Travelling by air with a mobility scooter: Essential tips and guidelines

Travelling by air can be an exciting experience, opening up a world of possibilities and adventures. However, if you’re someone with mobility challenges then the prospect of flying with a mobility scooter may be a little daunting. If you’re not a frequent flyer, you may even be wondering ‘Can you take a mobility scooter on a plane?’. 

However, travelling with a mobility scooter doesn’t have to stop you from having a great time away. Careful planning, packing and awareness of the support available can ensure a hassle-free journey. In this article, we will share our top tips to ensure a smooth journey from check-in to arrival. 

Rights and regulations

The first tip we can give you when travelling by air with a mobility scooter is to prepare properly ahead of your trip. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the rights and regulations of each airline. Every airline will have its policies when it comes to flying with mobility scooters, including the size, weight and battery requirements so you’ll need to check your scooter against this criteria. 

Therefore, be sure to thoroughly review airline guidelines before you book your trip to avoid any issues with your journey. This will also inform you of any specific documentation or forms required beforehand. Most airlines should have this information readily available on their website, or will be able to assist you if you contact them directly.

Selecting the right scooter

If you’re a keen traveller and know that you’ll want to take your scooter abroad often, then you should bear this in mind when choosing the right mobility scooter for you. Having the right travel mobility scooter is crucial to a stress-free travel experience. Be sure to opt for lightweight scooters that are easier to transport. We also recommend checking out our range of folding mobility scooters which can be made more compact, making travel even easier. 

You should also consider the battery life of the scooter that you choose and make sure that it complies with the average airline regulation. Consider checking the regulations of the airlines you are most likely to fly with in the future before going ahead with your purchase. This is especially important if you’re looking at mobility scooters with lithium batteries. Keeping airlines’ size and weight restrictions in mind when selecting your scooter helps for hassle-free storage and transportation. Discover our range of power chair batteries at Complete Care Shop.

Pre-flight preparation

One of the biggest tips that we can give you for flying with a mobility scooter is thorough pre-flight preparation. This is the best way to mitigate potential challenges and make sure your journey is as smooth as possible. You should contact the airline in advance so that you can inform them of your mobility scooter and any assistance you may require from them during your travels. Remember that the airline is there to help you, so make use of their services.

You should also arrive at the airport early so that you have plenty of time for check-in, security screening and any additional assistance you may need. Ensure that you label your scooter clearly with your name, contact information and destination address for easy retrieval and identification. 

Packing and securing your scooter

If packing your scooter, you may be wondering how to do this safely. Of course, you want to arrive at this destination with your mobility scooter safe and ready to use. We therefore recommend that you pack and secure your mobility scooter with care to prevent any damage during handling.

Be sure to remove any detachable parts and store them safely throughout the journey to avoid damage or loss. You may also want to use padding or protective covers when packing for travel so that your scooter doesn’t get scratched or dented. It’s crucial to make sure that your scooter’s battery is fully changed so that it can be moved when needed, but also disconnect the battery if required to meet airline guidelines and safety regulations. 

Assistance and accessibility

Remember that every passenger is entitled to feel safe and supported by the airline throughout their journey, so don’t hesitate to ask airline staff for assistance if you feel you need it. This can include assistance during check-in, security screening and boarding. Don’t forget, it is the airport staff’s responsibility to make sure you have a safe and smooth flight. 

Ahead of your flight, you should familiarise yourself with the airport’s accessibility features, including the nearest accessible restrooms and designated assistance points. You should also communicate any specific seating requirements you have to airline staff as soon as possible to help ensure a comfortable and accommodating journey. 

In-flight considerations

Once you’ve checked in, gone through security and arrived at your gate, it’s time to get on board. You should store your mobility scooter in the designated storage area or seek instructions from the cabin crew. Be prepared to help and assist airline staff on how to operate and handle your scooter (if necessary). This is why it’s so important to make sure your mobility scooter is fully charged! 

If you have any concerns at all then you should communicate them with staff as soon as possible to get it resolved quickly and you can then focus on a comfortable and enjoyable flight. 

Arrival and disembarking

Once you’ve arrived at your destination you should wait for any assistance you may need to safely disembark the aircraft. The flight attendants should talk you through the process, but if you’re unsure, speak to them during your flight about any questions or concerns you may have. As soon as you can, check your mobility scooter for any issues or damage before leaving the airport so that you can address any concerns straight away. 

Also, don’t forget to reattach any detachable parts that you removed for the flight so that you can use your scooter to its optimal functionality and safety throughout the rest of your trip. 

By following these tips and guidelines, you can head away on your next trip safely and comfortably with your mobility scooter. For more helpful information about living independently with limited mobility, check out our mobility and daily living blog, full of top tips and stories.