Flying with Disability and Reduced Mobility – Passenger Rights

Before your departure, you should definitely inform your airline of your need for assistance. Many airlines offer special assistance services that support you from check-in through boarding and beyond. These services are usually free of charge but require advance registration. Also, be sure to check the rules regarding carrying medical devices and medications, as special regulations may apply—for example, regarding liquids in carry-on luggage or documentation for implants. Make sure you have all relevant documents, such as medical certificates, readily accessible to avoid potential delays at security.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can often take advantage of barrier-free access and special check-in counters reserved for people with disabilities or limited mobility. These counters are usually staffed by trained personnel who will assist you with check-in and address your specific needs. Passengers with limited mobility often receive priority access to security checkpoints to avoid long wait times. Inform security personnel in advance about any medical devices or assistive devices you are carrying to facilitate the screening process. Many airports also have accessible lounges that offer a comfortable and quiet waiting environment—a benefit that is particularly appreciated during longer layovers or for those with health limitations.

Once on the plane, you should choose a seat that meets your needs. Seats near the onboard restroom or with extra legroom offer more comfort but are not available at emergency exits for safety reasons. Passengers with disabilities generally have the right to board early so they can take their seats at their own pace and stow their carry-on luggage safely. Inform the cabin crew of your specific needs—whether regarding luggage stowage, using the onboard restroom, or other concerns. The trained flight crew will be happy to assist you to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Disembarking and transferring can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities. If you have requested a wheelchair or assistance service in advance, an attendant should be waiting at the destination airport to meet and accompany you off the plane. It is important to arrange this service well in advance with ground or cabin crew to avoid delays. Allow sufficient time for transfers, especially at large airports with long distances to cover. Good preparation and clear communication of your needs to airport staff ensure that you reach your destination safely and with peace of mind. Take advantage of the opportunity to request assistance with transfers between gates or with luggage transport if needed.

Please note that we provide only comprehensive information on the topic of flying with a disability or limited mobility. Unfortunately, we cannot offer direct assistance with applying for assistance services or filing complaints, except in cases involving delays or cancellations of flights. For specific inquiries regarding assistance services, we recommend contacting the relevant airline or airport service directly. There, you will receive personalized assistance and can discuss your needs and any potential issues in person.

People with visual impairments are explicitly considered persons with reduced mobility under EU Regulation 1107/2006 and are entitled to free assistance at the airport and when boarding and disembarking. This includes pickup at the meeting point, assistance with check-in, through security and passport control, as well as help locating luggage and connecting transportation.

Many airports offer tactile floor guide strips, high-contrast signage, audio announcements, and, if needed, personal escort services to ensure safe navigation through the terminal. Guide dogs and service dogs are generally transported free of charge in the passenger cabin on EU flights, but must be registered in advance and identified as service dogs.

To ensure a smooth process, we recommend: indicating your need for assistance when booking (keyword “PRM”), briefly explaining the nature of your visual impairment, and—if available—having your disability ID card or relevant documents ready. This allows the service team to provide targeted support, such as personal boarding instructions instead of relying solely on visual displays.

Modern pacemakers, defibrillators, artificial joints, and other implants are generally safe for air travel; cabin pressure typically corresponds to an altitude of about 2,000–2,500 meters, which is well tolerated by most patients. However, especially after recent surgery or in cases of existing heart or lung conditions, an individual medical clearance to travel is crucial to minimize risks such as shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmias, or thrombosis.

At security checkpoints, metal implants and prostheses may set off metal detectors; removing the prosthesis is generally not required, but an additional visual and physical inspection is standard. It is recommended to carry an implant ID card or prosthesis passport and to proactively inform security personnel in advance so that the screening proceeds calmly and respectfully.

Passengers taking blood-thinning medication or who have an artificial joint should wear compression stockings on long flights, drink plenty of fluids, and get up regularly to reduce the risk of thrombosis.

