The Travelling Para

Flying as a Wheelchair User (When You Can’t Walk or Stand)

Flying as a wheelchair user when you can’t walk or stand can feel intimidating, especially the first time. The good news is that it’s absolutely possible, and once you understand how boarding works, the process becomes far less stressful.

This guide explains exactly how wheelchair users board an aircraft, what equipment is used, what to expect on the day, and how to advocate for yourself calmly and confidently.

Getting on and off the aeroplane safely isn’t just a “step” in the journey; for wheelchair users, it’s often the highest-risk part of flying. That’s why we cover aisle chair transfers, lift use, pre-briefing the crew, correct positioning, and practical ways to avoid falls while protecting your body.

Confidence comes from preparation.

Before You Fly: Tell the Airline Early

When you make your booking, notify the airline that you:

• Use a wheelchair
• Cannot walk or stand (non-ambulatory)
• Require an aisle chair and boarding assistance

This gives the airline time to organise trained staff and the correct equipment.

On the day of travel, arrive early and remind gate staff that you’ll need pre-boarding assistance and an aisle chair.

Pre-Boarding Preparation (Set the Tone Early)

Before boarding begins, speak to the staff early and clearly. Confirm:

• Your wheelchair type
• Your battery type (if powered)
• Your transfer needs

If you travel with a SmartDrive or other power assist, have your printed Dangerous Goods document ready to show.

This quick conversation sets the tone before the chaos starts. The calmer and clearer this moment is, the smoother everything after it becomes.

Keep it short and simple

Long explanations get lost in airport noise and pressure. Short, direct instructions reduce the risk of misunderstanding, rough handling, or panic.

What to say (simple and effective)

“Hi, you can see I’m in a wheelchair, and I’m non-ambulatory. I’ll need boarding assistance and an aisle chair for transfer onto the aircraft. I’m happy to explain the safest way to assist me.”

If they ask follow-up questions, add:
“I can’t walk or stand, and I’ll need assistance with the transfer from the aisle chair to the seat. I’ll let you know what works best for me.”

Remain calm, clear, and confident. You’re not asking for a favour, you’re requesting standard assistance.

What Happens on Boarding Day (Step-by-Step)

Once your boarding pass is scanned, you’ll proceed down the airbridge to the aircraft door. Your wheelchair will usually be positioned next to the aisle chair to allow for a side-to-side transfer.

• If you can transfer independently, you can do so
• If you can’t, the assistance team will help lift you

They may be trained, but they still need your direction.

Speak up early and clearly

Let them know:

• How you need to be lifted or supported
• If you have sensitive or painful areas
• What does not work for you

Even if you’ve flown many times, remember: they can’t read your mind. Clear communication makes a huge difference.

How Wheelchair Users Get On an Aeroplane!

If you’re non-ambulatory, you’ll need assistance to get from your wheelchair to your seat. This is usually done using an aisle chair, a narrow specialised chair designed to fit down the aircraft aisle (often around 15 inches / 381 mm wide).

Aisle chairs are used during boarding (enplaning) and disembarking (deplaning), and on some flights, they may also be used to access the onboard toilet.

Aisle Chair Best Practice (This is the Highest-Risk Moment)

The aisle chair transfer is where most injuries happen. Skin tears, twisted hips, and pulled shoulders are common if the transfer is rushed or poorly positioned.

You are allowed to ask for:

• More time
• A slower pace
• A strap for your legs and knees
• Specific hand placement

Explain where they should place their hands BEFORE anyone touches you.
Ask the lead lifter to stand behind you to support trunk control, and a second staff member to assist from the side.

Never let anyone lift you under your arms; this can cause instant shoulder damage for wheelchair users.

Airbridge Gaps & Threshold Ramps (What You Need to Know)

Airbridges (jet bridges) are adjustable, but aircraft height can vary because of:

• Fuel load
• Passengers and cargo
• Different aircraft door sill heights
• Limited equipment adjustment ranges

Even a small mismatch of a few centimetres can be unsafe for wheels.

Airports have a simple safety measure for this: a portable threshold ramp between the airbridge and the aircraft. When it’s used, it reduces unsafe angles, prevents manual handling injuries, improves on-time performance, and shows a genuine commitment to accessibility.

Safe solutions include:

Portable threshold ramps

• A small metal or composite ramp is placed over the lip
• Creates a smooth transition
• Common and quick to deploy

Built-in jet bridge ramps

• Some modern airbridges have a flip-down or sliding ramp
• Designed for minor height differences

Manual assistance (last resort)

• Only by trained staff and with your consent
• May involve carefully guiding wheels over the lip
• Should never feel rushed or unsafe

What this means for you

• You should not be expected to self-manage a gap
• A safe solution must be provided
• If it doesn’t feel safe, you are within your rights to say so

The Travelling Para Tip:
If you see a gap forming, say:
“Can you please place a threshold ramp to fill the gap before you roll me forward?”
That single sentence usually triggers the right response.

