Let's face it: flying as a wheelchair user is nerve-racking. Since it is not possible at this time to remain in your wheelchair on the plane, people are often worried that their wheelchair will be damaged during the flight while stowed. All too often, wheelchairs incur damages so severe that the person needing it upon landing will not even be able to use it. Too many times baggage handlers break the armrests off, damage power wheelchairs' joysticks, and even forget to load the wheelchairs before takeoff. Although these are worst-case scenarios, they have happened. These can be nightmarish incidents for those who are dependent on their wheelchairs to exit the airport and manage life beyond the airport.
For these reasons, I have compiled a list of the best airlines for traveling as a wheelchair user. Although no airline can guarantee that incidents like the aforementioned won't occur, some have a better rating of overall care for not only the wheelchair, but also the disabled passenger.
1. Delta Air Lines
Ranking at number one with the fewest number of damages to mobility equipment is Delta Air Lines. Delta places a pink tag on their passengers' wheelchairs. This notifies handlers that this item should automatically go to the gate upon arrival and not to baggage claim. When the tag is scanned, it also connects the chair to its rightful owner. Over the past few years, I have seen a huge change for the better with my airline of choice, Delta. The customer service has greatly improved for disabled passengers and the number of damages that my chair has incurred when using them a couple times per month has minimized as well. They are also the only airline currently working with a prototype already in place that will allow wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchairs and board the plane. The person using the wheelchair will park in the front seating area where seats have been removed, and then lock down to the cabin floor, allowing the person to remain in their wheelchair for the duration of the flight. This will eliminate the possibility of damages to the wheelchair and also allow the passenger more comfort. Although the launch date of this new program has not been announced, a Delta representative has told me that it will be sooner than later; even sooner than we might think, so I'm hopeful!
2. Air Canada
When people who use a wheelchair fly with Air Canada, wholly within Canada, their companion flies free! How awesome is this? This is a huge advantage when flying with this airline if an assistant or companion is needed. Air Canada is committed to being a leader in accessible travel, and they adhere to the Canada Transportation Act. This Act states that passengers with disabilities traveling wholly within Canada who need a support person to assist them with transferring to and from their seats, eating meals, communicating, or evacuating, and is over 8 years old, the base fare for the support person will be $0. Air Canada also takes great pride in assisting guests who use wheelchairs with getting to their gate.
3. United Airlines
In March 2024, United Airlines made it easier for customers who use a wheelchair to book flights that can accommodate their personal devices. This was made possible by implementing a new digital sizing tool that helps customers determine the right aircraft for their wheelchair. This cool feature can be found in the United app. Not only will this airline assist with finding the right aircraft, but they also offer to refund the fare difference if you have to pay more for an alternative flight with a larger cargo door! That being said, if you find that your wheelchair is too large to fit on the plane that is your preferred flight and you have to find another flight for the same day and between the same origin and destination, you may seek a refund of the fare difference. United's website also states that they are happy to assist you during the flight if you need assistance getting to and from your seat, accessing your carry-on bags, or opening food packages and drinks.
4. Southwest Airlines
I have a ton of wheelchair-using friends who fly with Southwest Airlines. They are most often happy and satisfied with their travel experiences when flying. Southwest states on their website that they are happy to take care of your manual and battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids during your travels. They do, however, state that the cargo compartment doors on their planes are 48 inches wide and 35 inches tall. This may prevent some wheelchairs from fitting appropriately and may be required to be loaded on their side. Because of the weight of the chairs, this could possibly cause damage to the armrests or other parts of the chair. Please also note that Southwest Airlines' website states that if the wheelchair is over 500 pounds, it will not be accepted for travel.
5. Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air states on their website that they are happy to assist passengers with disabilities. For their patrons who use a wheelchair, there is a Wheelchair Description Form that can be downloaded from their website that you should complete and present to them at the time of check-in. This helps them to understand your needs and your wheelchair's dimensions and weight so that they can be better prepared for your arrival. Allegiant is also happy to accommodate wheelchair users by checking battery-powered mobility devices at no additional charge. Also, if you will be needing to use a wheelchair at the airport, but you will not be bringing your own, Allegiant asks that when making a flight reservation online, click the "Request Special Assistance" box. This will notify the airline representatives that assistance will be needed, with a wheelchair provided for you when you arrive.
6. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is dedicated to making the process of flying as a person with a disability more seamless. They offer a free mobile app called Fly for All, which is designed for those with cognitive and developmental disabilities. They also suggest for the best travel experience, that you make a reservation as early as possible by calling their dedicated accessible services line at 1-800-503-0101. This will help you to secure the assistance that you will need when arriving to the airport and flying with Alaska Airlines. They also suggest that you let them know about any special requirements that will be needed at check-in, in the boarding area, and also while you are on the aircraft. An exciting new technology is being tested by Alaska Airlines from October through December 2024: new self-driving wheelchairs. Currently, they are offering 10 of these at their home airport to see if travelers have a positive response to using these. It sounds like a great way to make the transition from check-in to boarding gate move much more quickly!
7. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is happy to accommodate customers using wheelchairs. While booking your reservation, they ask that you select "Add Special Services" on the Traveler Details page and then choose the options that you need. Their website also states that in some circumstances, they may require that a passenger travel with a safety assistant. They state that if the passenger has a mobility impairment so severe that he or she is unable to assist in his or her own evacuation of the aircraft in an emergency, they must travel with the safety assistant.
Although some airlines seem more wheelchair-friendly than others, they all strive to meet the needs of every customer. The Air Carrier Access Act passed by Congress in 1986 makes sure that every airline is held accountable and understands what is expected of their treatment of people with disabilities, therefore eliminating discrimination. This law requires that airlines make their facilities and services accessible to passengers with disabilities and provide assistance such as wheelchair access, seating accommodations, and help with loading and stowing assistive devices. The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces the ACAA, so if any damages occur to your wheelchair while flying, you should not only report damages to an airline representative before leaving the airport, but you should also file a complaint on the DOT's website as soon as you are able to do so.
With that said, what is your airline of choice? Please comment below and let us know why!
About the author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a Quickie Q500 M.
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