Wheelchair users are entitled to free assistance in the EU from arrival at the airport to the aircraft and onward to the exit or connecting transportation at the destination. For manual and electric wheelchairs as well as other mobility aids (walkers, scooters) the following generally applies: They are transported free of charge, even if they are classified as special baggage.

Electric wheelchairs require precise details regarding weight, dimensions, and battery type; strict safety regulations apply, particularly for lithium batteries, so early registration with the airline is mandatory. Passengers are often accompanied to the aircraft door in their own wheelchair and transfer there to an onboard wheelchair or directly into their seat.

Important practical tips: Register for assistance services at least 48 hours before departure and describe the type of mobility aid. -If possible, pack removable parts (joystick, footrests, cushions) in your carry,- on luggage for protection. -At the gate, clearly communicate whether you can transfer on your own or need physical assistance so that sufficient staff and time can be scheduled.

Flying with a cast is generally possible, however, cabin pressure and prolonged sitting increase the risk of swelling and, consequently, circulatory problems or pain in the injured area. For newly applied, closed casts (usually < 24–48 hours), airlines may refuse transport for safety reasons or require a medical certificate and a split/removable cast.

Experts often recommend a split cast or a removable cast so that the tissue can expand if swelling occurs and pressure does not build up too much. On longer flights, a cast also increases the risk of thrombosis, which is why moving around as much as possible, drinking plenty of fluids, and, if necessary, wearing compression stockings are advisable.

Before travelling, passengers should always seek a medical evaluation and check the airline’s guidelines, as these vary depending on the airline and the type of injury. A written medical certificate documenting fitness to fly, the type of fracture, and special needs (e.g., leg elevation, additional seat) facilitates coordination with the airline and ground staff.

Crutches are generally permitted on board as medical aids and can often be taken to your seat or stowed in your carry-on luggage, as long as safety requirements are met. Nevertheless, passengers must sit upright during take-off and landing and position crutches so that they do not block emergency exits in case of an emergency.
Under EU law, passengers using crutches are entitled to assistance navigating the terminal, climbing stairs, boarding, and transferring between a wheelchair and their seat. It is advisable to notify the airline in advance whether climbing stairs is possible or if a gate with an elevator/passenger bridge and a lift (Ambulift) is required.

Medical recommendation: For longer distances within the terminal, request a wheelchair service in advance to avoid overexertion, falls, or circulatory problems. Additionally, comfortable clothing, allowing sufficient time at the airport, and, if necessary, an extra seat can help if elevating a leg or having more freedom of movement is required.

EU Regulation 1107/2006 protects not only traditional physical disabilities but also explicitly sensory, intellectual, and mental impairments, as well as age-related limitations. Information must be provided to affected individuals in a format accessible to them.

For chronic conditions (e.g., lung, heart, metabolic, or neurological diseases), a medical assessment of fitness to fly is important, as cabin pressure, dry air, and prolonged sitting can affect circulation, breathing, or blood sugar levels. Many airlines require a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) or a doctor’s note for certain medical conditions in order to arrange necessary special services such as supplemental oxygen, specific seating arrangements, or the carriage of medical devices.

People with autism, anxiety disorders, or cognitive impairments often benefit from clear procedures, an escort, and quiet waiting areas; some airports offer “Hidden Disabilities” programs or special ID cards to discreetly indicate invisible limitations. In all cases, early communication with the airline and airport increases the likelihood that appropriate support will be available and that the trip will proceed with as little stress as possible despite any disability.

WCHR – Wheelchair to the aircraft door (Ramp); passenger can walk short distances and stairs independently but requires a wheelchair for longer distances between check-in, the gate, and the aircraft. -WCHS – Wheelchair to the seat (Stairs); passenger can walk short distances but cannot climb stairs and therefore needs assistance, particularly when boarding and deplaning. -WCHC – Wheelchair in the cabin; passenger is permanently dependent on a wheelchair and requires continuous assistance from arrival at the airport to their seat on the aircraft. -WCMP / WCBD / WCBW – wheelchairs brought on board; Indicates the type of wheelchair carried (manual or electric, different battery types) for transport and handling by the airline and ground staff.

