An Essential Guide to Accessible Air Travel

When I first left the hospital after my spinal injury and began adapting to life with a disability, air travel was one of the most intimidating barriers I went up against. In my former life as a non-disabled person, I had never thought about the challenges of navigating narrow aisles or accessing facilities on board an aircraft. As a paraplegic and manual wheelchair user, that privilege had been revoked.

The doggedness that had gotten me through spinal rehabilitation in record time was repurposed. My new goal was to learn how someone with my disability could sustain a flight. I tracked down every seasoned disabled traveler and medical professional I could find. While I knew that flying would be difficult, I was assured it would be doable with enough meticulous planning for the worst and hoping for the best.

Within two months of leaving the hospital, I summoned every ounce of courage I could muster and set off on my first long-haul flight. Eight hours later, I pushed out onto Canadian soil, my paralyzed body and wheelchair relatively unscathed. I inhaled a deep breath of fresh rocky mountain air. I decided then and there that the rewards awaiting me after each flight far surpassed the risks I faced.

The process of traveling for me, as for many disabled travelers, is not without sacrifice. But since then, I have flown extensively around the globe holding fast to this sentiment. While we continue to fight for our basic human right to be treated by airlines the same way travelers without disabilities are, it seemed to me that it was important to create a guide to accessible air travel.

Packed with hacks, tips, and insight, I hope this guide can inspire readers and unlock the world of possibilities that await us all on the other end of each flight. Today's rewards are greater than ever. We have never lived in a more accessible world, and this column aims to prove it.

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.

• Choosing the right airline
• The art of booking
• What to pack
• During your travel day
• Navigating onboard
• Rights on flights

The search for the perfect airline is ongoing. Each carrier has its pros and cons when it comes to welcoming travelers with disabilities. Currently, in the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority is conducting surveys to rate airlines which will help guide us. (Editor's note: In the United States, the Air Carrier Access Act makes it illegal for airlines to discriminate against passengers because of their disability. Learn more through the Department of Transportation.)

While customer service reviews can offer some insight, contacting an airline directly to discuss your specific needs is your best bet. Come with a list of questions and gauge how comfortable they make you feel. Speak with other disabled travelers for insight and recommendations.

Airlines may ask for information about your disability to assess how best to meet your needs and to determine if you’re “fit to fly.” Unfortunately, the reality is that some disabled people may be considered “unfit” to travel by some airlines due to the limitations of aircraft design. The rule is that if you are deemed fit to fly, but are unable to buckle your seatbelt on your own, retrieve and wear your life jacket, put on an oxygen mask, and make your way (dragging, crawling is accepted) to the emergency exit, or if you are unable to understand and react to safety instructions, you will require someone to help you. Some airlines offer discounted fares for companions and personal assistants, but not all.

Finding an affordable air travel fare is made easier with websites like Skyscanner, where you can search for the cheapest flights on any route in any class. A handy tip is to mark a flight you’re interested in, and Skyscanner will send you an email whenever the price drops. Be aware that third-party booking platforms may not provide an option to request assistance, so it’s best to contact the airline directly after booking to confirm your requests. Give them at least two days’ notice; a lack of spontaneity is a small price to pay for comfort.

If you use a mobility aid: Contact the airline directly regarding the “special declaration of interest,” so you can declare the cost of your mobility aid in advance. This is like insurance, but arranged by the airline itself. Note that some airlines charge for this, while others waive the fee.

Memorize or store your equipment details on your phone (e.g. weight, height, width, and battery size) as you will have to repeat them often. A copy of any prescriptions you need might also be prudent, depending on what you take and where you're traveling to. Remember: You have to be your own advocate, so come prepared to articulate your needs.

With electric mobility aids (powered chairs, wheelchair attachments, scooters, etc.), batteries are often tricky. Be sure to remember what types of batteries you're carrying within your mobility aid (dry, wet, or lithium) and their rampage (if unsure, refer to manufacturers). Also, know how the batteries are disconnected/power isolated to avoid having to remove them. Lithium-ion batteries are required to be removed, protected, and stored in your carry-on luggage. Knowing the exact requirements of the airline you are flying with is vital, so check with them and print off any proof of confirmation.

Stock up on medications well in advance, spread them across your luggage and suitcases. Travel with double what you need to avoid any problems should delays or cancelations occur. Put a tracker in your checked baggage and attach one to any equipment you won't take onboard. Noise-canceling headphones are useful, not just for those with noise sensitivities, and having a downloaded playlist or calming medication can help ease any pre-flight jitters or irritations.

My carry-on essentials include intermittent catheters, hand sanitizer, an empty bottle (for emergencies), snacks, eye mask, compression socks, and a charger for my phone (if anything goes wrong, I need to be able to capture it).

Arrive early at the airport to avoid unnecessary stress. Familiarize yourself with the airport layout, and if needed, bring a cane or a Sunflower lanyard to indicate your needs. For those who are hard of hearing, set up text alerts on your phone for updates so you don't have to rely on announcements over the airport's PA systems. For pretty much everyone, get to the gate early.

Let's face it: The transfer from wheelchair to plane seat is not the most dignified or enjoyable experience for anyone involved. Providing privacy when transferring onto an aisle chair or on board is expected, but not mandatory. Slings can be made available, and you can transfer independently or receive assistance from crew as needed. Remember to take all loose items from your mobility aids with you and consider wrapping or labeling your wheelchair with handling instructions for added peace of mind. Take photos of your equipment so you can monitor any damage. Some airlines and countries will permit a manual chair to be stowed on board (this can be checked in advance), but not all.

Short-haul flights are not required to carry aisle chairs or an onboard wheelchair under law, and the increasing use of single-aisle planes for long-haul flights further complicates matters. For flights under five hours, I schedule a toilet stop immediately before and after the flight. However, I have had to use a catheter discreetly under a blanket in an emergency. Otherwise, on long-haul flights, I rely on the onboard wheelchair to go to the toilet. While aircraft toilets are improving, don't get your hopes too high for a comfortable transfer. It's the responsibility of the cabin crew to assist you to the bathroom, but they will not take care of your personal needs. In economy, I prefer a window seat to minimize the chances of being asked to move, but this makes access to a toilet slightly disruptive for other passengers.

Knowing what rights you do have while you're in the air makes all the difference. In 2023, I launched Rights On Flights, a campaign to collaborate with the aviation industry to change legislation and guarantee that everyone can experience equality inflight. Some important things to know, however, are as follows. When you land, you must disembark last, so be patient when waiting for assistance—but don't tolerate lateness. You should request your equipment be returned to the aircraft door, and you have every right to remain in your seat until it does. When you are reunited with your equipment, check for any damage and, if necessary, immediately report it. Take photos and videos and post them, tagging #RightsOnFlights.

Airlines are liable for any damage to mobility equipment. However, the amount of compensation may be limited so take out extra insurance if you can or arrange the declaration of special interest in advance. If your equipment is damaged, the airport is responsible for providing a temporary alternative while yours is repaired or replaced. However, be warned: This does not have to be on a like-for-like basis. Every airline is different, so there is no definitive course of action. Talk to a lawyer if your rights have been infringed, or reach out to the regulator.