Exploring the world with a wheelchair is much easier when you know what airport accommodations are available. Both airlines and airports work to improve their services to create more inclusive flights. But knowing what they offer can be daunting, so we put together a list of recommendations from wheelchair users about what they found to be most helpful for navigating airports.

Things to know before flying

• Battery-powered wheelchairs can’t be in the cabin of the plane and must be stowed with the check-in bags.
• You may bring manual or collapsible wheelchairs on the plane if they can fit in the designated wheelchair area, overhead compartment, or under your seat. The wheelchair should be no more than 13 inches wide, 36 inches long, and 42 inches high. (According to ACAA)
• Make sure your wheelchair meets your airline's requirements and follows the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) rules.
• To make sure your wheelchair can fit in the cargo hold or needs to be folded, check out the list of aircraft types to see their cargo dimensions.
• Know your rights as a passenger with disabilities. There are laws in place to ensure you can advocate for yourself if anything happens. These laws also specify that wheelchairs take priority over other items.
• Use accessiblego.com to book reservations. This way, you can be certain that a hotel meets your accessibility needs.

Prepping

• Call your airline to request wheelchair assistance to ensure your flight is comfortable. This will also help you when you board or exit the plane, and when your chair is placed in the cargo hold before other bags.
• United Airlines, along with some other airlines, may ask you to complete a form with more details about your wheelchair. This helps them take extra care of it.
• When you are booking your flight, call your airline and ask:
• What are the accessible seating and bathrooms?
• If there are any pre-boarding options so you can get on the flight earlier without having to navigate others
• How do they transport or store wheelchairs?
• Make sure to get their name and write down the information they provide for future reference
• Label your Wheelchair and take plenty of pictures
• Add your name, wheelchair information, and shipping address. You can also include extra information about storing and parking your wheelchair
• Take pictures before and after your flight to make sure there are no issues after your landing. Make sure to reference the time stamps on your pictures to show any changes in
• Secure your wheelchair’s loose pieces—side guards, cushions, or joysticks—so they aren't damaged or lost.
• Consider packing quick fix supplies in your carry on, including:
• Zip ties
• Duct tape
• Bubble wrap
• Masking tape
• Anything that you think help fix your wheelchair in case of an emergency

Getting to the airport

• Consider parking at the airport to give yourself more time to get your things together and avoid the crowded drop-off lanes.
• If you are in Chicago, Boston, Phoenix, or Atlanta, PreFlight provides wheelchair-accessible shuttles. Please call your PreFlight location before your arrival so they can assist you.
• Consider using TSA Pre Check, that way you can avoid having to go through the security process.
• When you get to your gate, check in at the desk to confirm they are aware of your accommodations
• Don't forget to bring your seat cushion from your wheelchair onto the plane with you. This will help you stay comfortable and ensure the airlines don’t lose your seat cushion.
• TSA process for wheelchairs
• You still must go through the screening process
• They will inspect the wheelchair or scooter
• If you can walk with smaller mobile aids, like a walker, these must go through the x-ray machine
• You may have to go through a wand inspection or pat down if you are unable to go through the security scanner
• If you have a service animal traveling with you, they will be scanned through TSA and have their vests or equipment checked. They will need to remain leashed through the process
• https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/disabilities-and-medical-conditions

If your wheelchair gets damaged during your trip, take photos and report it to your airline's baggage service office. They should fully compensate you for any loss or damage to your wheelchair. If your airline’s baggage service office says they can’t help you, you can file a report with the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO).

If you want more tips or to connect with other travelers, please contact the Wheel the World’s accessible travel Facebook community and Accessible Travel Club. Happy travels!