BLND – Passenger is blind or visually impaired; assistance includes orientation in the terminal, escort to security screening and the gate, as well as support during boarding and safety instructions. -DEAF – Passenger is deaf or hard of hearing; the airline and airport provide accessible information, such as in visual form, and assist with important announcements and safety information. -SVAN/PETC/AVIH – Service/assistance dog in the cabin; indicates that an assistance dog is being transported; this allows cabin crew to prepare accordingly for seat selection and the animal’s transport.

DPNA – “Disabled Passenger Needing Assistance”; Passenger with a learning, cognitive, or mental impairment who requires assistance with orientation, communication, and procedures (check-in, security screening, boarding).

MAAS – “Meet and Assist” General escort service for passengers who require assistance but do not fall into a specific code category (e.g., the very elderly, unsteady passengers travelling alone). STCR – Stretcher Transport Used when the passenger cannot travel in a seated position and requires a stretcher on the aircraft; special medical and safety requirements apply here.

EU Regulation 1107/2006 ensures that people with disabilities or reduced mobility are not disadvantaged when flying and receive necessary assistance free of charge. It obligates both airports and airlines to remove barriers and organize assistance so that you can travel as independently as possible.
Prohibition of discrimination in booking and boarding: Airlines may not refuse to book you or transport you solely because of your disability or reduced mobility. A refusal is only permissible if demonstrable safety reasons or the aircraft’s design objectively precludes transport, such as when doors or the cabin cannot physically accommodate certain assistive devices. In such cases, the airline must offer you a reasonable alternative whenever possible, such as a rebooking at no extra cost or a flight on a suitable aircraft. If you are denied boarding without a valid justification, this constitutes a violation of your rights, against which you can defend yourself with a formal complaint and, if necessary, legal assistance.

Right to free assistance at the airport and on board: If you have a recognized need for assistance, you are entitled to free assistance services at the departure, transfer, and arrival airports. This includes, among other things, help with check-in, security screening, boarding and deplaning, transferring to connecting flights, and transporting your carry-on luggage within the terminal. It is important that you notify the airline of your need for assistance at least 48 hours before departure so that the airport can schedule the necessary resources. On board, the cabin crew must also provide appropriate assistance—for example, with stowing carry-on luggage, accompanying you to the onboard restroom

(excluding lifting and nursing services), and in communicating important safety information.
Handling of wheelchairs & mobility aids – compensation instead of additional costs: Your wheelchair or other mobility aids are not considered “special baggage” when flying—for which extra fees may be charged—but rather as necessary aids. You are entitled to have these devices transported free of charge and handled properly, such as by securing them properly in the cargo hold and labelling fragile parts. If your wheelchair, scooter, prosthetics, or other assistive devices are damaged, delivered late, or lost, you can claim compensation—generally under the Montreal Convention, which holds airlines liable for damage to baggage and assistive devices. Document the damage at the airport as soon as possible, request a damage report – Property Irregularity Report (PIR), and then submit detailed evidence (invoices, cost estimates, photos) to enforce your claims.

EU Regulation 261/2004 governs when passengers are entitled to (flat rate) monetary compensation if flights are cancelled, severely delayed, or boarding is denied. These rights apply to all passengers—and thus explicitly include people with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Flight cancellation, delay, denied boarding: Basic requirements In general, you can claim compensation if your flight departs from an EU or UK airport or lands in the EU or UK with an EU or UK airline, and one of the following

situations occur:
-Your flight is cancelled at short notice, and you are informed less than 14 days before departure.
-You reach your final destination with a delay of at least three hours.
-You are denied boarding (denied boarding) even though you checked in on time and have a valid ticket.
In all these cases, the right to compensation is waived only if the airline can prove extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather, security risks, or political unrest. Mere organizational problems on the part of the airline, standard technical defects, or staff shortages are generally not considered such extraordinary circumstances. And, even if the airline can prove that the delay, cancellation, or denied boarding was caused by extraordinary circumstances, the airline still must do all in their power to minimise the inconvenience caused by the delay, cancellation, or denied boarding.

