Navigating the Airport with a Wheelchair
For those who need guidance on flying with a wheelchair, this article will offer helpful tips and insights.
By Jennifer Allen.
Jennifer Allen is the founder of Wonders Within Reach, a travel blog designed to inspire and enable families with disabilities to get out and explore. She travels with her three children, including her eight year old wheelchair user with Spina bifida. After dozens of flights with her family, she’s picked up a few tips on navigating the airport with a wheelchair and extra needs.
Flying with a wheelchair is one of the number one barriers that keeps families with disabilities from traveling, and it all starts with navigating the airport. Air travel can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the airport with a wheelchair, extra equipment, extra medical supplies, and extra needs.
Did you pack everything you need? Will you be allowed to take it all on the plane? How will you take care of bathroom needs on an inaccessible plane? What about the liquids you need for the feeding tube before you land?
It feels like there are a million and one things to juggle for each trip. It’s easy to feel daunted, but with some preparation and the right strategies, it’s absolutely possible to make the journey smoothly. I’ve flown about 30 times with my son in a wheelchair, and it gets a little easier each time. At this point, my eight year old knows the drill and can navigate the airport with a wheelchair mostly on his own! Here are some things I’ve learned that will help you tackle obstacles and approach your next trip with confidence.
Arriving at the Airport: Plan Ahead for Parking and Transport
Parking near the airport can add stress and expense. Don’t wing it. Generally, parking at the airport is cheaper than an off site lot. We usually park in the economy lot and take the accessible shuttle to the airport. We’ve never had an issue with a bus lift.
For a longer trip, another good option is a hotel “park and fly” package. These include free parking and a shuttle to the airport. Often, these options are more affordable than long-term airport parking and can save time on travel day. If you choose this route, call ahead to confirm that the parking extends beyond your overnight stay. Waking up near the airport, knowing your car is parked safely, can reduce morning chaos when flying with a wheelchair.
Use Your Own Wheelchair
There is no need to check your wheelchair with your bags when you arrive at the airport. You can check it at the gate. This allows you to use it throughout the airport and ensures it’s with you right until boarding.
For younger kids, strollers or wagons are lifesavers and can also be gate-checked. Navigating the large terminals while managing bags and children becomes much easier when you have wheels to rely on.
Pack Everything You Need
While packing efficiently makes travel days easier, it’s also worth noting that you don’t need to leave anything behind. Anything medically necessary travels for free with you on the plane – even if you have a basic economy ticket that doesn’t include a carryon. Medically necessary means equipment, crutches, CPAPs, breast pumps, walkers, carriers, dialysis machines, syringes, catheters, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, foley bags, water, juice, liquid nutrition: anything that is medically necessary! If it’s something that’s not obviously necessary, it’s wise to have a note from your doctor in case anyone gives you push back.
- Medical Bag: I suggest you keep all of these medically necessary things in their own bag to avoid any debate on whether it flies free.
- Diaper Bags: Children in diapers are allowed an extra carry-on for diapering essentials, even on basic economy tickets.
- Car Seats: Car seats travel for free and can be checked at the gate, with luggage, or brought on board for your child’s use.
- Comfort Items: Bring snacks, activities, and familiar items like blankets or stuffed animals to keep your child comfortable during the flight.
If you’re struggling to carry all of your medical equipment on board, ask for help. Most flight attendants and airline staff are happy to help you board as efficiently as possible.
TSA Tips: Navigating Security Smoothly
Now that you have all this extra stuff, how are you supposed to get through security? It actually isn’t hard. It just takes a little extra time
- Medically Necessary Liquids: You can bring formula, medications, and other essential liquids in your carry-on. These will go through extra screening, so pack them together for easier access.
- Allow Extra Time: Security with a wheelchair or medical supplies can take longer, sometimes up to 45 additional minutes. Plan accordingly to avoid feeling rushed. The wheelchair will be wiped to check for explosives. The wheelchair users hands and the caregivers hands will also be swabbed – regardless of who’s controlling the wheelchair.
- TSA Cares: Call TSA at 855-787-2227 ahead of your trip to arrange any additional assistance or to address any concerns. They can provide a representative to escort you through security, helping to streamline the process and reduce stress.
The Benefits of TSA PreCheck
For families with disabilities who plan to travel often, TSA PreCheck can be a game-changer. With this program, you’ll experience shorter lines and won’t need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets. This balances out the extra time needed for screening liquids and swabbing chairs. Kids under 12 can accompany parents through the PreCheck line at no extra cost, making the security process much quicker and less stressful. It’s $78 for five years, and includes yourself and any children under 12.
Figure Out the Bathroom
This is one of the hardest parts for us. Not only are adult size changing tables hard to find, but flights are long and the airplane restrooms are completely inaccessible.
Once you make it through TSA, ask a staff member for the best accessible restroom. Often there’s a secret family restroom or first aid area that will accommodate more challenging bathroom needs. We’ve used these secret bathrooms for enemas and chicken nuggets before boarding.
You’ll also need a plan for the plane. Our son has a stoma so it’s easy for him to wear a foley bag on the plane and skip the bathroom. Some people wear double diapers. Some people travel with personal containers for emptying from their seats.
Many planes have the option of an aisle chair to use for the bathroom in-flight, but you’ll want to confirm that in advance.
Preboard
Wheelchair users will be allowed to board first. This is essential because of the extra time needed once you get to the plane. At the gate, the wheelchair user will transfer to an aisle chair to be rolled to your seats. These chairs are extra narrow and have no arm rests in order to fit down the center of the plane and allow for easy transfers.
Keep as Much of Your Chair as Possible
Most major aircrafts have a closet for storing wheelchairs. Unfortunately, these closets are small and only accommodate wheelchairs that can fold up to fit in the narrow space. Always ask: it never hurts to try.
If your chair can’t stay onboard with you, keep as much of it as you can. The more you keep with you, the less risk you have of something breaking. We take our wheels, clothing guards, push handles, and seat cushion. Again, this is a lot to manage while you’re also helping all of your children to board, so…
Ask for Assistance When Needed
Airport staff are there to help—don’t hesitate to ask. Whether it’s assistance with luggage, finding accessible restrooms, or transferring from a wheelchair to an airplane seat, a polite request often leads to a helping hand. Starting with a smile and clear communication can go a long way.
Embrace Flexibility and Patience
Travel days rarely go as planned. Delays happen, lines grow longer than expected, and little ones get tired. Build extra time into your schedule and focus on the positives. Each challenge you overcome makes you more prepared for the next trip.
Flying with a wheelchair and kids with disabilities isn’t without its challenges, but it’s also an irreplaceable opportunity to show your child the world and to create beautiful family memories.
