Using an Aisle Wheelchair: Getting on a Plane as a Wheelchair User

Q: Can I fly and stay in my own wheelchair?

Unfortunately, you can’t stay in your personal wheelchair during the flight. However, an organization called All Wheels Up is advocating for airline policies to allow wheelchair users to remain in their own chairs , which could make flying more comfortable and reduce the risk of damage.

Q: What happens to my wheelchair when I fly?

When you transfer to the airplane aisle wheelchair, you leave your wheelchair at the aircraft door where airline staff take your chair down to the cargo hold for storage . It’s a good idea to attach written instructions on how to fold or transport your wheelchair, which helps prevent damage. Your wheelchair should be waiting for you at the plane door after you land and disembark.

Q: How do wheelchair users go to the bathroom on flights?

➡️ Shorter Domestic Flights: accessible bathrooms are usually not available on the plane, so it’s best to use an airport restroom before boarding. ➡️ Long International Flights: most aircraft have an accessible bathroom and an aisle wheelchair to assist you. Let the flight attendants know you’ll need the aisle wheelchair to reach the restroom. They can help you get there, but flight attendants cannot assist inside the restroom. Airplane accessible bathrooms are larger than standard airplane lavatories but are still much smaller than a fully accessible restroom on land, so it can be challenging.

Q: Where can I get a transfer sling?

If you already use a sling for a patient lift, it can make transferring on and off the plane smoother. If you don’t usually need one but want extra support, you can obtain a transfer sling through All Wheels Up , which occasionally gives them away. Follow the organization on social media for updates on availability.

Q: I can’t hold myself up in an airplane seat, are there any products that can help?

Yes! There are special harnesses designed to assist with upper body support during air travel. These harnesses help keep you stable and comfortable during the flight & usually include: a strap that goes around the top of the airplane seat & two belts that go over the shoulders with loops for the seatbelt. For information, pricing, and guidelines: click here .

A photo showing the aisle of an airplane with blue carpet and blue leather seats with light grey table trays and white stripe lighting on the floor and overhead bins.

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Wondering if using an aisle wheelchair is right for you? I’ve got you covered!

If you’ve ever wondered how wheelchair users actually get to their seats on an airplane, you’re not alone.

It might seem impossible to navigate those narrow aisles in a regular wheelchair… but that’s where an aisle wheelchair comes in!

Well, my friend and fellow accessible travel advocate, Kristin Secor, is here to explain how to use an aisle wheelchair.

As a full-time power wheelchair user who flew regularly, Kristin has firsthand experience of using an aisle wheelchair (also called an airplane aisle wheelchair) to board and deplane safely.

In this post, she shares exactly what an aisle wheelchair is, how it’s used, and what to expect — plus her best tips to make the process smoother and less stressful!

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A tall black metal aisle wheelchair with black mesh fabric and black footrests sitting in a Thunderlift, used for boarding wheelchair users onto an aircraft in Slovenia.

What is an Aisle Wheelchair?

Since standard wheelchairs are too wide to fit down the narrow aisles of an airplane, airports use a specialized mobility device called an aisle wheelchair (or aircraft aisle wheelchair).

These chairs are much narrower than traditional wheelchairs and designed to fit into tight spaces.

➡️Here’s how it works: a passenger transfers into an aisle wheelchair at the entrance to the plane, and trained airline staff assist them in getting to their assigned seat.

Straps and belts keep the person safely in place during this process — one across the lap and legs, and two more across the shoulders that buckle in the front.

Types of Aisle Wheelchairs

There are 2 main styles of aisle wheelchairs. Both are designed to fit down airplane aisles, but they come with slightly different features:

✅High–back Aisle Wheelchair: This version has a headrest and a taller back, offering more stability for passengers who need extra support.

✅Low–back Aisle Wheelchair: A slimmer option with a shorter back and a seat that narrows for easier maneuverability in tight aircraft aisles.

Both designs usually have fold-up armrests to make transfers easier.