The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance and not on your disability. For short-haul flights up to 1,500 km, you are generally entitled up to €250; for medium-haul flights within the EU or other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, up to €400; and for long-haul flights of 3,500 km or more, up to €600. These amounts apply per person and per affected flight booking—even if you require assistance, travel in a wheelchair, or have a companion with you. In addition to monetary compensation, you are entitled to care services such as meals, beverages, communication facilities, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation and transportation if you have to wait at the airport for an extended period.

In the United States, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is the cornerstone legislation that protects the rights of passengers with disabilities and travelling with service animals. This federal law prohibits discrimination by airlines against individuals with disabilities and mandates that airlines provide necessary accommodations to ensure equal access and a safe, comfortable travel experience. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for enforcing the ACAA, which applies to all flights operating to, from, or within the United States.

Passengers with disabilities travelling in the U.S. are entitled to a range of assistance and accommodations, including but not limited to:
-Wheelchair and mobility assistance: Airlines must provide wheelchair or guided assistance to help passengers board, deplane, and make connecting flights smoothly.
-Seating accommodations: Airlines are required to offer seating arrangements that address the specific disability-related needs of passengers, such as extra legroom or movable armrests.
-Access to airport facilities: Assistance must be provided for navigating ticket counters, security checkpoints, gates, and onboard restrooms.
-Handling of assistive devices: Airlines must safely load, stow, and return mobility aids and other assistive devices in the same condition they were received. In cases of loss or damage, airlines are liable for repair or replacement costs.
-Service animals: Passengers may travel with trained service animals that perform tasks for individuals with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Airlines are required to accommodate these animals in the cabin.

-While service animals are protected under the ACAA, it is important to note:
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and animals in training are not recognized as service animals under current U.S. regulations.
-Airlines may request passengers travelling with service animals to complete DOT forms verifying the animal’s health, behaviour, and training status.
-Unlike many other accommodations, airlines generally cannot require advance notice that a passenger with a disability is travelling; however, for special or unusual requests, airlines may ask for up to 48 hours’ notice to prepare adequately.

More tips for travelling with service animals under the Air Carrier Access Act . 

The ACAA ensures that passengers with disabilities receive respectful and dignified treatment throughout their journey. Airlines must:
-Provide assistance promptly and safely without discrimination.
-Ensure that all accommodations are made to facilitate barrier-free air travel.
-Return all assistive devices undamaged and compensate passengers for any damage or loss.
-Offer clear communication and helpful information about disability-related services.

If a passenger believes their rights under the ACAA have been violated, the U.S. Department of Transportation provides resources to address complaints. The Department of Transportation (DOT) can investigate incidents, impose penalties, and require airlines to take corrective actions. Depending on the circumstances, passengers may be eligible for compensation such as travel vouchers or monetary settlements. Travellers are encouraged to document any issues and contact the airline’s disability services department promptly, and if unresolved, file a formal complaint with the DOT.

In the United Kingdom, passengers with disabilities are protected under two key pieces of legislation: the Equality Act 2010 and the Civil Aviation (Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility) Regulations 2014. These laws ensure that disabled individuals, including the elderly and those with social communication or interaction difficulties, receive appropriate assistance when travelling by air. The regulations apply to all flights departing from or arriving at UK airports operated by UK or EU-registered airlines, as well as flights from outside the UK or EU to the EU on UK carriers. The regulations encourage early communication with airline personnel and airport staff to facilitate smooth coordination of assistance services.