At the Gold Coast Airport, they have a ramp for deplaning that is very much like a big ‘zig-zag,’ but it does work quite well. However, I didn’t use it for boarding when I left.

Ask to be Secured in the Aisle Chair

Once seated, you’ll be secured with straps across your chest and legs. Most aisle chairs aren’t particularly comfortable, but you’re usually only in them for a few minutes.

There are different aisle chair designs worldwide:

• Older models can be narrow and awkward
• Newer designs (such as the Staxi) are wider, more stable, and noticeably more comfortable
• Some models can raise higher than your wheelchair, making transfers easier

You generally can’t request a specific model, but airports are slowly upgrading their equipment.

Aircraft Seat Selection (This Really Matters)

If you can’t walk or stand, bulkhead seats, the first row, are often not the most suitable option. These seats usually have fixed armrests, making safe transfers significantly harder and increasing the risk of injury for both the passenger and the staff assisting them.

It’s also important to avoid seats close to the doors. As one of the last people to disembark, you’ll be stationary while other passengers stream past with bags slung over their shoulders. In the excitement of arriving, whether it’s the start of a holiday or simply the relief of getting off the plane, many people don’t realise their bags are hitting you in the head as they move by.

Choosing a seat further back protects your safety, dignity, and personal space.

A thetravellingpara Tip;

• On flights longer than 2 hours, a window seat can be more comfortable
• Fewer passengers need to climb over you to reach the toilet
• Always ask if the aisle armrest lifts before locking in your seat

Remember, try to choose the seat that genuinely works for you, not the one an airline assumes is ‘best’ without understanding your needs.

You’re Allowed to Choose Comfort

Accessibility doesn’t mean accepting whatever seat is offered. You’re entitled to a seat that supports safe transfers and dignity.

If something feels off, unsafe, or uncomfortable, speak up. You have every right to raise it.

Lift Use (Ambulift / Eagle / Hoist)

If you’re boarding via an Ambulift, Eagle Hoist, or similar lifting device, request clear communication before movement begins. Sudden movement without warning can cause spasms, loss of balance, pain spikes, and panic.

A non-ambulatory wheelchair user is being safely into his aeroplane seat using an Eagle Lift. Two trained staff members assist calmly and professionally, guiding the lift straps while the passenger stays upright and supported. The aircraft aisle is narrow, with economy seats on both sides and the seat armrest lifted to allow a smooth sideways transfer. The passenger looks reassured and comfortable, with cabin crew nearby ready to help. It should be carried out respectfully, controlled, and focused on dignity and safety.

You have the right to ask them to talk through each stage step-by-step.

Safety checks that matter

• Ask for an additional staff member to stabilise your legs if needed
• Confirm brakes on the aisle chair
• Confirm brakes on your wheelchair (if it’s moved onto the lift platform)
• Confirm the lift platform is secure before any vertical movement
• Ask them to pause between movements so your body can stabilise

If something doesn’t feel stable, it’s OK to say: “Stop, can we check to see what the issue is?”

Protecting Skin, Pressure Points & Your Body

Spinal cord injury skin is vulnerable. Sharp edges, seams, aisle chairs, armrests, and gate equipment can cause damage quickly.

If anything feels unsafe or too rough, stop the process immediately; preventing injury always comes before pushing through a risky transfer.

You can request:

• Extra blankets
• Seat covers
• Manual padding
• A slower pace

Rushing is the number one cause of skin tears and transfers gone wrong.

If you rely on a cushion for pressure relief, tell staff you must keep it with you until you are seated in the aircraft seat. Do not let it be taken away and placed on your wheelchair or in the hold.

Communicating Needs to be done Clearly & Calmly

Use short sentences and plain language. Say what you need clearly, directly, and in simple steps.

Phrases that work well:

• “Tell me what you are about to do before you do it.”
• “I need one person behind and one person at my side.”
• “Please do not lift under my arms. That will injure my shoulders.”

These scripts are powerful because they leave no room for interpretation.

If staff try to rush or disagree, stay calm and repeat the same sentence. Calm repetition is more effective than arguing.

Landing / Deplaning Strategy (Protect Yourself)

thetravellingpara very strong. Tip:

If your wheelchair is being brought to the aircraft door, remain seated in your aircraft seat until someone visually confirms it is physically at the door or on the airbridge outside.

Do not allow staff to move you into the aisle chair until your chair is confirmed.

While you are still on the aircraft, you are under the authority and responsibility of the Captain. The Captain carries more escalation power than the ground staff. Once you are off the aircraft and in the aisle chair, you lose that protection, and if your wheelchair isn’t there, you can be left stuck in an unstable and unsafe position with far less leverage.

Remain seated until a flight attendant confirms your wheelchair is positioned at the aircraft door. Transfer only once they give the all‑clear.