also stated that airlines are responsible for any loss and damage that occurs while the device is in their possession. If you plan to travel internationally, research the regulations and requirements of the destination country regarding mobility devices. Different countries may have specific rules, so it's essential to be well-informed.

Airport security check

Pre-days to flight:

  • Ensure your Power Chair, electric wheelchair, scooter etc., are sufficiently charged. It sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many people overlook this, similar to a mobile phone - I have forgotten how many times my children complain during a flight because their battery has died!
  • If your power chair has removable batteries, consider fully charging them before your flight to ensure they last throughout your journey. Some airports also provide charging stations for mobility devices (good to add this to your inquiry list as part of the Pre-flight preparation)
  • Pack your medical, insurance and Mobile Scooter documentation, along with your travel documents in an easy to access, but secure  bag, pocket, or place that you can easily obtain during your travel.

Arrival at the airport:

    • Travelling can be stressful, so our best advice is to give yourself time and build the journey into your holiday i.e. luxurious and relaxing travel through-out, so we cannot stress enough to give yourself time. If you get to the airport early, you can relax and have a nice drink or cake, visit the shops or read a book, so aim to arrive at the airport at least one hour before the regular check-in time. Especially if it is your first time at the airport, it gives you time to find your allocated check-in point and inform an agent that you will be traveling with a power wheelchair.
    • Usually you must choose whether you wish to gate-check or baggage-check your power vehicle. We strongly suggest gate-checking to ensure you can stay in your power wheelchair or scooter until boarding. Also, it greatly reduces the risk of loss during transit and should ease stress.
    • Lithium batteries are always a key topic, so we recommend mentioning if your device contains lithium batteries and present the staff with the battery specification sheet to prove it is FAA-compliant e.g. the  eFoldi Lite  and the airline approved mobility scooters

TSA Airport check

Security: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Arriving at the airport early isn’t just about beating the rush—it’s about giving yourself enough time for a smooth security screening. When traveling with a mobility aid, security checks can involve extra steps. Often, the details about your device might not have been passed along to the security staff, so you might encounter a few additional questions or inspections. That’s completely normal and much less stressful when you’ve planned ahead and arrived early.

Preparing for Security Screening
If you need to stay seated in your mobility device, be prepared to remove any personal items like shoes, purses, jackets, or other accessories. These will need to go through the X-ray machine. Organizing these items in advance can make the process quicker and less hectic.

Security staff will likely guide you to a designated area for further screening. This usually involves a full-body pat-down and a detailed inspection of your wheelchair or mobility device. In most cases, they’ll swab your power wheelchair to test for traces of explosives. This process is routine and should be handled with care and professionalism.

After the Screening
Once cleared, gather your belongings and head to your gate. Staying organized and relaxed during this process helps keep everything running smoothly.

A Few Important Notes:

  • Different airports, different procedures: Security protocols can vary slightly depending on the airport. However, all staff should be polite and accommodating.
  • Technology is evolving: Screening methods improve regularly, so the process may become quicker and easier in the future.
  • Request support if needed: If you ever feel uneasy going through security alone, don’t hesitate to ask for an escort or additional assistance.

Traveling with a mobility device might mean a few extra steps, but with preparation and a calm approach, you can breeze through security and focus on enjoying your journey.

Understanding FAA Rules on Mobility Device Batteries

When flying with a wheelchair or mobility device, it's important to understand FAA guidelines regarding batteries:

  • Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries: If your device uses an SLA battery that cannot be removed, the battery can remain installed and stowed as-is.
  • Lithium-Ion Batteries: Devices with lithium-ion batteries must comply with specific watt-hour (Wh) limits:
    • A single battery must not exceed 300 Wh.
    • If using two batteries (common with travel scooters), each must not exceed 160 Wh.
    • Passengers can carry one spare battery up to 300 Wh or two spares up to 160 Wh each.

To calculate watt-hours, multiply the battery’s voltage (V) by its amp-hours (Ah). For example, the ComfyGO X-7 Lightweight Wheelchair’s 24V, 7.5Ah battery equals 180 Wh, making it travel-compliant.

For detailed guidelines, refer to FAA resources or contact your airline directly for assistance with your mobility device.

    Travelling with a mobility device

    At Your Destination: Key Tips for a Smooth Arrival

    Preparation and communication with your destination airport are essential. Many airports offer mobility assistance, and your airline can help coordinate support. Here's what to expect and how to prepare:

    • Retrieving Your Device: Your mobility device will typically be returned at the same location where it was checked at boarding. Inspect it for any damage or signs of mishandling. If you notice an issue, notify airline staff immediately to start a claim.

    • Reassembly and Check: Reattach any removed items, such as batteries, joysticks, or personal belongings, and verify your device is functioning properly. Once confirmed, proceed to baggage claim to collect your luggage.

    Additional Tips for a Seamless Journey:

    1. Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with manual operation of your wheelchair in case of unexpected issues.
    2. Leverage Online Resources: Join forums or communities where travelers share insights on destinations and airlines.
    3. Pre-Trip Maintenance: Schedule a check-up for your mobility device to minimize the risk of issues.
    4. Accessible Accommodations: Confirm your destination meets your mobility needs, including accessible bathrooms, ramps, and suitable terrain for your device.

    With these steps, you can confidently begin your trip, knowing you're prepared for every stage of your journey

      Image 1
      Image 2

      Final Thoughts

      Traveling with a power wheelchair, scooter or aide is entirely possible, and with a little time undertaking the right preparation, communication and attitude,  traveling with a mobility vehicle should help you fully and enjoyably discover new place and live your life to the fullest!

      We at First Class Mobility believe that everyone should be able to feel empowered in their everyday lives, but especially during their holidays and thus we hope that this article provides a few tips in helping you and your loved ones to do that to the fullest.

      For questions, reach out to our consultants. Thank you for reading, and safe travels!

      Note: This information is based on our experience and is intended as a general guide. Always verify current regulations and policies with airlines, regulators, and government guidelines before traveling.

      Previous article Outsmart Pressure Sores: A Comprehensive Guide
      Next article The Perfect Sleep Chair for Comfort and Fucntionality

      Compare products

      {"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

      Select first item to compare

      Select second item to compare

      Select third item to compare

      Compare