Passengers with disabilities are entitled to receive free assistance tailored to their specific needs at various stages of their air travel experience. This includes:
-Support navigating through the departure airport, including check-in and security screening
-Help boarding the aircraft and assistance during the flight
-Aid with disembarking the aircraft upon arrival
-Assistance when transferring between connecting flights
-Support at the destination airport to reach onward transportation or exits
This comprehensive assistance ensures a smoother, safer, and more comfortable journey for travellers with disabilities.

To ensure the best possible support, passengers should notify the airline, airport, ticket seller, or travel operator of their assistance requirements at least 48 hours before departure. Providing detailed information about the nature of your disability and any equipment you may be using allows the airline and airport to make appropriate arrangements.

If you plan to travel with an assistance dog, it is important to inform the airline and airport in advance to comply with related policies and ensure the animal’s needs are accommodated. Similarly, if you use an electric mobility aid such as a powered wheelchair or scooter, airlines need to be informed ahead of time due to specific safety and handling regulations.

The Equality Act 2010 offers strong protection against discrimination for passengers with disabilities. If you experience discrimination or poor treatment related to your disability while travelling, you may be entitled to compensation. This can cover both financial losses and “injury to feelings,” with compensation amounts depending on the severity, duration, and intent behind the discriminatory act. Additionally, if discrimination has caused personal injury, passengers can claim for damages provided they have supporting medical evidence.

UK Civil Aviation Authority 
Read more on Civil Aviation Authority performance report on UK airport accessibility 2023/2024 

In Canada, the rights of passengers with disabilities travelling by air are safeguarded under the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR). These regulations apply to all flights arriving in, departing from, or operating within Canadian territory. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) oversees the enforcement of these rules, ensuring that air travel is accessible, safe, and dignified for all passengers with disabilities.

Passengers with disabilities are entitled to a comprehensive range of support services throughout their air travel experience, including:
-Assistance at check-in and baggage handling: Support in completing check-in procedures and managing luggage to ease the airport process.
-Boarding and disembarking support: Help with safely boarding the aircraft and deplaning, including the use of special equipment or vehicles if necessary.
-Connection flight assistance: Coordination and aid when transferring between flights to ensure timely and smooth connections.
-Onboard mobility support: Assistance moving to and from the aircraft lavatory as well as help with seating arrangements tailored to individual needs.
-Handling of mobility aids and assistive devices: Safe and free transportation of wheelchairs, scooters, prosthetics, and other necessary equipment.
-Accommodation of service animals: Recognition and support for service animals trained to assist passengers with disabilities, including access to relief areas within terminals.

While some assistance services may be provided without advance notice, it is highly recommended to notify the airline or airport at least 48 hours prior to travel. This allows proper planning and allocation of resources to meet your specific needs. Key points to keep in mind include:
-Travelling with service animals: Airlines typically require documentation confirming that your service animal has received appropriate training. Inform the carrier in advance to ensure compliance and smooth travel.
-Seating arrangements: If additional seating is necessary—for example, to accommodate mobility aids or a support person—airlines must provide these seats at no extra charge.
-Priority treatment at border controls: Passengers who find waiting in line challenging due to their disability can request priority processing at customs and immigration checkpoints.
-Allergy considerations: Notify your airline at least 48 hours before departure if you have severe allergies that may require special accommodations.
-Applicability limits: The ATPDR does not apply to aircraft with fewer than 29 passenger seats, which may affect certain small regional flights.

If you experience any issues related to accessibility or assistance during your journey, first contact your airline or transportation provider to seek resolution. Should the response be unsatisfactory, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the Canadian Transportation Agency. The CTA provides support and enforcement to uphold your rights under the ATPDR, ensuring that your concerns are addressed promptly and fairly. Canada’s ATPDR establishes clear rights and protections for passengers with disabilities, promoting inclusive and barrier-free air travel.