Kristin shares that, as someone with limited core strength, she preferred the high-back style because it provides better head and trunk support.

Unfortunately, passengers typically don’t get to choose which type is used — so it’s good to know what you might encounter.

When is an Aisle Wheelchair Used?

An aisle wheelchair is used anytime a passenger can’t safely walk or roll down the narrow aisle of an airplane. This includes:

Travelers with permanent disabilities who use a wheelchair full time
People with limited mobility or temporary injuries
Passengers who simply can’t navigate the tight aircraft aisles on their own

Usually, the transfer happens right at the aircraft door. Once you’re secured in the aisle wheelchair, airline staff carefully guide you down the aisle and assist with getting into your seat.

Basically, if you can’t comfortably reach your assigned seat on your own, the airplane aisle wheelchair is what makes boarding possible.

10 Things to Know When Using an Aisle Wheelchair

Below, Kristin shares her best travel tips when using an airplane aisle wheelchair.

A woman using an aisle wheelchair waiting just outside the aircraft door for assistance. There is a female attendant standing inside the galley of the aircraft wearing navy blue outfit.

1. Call the Airline to Notify Them of Your Needs

Always let the airline know in advance if will need help using an aisle wheelchair.

When you call the special services or accessibility desk, be prepared with your flight details, wheelchair make and model, battery type (if applicable), and approximate weight.

If you’re also flying with a CPAP machine or breathing equipment, it’s a good idea to mention that at the same time. The more information they have, the smoother your travel day will be.

2. Decide Which Airplane Seat Works Best for You

During your call, the airline may be able to pre–assign your seat.

Some travelers prefer an aisle seat for an easier transfer, while others like the window seat to avoid being bumped or climbed over during the flight.

There’s no single ‘right’ choice to survive a long flight with a disability, it really comes down to your personal needs and preferences.

3. Gate Check Your Wheelchair

When you check in, you might be asked whether you want to check your wheelchair with luggage. If you’re flying with a wheelchair, always request to gate check it.

This way, you’ll be more comfortable in your own wheelchair while waiting to board, and reduce the chances of it being damaged during transport. Your wheelchair will then be returned to you when you land at the plane door.

4. Know the Weight Limit for an Aisle Wheelchair

A common question is how much weight an aisle wheelchair can hold.

Most models accommodate passengers up to 300–400 pounds, though it depends on the specific chair.

If you have concerns, you can ask the airline in advance which model they’ll be using so you know what to expect.

5. Staff Can Help You Transfer

If you’re unable to transfer from your wheelchair to an aisle chair on your own, don’t worry. Airline staff are trained to assist passengers with disabilities.

While traveling with a companion can help, the staff can safely help you move from your wheelchair to the aisle wheelchair and then to your seat.

6. Be an Advocate for Yourself

Even though airline staff can assist with transfers, they don’t know your body or needs as well as you do.

Be clear about how they should help, especially if you have sore or tender areas. Speaking up ensures a safer, more comfortable boarding experience.

7. Bring a Transfer Sling for a Smoother Process

If you’re concerned about the transfer process, consider bringing a transfer sling.

Staff can use it to move you without directly lifting, making transfers safer and more comfortable. Slings can also be helpful in emergencies if you need to evacuate the plane quickly.

8. Aisle Wheelchairs Are Not Comfortable

Let’s be honest: airplane aisle wheelchairs aren’t built for comfort.

If you lack core strength or neck control, you might feel unstable or like you’re tipping sideways. On top of that, your head can bump against the metal bars when going over the threshold of the plane.

Although the chairs are narrow, navigating down the aisles is still tricky. You can bump your arms or have your sides rub against other seats as you pass by.

✅The good news? Airplane aisle wheelchairs are designed to safely get you to your seat, and that’s the most important part. Once seated, you’ll want to transfer out of the aisle wheelchair as soon as possible.

9. You Will Be the First On & Last Off the Plane

Passengers using an aisle wheelchair are typically boarded first and deplaned last.

