Wheelchairs and Walking Sticks
Manual aids allowed in cabin after security check. Battery wheelchairs need advance approval.
Manual wheelchairs and walking sticks can accompany you up to the aircraft door after screening. Battery-powered chairs need advance approval, insulated terminals, and removable lithium packs brought into the cabin.
Key highlights
- Request wheelchair assistance or special seating via airline call centre.
- Print medical certificates if you need to use your own chair to the gate.
- Measure wheelchair dimensions to ensure they fit aircraft cargo doors.
Airlines prioritise accessible travel, but they need notice to arrange aisle chairs, ambulifts, or extra manpower. Booking assistance 48 hours ahead guarantees the right equipment is waiting at departure and arrival.
Security screens every mobility aid. Walking sticks go through X-ray, then receive a special tag so you can keep them. Manual chairs are swabbed and returned immediately; battery chairs may require partial disassembly so crew can stow them upright in the hold.
Lithium wheelchair batteries are regulated like power banks. Remove them, tape the terminals, and carry them onboard. Gel or dry-cell batteries can stay attached if terminals are insulated and the chair’s circuitry is secured.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ When it's allowed
- •Attach instruction cards describing how to fold or detach parts.
- •Use brightly coloured straps to secure loose cables before handover.
- •Carry spare parts (joystick knobs, fuses) in your cabin bag.
🚫 Exceptions / conditions
- •Don’t hand over mobility aids without labelling them—multiple chairs can travel on one flight.
- •Don’t leave medication or valuables in wheelchair pouches heading to the hold.
- •Avoid using damaged chairs without notifying staff; they might worsen in transit.
At the airport
- ✔Arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights to finish documentation.
- ✔Remove detachable accessories (cushions, bags) before handing the chair to staff.
- ✔Explain brake systems or fold mechanisms so ground crew handle it correctly.
Battery handling for wheelchairs
| Battery type | Procedure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manual / none | Check chair at gate | Tag and return at arrival |
| Dry cell / gel | Can stay attached | Insulate terminals |
| Lithium | Remove and carry in cabin | Follow power bank limits |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my own wheelchair inside the terminal?+
Do I need to pay for wheelchair assistance?+
What if my wheelchair is damaged?+
Travel tips
- ✈️Use AirTag-style trackers on your chair in case it is loaded separately.
- ✈️Carry a lightweight travel cushion for use on airline-provided wheelchairs.
- ✈️Photograph the chair at check-in to document its condition.
Related guides
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.