As a passenger with reduced mobility, can I bring my own wheelchair, crutches or walker?
It is possible to bring your own mobility aid free of charge (max. 2 items), including (but not limited to):
- manual or electric wheelchair
- walker (no need to pre-register)
- crutches (no need to pre-register)
- sports wheelchair
- pushchair
These items must be labelled at the check-in desk and are always transported in the baggage hold.
You can use your own mobility aid to go to the gate. When you board the aircraft, the mobility aid will be placed in the baggage hold and upon arrival, it will be returned to you upon disembarking or at the baggage belt. If you wish to use your own mobility aid, please reserve assistance for persons with reduced mobility. Please refer to the next question: 'What kind of assistance can I request as a passenger with reduced mobility?'
If you wish to bring your own mobility aid and not use it at the airport, you must hand it over at the check-in desk. If you do not require any further assistance at the airport, reserving assistance is not required, but we do recommend to inform us in advance.
Wheelchairs (both manual and electric) are transported free of charge, provided that all conditions have been met. The wheelchair's dimensions should not exceed 86 cm (height), 119 cm (width) and 119 cm (depth). Wheelchairs that exceed these dimensions will be refused at the check-in desk. We advise you to contact the manufacturer in order to find out whether you can disassemble your wheelchair and / or pack it up well so as to avoid damage. It is especially important to pack up your wheelchair if it is equipped with sensitive sensors. Wheelchairs that have not been sufficiently disassembled or packed up cannot be transported.
Electric wheelchairs or mobility devices
For the transport of an electric wheelchair or mobility aid (e.g. mobility scooter) restrictions apply. As they operate on batteries they fall under the international regulations for the transport of dangerous goods. For safety reasons they must comply with strict requirements and conditions before they can be accepted by airlines.
A prior approval by the airline is always necessary and the batteries must meet the legal requirements for the transport of dangerous goods.
Please provide your details using this form
If you want to carry your own wheelchair or mobility aid, remember to provide all the essential data:
- Make and model
- Size and weight
- Type of battery
- Number of spare batteries
- Battery removable? Yes/No
- Power in case of a lithium battery (Wh)*
Often you can find this information in your manual, if not contact your battery supplier or the manufacturer for a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to check if the batteries are allowed on board. It’s essential to provide us with the correct type of battery together with the above information in order to obtain an authorization.
All batteries can be divided into one of 3 types. Depending on the type other restrictions and transport conditions apply:
1. LITHIUM: e.g.: Li-ion, Lithium (-ion), Lithium-Polymer.
Conditions:
1. *For lithium batteries you need to provide us the Wh-rating (Watt-hour); or Voltage (V) + Ampère-hour (Ah). Maximum 300 Wh.
2. The battery is securely attached to the wheelchair and battery terminals are protected from short circuits - The battery terminals of current models of electric mobility aids tend to be protected from short circuit through the battery being fully encased and an integral part of the device. Batteries do not necessarily need to be disconnected because if this is not done correctly it could increase the risk of fire. On other models where the terminals are exposed it may be necessary to insulate battery terminals, e.g. with electrical insulating tape.
3. Electrical circuits are inhibited to prevent inadvertent operation or activation. The means of inhibiting circuits vary. Some have a key which can be switched to the off position and removed. An aid which is only switched on and off with a push-button could be reactivated in flight by the inadvertent movement of baggage or cargo therefore, further steps are required to inhibit the circuits of such devices. For example disconnecting electric cable plugs or connectors, or an inhibiting plug (such as the Airsafe plug).
4. A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spares each not exceeding 160Wh can be carried. Spare batteries must be carried in the passenger CABIN and you must ensure the circuits are protected from short circuit.
5. Attention: Where a battery-powered or other similar mobility aid is specifically designed to allow its battery to be removed by the user (e.g. collapsible):
The battery must be removed, the terminals protected from short circuit and carried in the aircraft CABIN as hand baggage. It is NOT allowed as checked-in luggage.
2. NON-SPILLABLE: e.g.: Gel-cell, AGM, SLA, Sealed-Lead-Acid, Dry-cell.
Conditions:
1. The battery is securely attached to the wheelchair and battery terminals are protected from short circuits - The battery terminals of current models of electric mobility aids tend to be protected from short circuit through the battery being fully encased and an integral part of the device. Batteries do not necessarily need to be disconnected because if this is not done correctly it could increase the risk of fire. On other models where the terminals are exposed it may be necessary to insulate battery terminals, e.g. with electrical insulating tape.
2. Electrical circuits are inhibited to prevent inadvertent operation or activation. The means of inhibiting circuits vary. Some have a key which can be switched to the off position and removed. An aid which is only switched on and off with a push-button could be reactivated in flight by the inadvertent movement of baggage or cargo therefore, further steps are required to inhibit the circuits of such devices. For example disconnecting electric cable plugs or connectors, or an inhibiting plug (such as the Airsafe plug).
3. Where a battery-powered or other similar mobility aid is specifically designed to allow its battery to be removed by the user (e.g. collapsible):
The battery must be removed, the terminal protected from short circuit and carried in strong rigid packaging in the aircraft hold. This must be provided by the customer.
3. SPILLABLE: e.g.: Lead-Acid, Wet battery.
From 03/05/2022, wheelchairs with a wet battery may no longer be transported on our flights.
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