This gives extra space and time for staff to maneuver you safely down the aisle without the added challenge of navigating around seated or anxious passengers.

10. Know Your Rights

Airline staff aren’t always fully informed about disability accommodations. Knowing your rights is essential so you can advocate for yourself.

For example, a fellow accessible travel blogger recently faced a situation where their specialized wheelchair wasn’t waiting at the plane door.

Aisle wheelchairs are severely uncomfortable, and he had difficulty holding himself up. Once you exit the aircraft, staff are no longer required to assist with your wheelchair — so he would have been stuck, creating a stressful situation.

This example, although rare, highlights the importance of knowing what you can request and how to handle it if staff aren’t familiar with procedures.

A Westjet aircraft with black seats and turquoise pillow detailing. The aircraft is nearly empty with 2 men in the far distance. Using an aisle wheelchair is necessary for some passengers with disabilities.

FAQs: Using an Aisle Wheelchair

In this section, Kristin answers commonly asked questions when flying as a wheelchair user.

Can I fly and stay in my own wheelchair?

Unfortunately, you can’t stay in your personal wheelchair during the flight. However, an organization called All Wheels Up is advocating for airline policies to allow wheelchair users to remain in their own chairs, which could make flying more comfortable and reduce the risk of damage.

What happens to my wheelchair when I fly?

When you transfer to the airplane aisle wheelchair, you leave your wheelchair at the aircraft door where airline staff take your chair down to the cargo hold for storage.

It’s a good idea to attach written instructions on how to fold or transport your wheelchair, which helps prevent damage. Your wheelchair should be waiting for you at the plane door after you land and disembark.

Will my wheelchair get damaged?

While airlines have been known to damage wheelchairs, there are steps you can take to reduce risk:
✅ Remove removable parts like joysticks, footrests, headrests, and cushions.
✅ Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap and secure them with tape.
✅ Attach clear instructions for handling your wheelchair.
✅ Verbally communicate care instructions to ground staff.
👉Read more tips on protecting mobility equipment.

How much does it cost to check my wheelchair or patient lift?

There is no charge for checking wheelchairs and essential medical equipment like patient lifts, according to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).

Occasionally, airline staff may be unaware of this and try to charge you. Politely, but assertively, inform them that there is no fee to check a wheelchair or medical device.

How do wheelchair users go to the bathroom on flights?

➡️Shorter Domestic Flights: accessible bathrooms are usually not available on the plane, so it’s best to use an airport restroom before boarding.

➡️Long International Flights: most aircraft have an accessible bathroom and an aisle wheelchair to assist you.

Let the flight attendants know you’ll need the aisle wheelchair to reach the restroom. They can help you get there, but flight attendants cannot assist inside the restroom.

Airplane accessible bathrooms are larger than standard airplane lavatories but are still much smaller than a fully accessible restroom on land, so it can be challenging.

Where can I get a transfer sling?

If you already use a sling for a patient lift, it can make transferring on and off the plane smoother.

If you don’t usually need one but want extra support, you can obtain a transfer sling through All Wheels Up, which occasionally gives them away. Follow the organization on social media for updates on availability.

I can’t hold myself up in an airplane seat, are there any products that can help?

Yes! There are special harnesses designed to assist with upper body support during air travel.

These harnesses help keep you stable and comfortable during the flight & usually include: a strap that goes around the top of the airplane seat & two belts that go over the shoulders with loops for the seatbelt.

For information, pricing, and guidelines: click here.

A man wearing a white shirt and grey pants, sitting in a wheelchair on the tarmac with a huge airplane behind him. There is a staircase attached to the door for boarding.

Final Thoughts: Using an Aisle Wheelchair

While using an aisle wheelchair to get on and off the plane is not the most enjoyable experience, it does open air travel for people with disabilities.

Until the day comes when wheelchair users can stay in their own devices for the duration of the flight, aircraft aisle wheelchairs are necessary to be able to fly.

Hopefully, this post has answered your questions and given you all you need to know about these specialized wheelchairs.