Travelling by air can be an intimidating experience for anyone, but it can be especially daunting for those who use mobility scooters or power wheelchairs. Fortunately, many airlines are making accommodations to make travel easier. Here’s what you need to know about travelling with a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair on an airplane.
What You Need To Know
It’s important to know the restrictions and regulations for travelling by plane with a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair. Before you plan your trip, it’s recommended that you contact the airline directly to discuss any special requirements they may have. For example, some airlines may require that you provide documentation confirming that your device is safe for air travel (e.g., battery information). Others will require that you seek preapproval for taking batteries on board. It’s important to review all of these requirements before booking your flight so that everything goes smoothly on the day of departure.
As Airlines often have size restrictions on mobility aids, you may want to consider portable scooters and foldable travel scooters if you are interested in flying.
What you need to know about Qantas
Qantas provides a handy page with all the information you’ll need to take your mobility equipment on board. They fall under the dangerous good section due to the batteries required to power the devices. The type of battery your equipment uses will determine how you need to pack your batteries and the steps you need to take to ensure your equipment is ready for air travel.
A Lithium-ion battery can be taken on carry-on, but not checked baggage, and the reverse is true for dry cell batteries. In all cases the terminals must be covered or protected. Refer to the information sheet provided by Qantas for complete details.
You are also required to request airline approval prior to travel with Qantas.
What you need to know about Virgin Australia
There is detailed information available from Virgin as to the ins and outs of mobility assistance and flying with equipment. Everything from wheelchair assistance through to the dimensions allowable for mobility aids stored in cargo. You can also pre-book mobility equipment to use during your time at the airport.
As for equipment requirements, the Virgin Australia site states:
Batteries that power mobility aids (e.g. motorised wheelchairs) are considered dangerous goods when carried by air. To be carried safely on an aircraft, the mobility aid must be correctly prepared.
Battery types permitted in mobility aids which we accept on Virgin Australia Group aircraft are:
- Non-spillable types such as Sealed Lead Acid (SLA), Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel batteries, which must not contain free or unabsorbed liquid
- Dry type batteries such as alkali-manganese, zinc-carbon, nickel-cadmium (NiCad) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.
- A lithium battery (includes polymer, Li-Po and Li-ion) which must meet the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3.
When preparing the mobility aid for air transport:
- The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit. This may be achieved by enclosing the battery within a non-conductive battery container/case/transport box as part of or separate to the device.
- The battery and container must be securely attached to the mobility aid unless the batteries are required to be removed for air transport.
- The electrical circuits must be isolated/inhibited. That is, the mobility aid cannot be accidentally turned on and moved by operating the controls. Isolating/inhibiting the electrical circuits must be done by following the manufacturer’s instructions
What you need to know about Jetstar
Jetstar provides basic information about travelling with assistive devices, both in carry on and checked in baggage. At the time of writing there is no excess baggage charge for assistive devices that are for your personal use. This includes the oversize item fee.
For complete details and further information, visit the Jetstar Travelling with Assistive Devices page.
In Conclusion
Travelling by air can be stressful for anyone, but it doesn’t have to be if you are prepared with knowledge of airline regulations and accessibility guidelines related to mobility devices such as electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. With some research into which airlines offer special services and careful planning ahead of time, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable journey no matter where in the world you are headed.
