Following the emergence of globalization, air travel has become the most efficient and quickest transport system, taking you from one city to another or one country to another in a matter of hours. Millions of travelers prefer air travel as the most convenient and time-saving. However, it can be challenging for a physically handicapped person traveling in a wheelchair.
Some protocols must be followed if you are traveling in a wheelchair from your entry to the exit to the airport. To make a hassle-free and smooth journey as a wheelchair air travel passenger, it is important to be aware of the key measures to be taken before boarding the plane. Here we list some things you must not do before taking a flight as a wheelchair person.
1) Not Ticking the Special Assistance Option While Booking Tickets
The aviation industry has significantly evolved over the past few decades, making things more convenient for all types of travelers. Disabled passengers, particularly those with wheelchairs, have the option of getting special assistance from all airlines in every major airport around the world. The best part of these services is that they are usually free without additional charges and come with a ticket purchase.
Given the option of special assistance, one shouldn’t book a flight ticket without ticking the option, letting the airline know that you might require a wheelchair or special assistance following the entry to the airport. Apart from receiving the option during booking, the service can be availed through phone calls or by contacting the airline after booking confirmation. Acquiring wheelchair assistance, an assistant will help you with a wheelchair until you board the flight.
2) Forgetting To Pack Essential Medicines And Medical Equipment
While traveling can be an overwhelming experience, taking care of your health during the trip is a prerequisite. Falling sick or facing health concerns on a trip is the last thing a traveler wants to deal with. On top of it, it should be the utmost priority for a disabled traveler, knowing such a nuisance would not only ruin a trip but also put a health hazard in a different location away from the home.
Hence, do not make the mistake of not packing the important medicines required for daily life. In addition, it is advisable to pack extra medicines in case of a delay in the trip. Packing the necessary medicinal equipment would be prudent instead of relying on finding it in a foreign country or a different location.
3) A Clear Direction To Manage Wheelchair
While you are familiar with your wheelchair, the airport assistant might not be. In 2025, with the advancement in technology, several types of wheelchairs were available in the market consisting of different features. Even though the airport assistants handling wheelchairs are well-trained, the possibility of understanding all salient options of a wheelchair might not be in everyone’s grasp.
To avoid disruption, provide clear instructions for your wheelchair, describing each feature with pictures. If it is battery operated, provide precise guidelines for charging, unplugging, securing, and disconnection in detail. Additionally, take photos from different angles to make things easier for the assistant.
4) Label Wheelchair With Details
Putting name tags is common during trips to keep your bags safe, where the passenger names and contact details, such as email, are mentioned in case of a lost suitcase. Similarly, wheelchairs are one of the most important properties of disabled travelers, and they should be labeled like baggage to be on the safe side.
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Not labeling the wheelchair is one of the common mistakes you can make during a trip. For that reason, put essential information such as name, email ID, brief address, and basic handling instructions on the tag. Putting the wheelchair ID and serial number is also a sensible move for the airlines to understand.
5) Not Having Enough Time In Hand During Airport Arrival
Although air travel saves valuable time, making it far superior to land travel, passengers are always advised to arrive at airports beforehand, particularly for international trips. For domestic trips, reaching the airport approximately two hours before the estimated departure is acceptable. However, before boarding an international flight, it is sensible to reach an airport at least three hours before the departure.
The time suggestion is for regular passengers. If you are disabled and doing wheelchair air travel, the estimated arrival time to the airport should be more than that of regular travelers. Reaching the airport three to four hours before taking the flight would be a thoughtful idea, considering the requirement to get special assistance, and the whole process might not be as smooth as it is for regular passengers.
6) Not Selecting the Right Type Of Seat
Many airlines do not have dedicated seats for disabled or handicapped travelers. Flying in economy class, choosing the right type of seat is the best trick for disabled travelers. However, if you can fly in a business class, it would provide sheer comfort with flexibility.
The same wouldn’t be applied in the economy class. Window seats are favorites for many travelers due to the view from thousands of feet above the ground, but picking a window seat for a disabled person would be a terrible idea. Crossing three seats and going to the window seat would be a hassle, especially during long flights. Pick a seat by the edge or one with enough leg space to make your journey comfortable. Booking a ticket months in advance would be a great choice.