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 can be one of the more challenging parts of the journey for wheelchair users, particularly when an aisle chair or assisted transfer is required. That’s why this guide covers aisle-chair transfers, boarding equipment, communicating your needs with staff, positioning and practical ways to make the process safer and more comfortable.

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 the battery and Dangerous Goods documentation requested by your airline readily available.

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 can get lost in a busy airport environment. Short, direct instructions reduce the risk of misunderstanding and make it easier for staff to follow your requirements.

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 requesting the assistance you have booked or are entitled to receive, so be clear about what you need.

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 cannot transfer independently, trained assistance staff will use the transfer method and equipment available for that airline and airport.

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 TRANSFERS: PRACTICAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Aisle-chair transfers can involve a higher level of physical assistance and close positioning, so clear communication and careful handling are especially important.

You are allowed to ask for:

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

Explain the support and positioning that works best for you, and ask staff to talk you through how they plan to assist with the transfer.

Before the transfer begins, explain where staff can safely support or hold you, and tell them about any areas they should avoid.

Ask the assistance team to explain how they plan to support and transfer you before the transfer begins, and tell them clearly what positioning and support works safely for you.

If being lifted under the arms is unsafe or unsuitable for you, say so clearly before the transfer and explain the handling method that works best for you.

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 height difference can make the transition awkward or unsafe, particularly for small front castors or narrow wheels.

Depending on the airport and aircraft setup, staff may use a portable threshold ramp or other bridging solution to reduce the gap or height difference. When suitable equipment is used correctly, it can make the transition safer and more controlled for both the passenger and staff.

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 can ask staff to assist with any gap or height difference rather than trying to manage it yourself.
• Ask what safe boarding solution is available for the aircraft and gate setup.
• If the setup feels unsafe or unsuitable, say so before moving forward and ask staff to reassess the situation.

TheTravellingPara Tip:

If you see a gap forming, say:

There seems to be a gap here. Can you please check the safest way to bridge it before moving me forward?

Being Secured in the Aisle Chair

Once seated, staff will secure you using the aisle chair’s restraint system, which may include straps across the torso and legs. Aisle chairs are designed primarily for safe movement through the aircraft rather than comfort, and you are generally in them only for a short period.

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

The type of aisle chair available will depend on the airport, airline and ground-handling provider, so a particular model may not always be available.

Aircraft Seat Selection (This Really Matters)

If you can’t walk or stand, bulkhead or front-row seats may not always be the most suitable option, depending on the aircraft layout, armrests and transfer method. Some bulkhead or front-row seats have fixed armrests or other layout constraints that can make transfers more difficult.

Seats close to the doors may not suit everyone, particularly if you expect to remain seated while other passengers disembark around you. 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.

For some wheelchair users, a seat further back may provide more personal space during boarding and deplaning, but the best seat will depend on the aircraft layout, transfer method and your individual needs.

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 can ask for a seat that best supports a safe transfer, comfort and dignity, subject to the airline’s seating and safety requirements.

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

Lift Use (Ambulift/Eagle /Hoist)

If boarding involves an Ambulift, Eagle Lift, hoist or other specialised transfer equipment, ask staff to explain the process before movement begins., request clear communication before movement begins. Unexpected movement can be uncomfortable or destabilising for some passengers, so ask staff to explain each stage before the equipment is moved.

A non-ambulatory wheelchair user is being transferred into an aircraft seat using an Eagle Lift. Trained staff guide the lifting equipment and straps while the passenger is supported during the transfer. The process should be carried out slowly, with clear communication and with the passenger’s safety, comfort and dignity kept central throughout.

You can ask staff to explain each stage before the transfer begins and before the equipment is moved.

Safety checks that matter

• If you need additional support for your legs or trunk, explain that before the transfer begins.
• Make sure staff have secured your wheelchair before any transfer begins
• Ask staff to confirm the lift or transfer platform is secure before movement
• If you need a pause between movements, say so before the next stage begins.
• Make sure the aisle chair is secured before you transfer into or out of it

Once you are seated, take a moment to check that you are positioned comfortably and safely before the aisle chair or transfer equipment is moved away. If something feels wrong, say so immediately and ask staff to adjust your position before continuing.

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

Some people with spinal cord injury have reduced sensation or increased risk of skin damage, so sharp edges, seams, aisle chairs, armrests and other equipment need careful attention during transfers.

If anything feels unsafe, painful or poorly positioned, say so immediately and ask staff to stop and reassess before continuing.

Depending on your needs and what is available, you can ask about:

• extra padding or protective material
• additional seat or transfer protection
• a slower pace

Rushing can increase the risk of poor positioning, friction and transfer-related injury.

If you rely on a cushion for pressure relief, explain that you need to keep it with you until you are seated in the aircraft seat

COMMUNICATE YOUR NEEDS 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 support with this transfer. Please explain how you plan to position and assist me before we begin.”
• “Please don’t lift me under the arms. That method is not suitable for me.”

Short, specific wording can reduce misunderstandings and make it easier for staff to understand what you need.

If you feel rushed or misunderstood, repeat your key instruction calmly and ask for clarification before the transfer continues

Landing/Deplaning Strategy (Protect Yourself)

TheTravellingPara Tip:

Where your wheelchair is due to be returned at the aircraft door, ask staff to confirm it is there and ready before beginning the transfer into the aisle chair.

While you are still seated on the aircraft, cabin crew can help coordinate with the ground team if your wheelchair has not yet been returned. Once you begin the transfer into the aisle chair, it can be much harder to reverse the process, so where possible I prefer to wait until my wheelchair has been physically confirmed at the aircraft door or agreed collection point.