Travelling with disabilities – Travel.gc.ca 

Yes, as a passenger with a disability or reduced mobility, you have additional rights and protections that go beyond general passenger rights. Under EU Regulation 1107/2006, you are entitled to special benefits, such as free assistance services at the airport and on the aircraft, a strict prohibition against discrimination, and the right to barrier-free travel. This support includes, among other things, assistance with check-in, security screening, boarding, during the flight, and disembarking.
At the same time, you are entitled to the same compensation rights under EU Regulation 261/2004, as all other passengers. This means that you are entitled to financial compensation in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding—regardless of your disability. It is important that you notify the airline of your need for assistance at least 48 hours before departure so that the necessary assistance and services can be organized in time.

Airport assistance, also known as special assistance, refers to a comprehensive service/assistance program that accompanies people with disabilities or reduced mobility throughout their entire journey at the airport. This assistance service begins upon arrival at the departure airport and extends until departure from the destination airport. The support includes, among other things, assistance with check-in, security screening, boarding, disembarking, and baggage transport. As a rule, this service is free of charge for affected passengers and is intended for people with disabilities, people with reduced mobility, the elderly, pregnant women, people with special needs, and passengers with service dogs. Timely registration, ideally at least 48 hours before departure, is crucial to ensure the smooth organization of assistance and a stress-free flight experience.

Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility are entitled to comprehensive assistance throughout their entire flight journey. To receive this assistance, it is important to notify the airline or the airport of your support needs at least 48 hours before departure. This can be done conveniently via the website, customer service, or a travel agency. You should provide detailed information about the nature and extent of the disability as well as the specific assistance required, such as whether a manual or electric wheelchair is needed or if assistance with boarding is desired.

Special assistance includes escorting passengers from the arrival point to the aircraft, providing mobility aids such as wheelchairs, assistance with check-in, baggage transport, and seat selection, as well as priority security screening and assistance with boarding and deplaning. For connecting flights, assistance to the next gate is also arranged. Even with last-minute requests, airlines and airports are obligated to provide assistance whenever possible, though the service may be limited in such cases. If the promised assistance is not provided, affected passengers can contact the airline or the airport operator and submit a written complaint.

Where do people with disabilities sit on the plane? Airlines are legally required to provide comprehensive and free assistance to people with disabilities or reduced mobility—from arrival at the airport to taking their seat on the plane. This includes assistance to the aircraft and help getting to your reserved seat, using special aids such as lifts or aisle wheelchairs to make the journey as comfortable as possible. To ensure that assistance is organized effectively, you should notify the airline or the airport of your support needs when booking your flight or at least 48 hours before departure.

It is particularly important to contact the airline and the airports well in advance, as some low-cost carriers do not use jet bridges, which can make access more difficult. Also, use the international mobility levels and assistance codes to precisely communicate your assistance needs and ensure smooth coordination. Also, have all necessary documents ready, such as a disability ID card, medical certificates, or proof of service dogs, and inform security personnel about medical devices or assistive devices to facilitate the screening process.

When flying with a disability, the safe and careful handling of your assistive devices during the flight is particularly important. Airlines are legally required to transport mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walking aids, or electric scooters free of charge and to protect them from damage. These aids are usually stowed in the cargo hold and handled with special care. Electrical devices, particularly wheelchairs with lithium-ion batteries, must be registered with the airline in advance to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

During the flight, passengers with disabilities often have access to onboard wheelchairs to facilitate access to the restrooms. The cabin crew also assists with stowing carry-on luggage and, if necessary, with getting to the onboard restroom, but do not provide nursing care. To ensure a smooth process and receive the best possible assistance, it is important to notify the airline of your need for mobility aids and assistance at least 48 hours before departure. This allows airlines and airports to make the necessary arrangements to safely transport your mobility aids and provide you with optimal support throughout your journey.

No, the severe disability ID card does not entitle you to free airline tickets. However, holders of the card with the “B” designation are eligible for free or heavily discounted travel for an accompanying person on many airlines. Additionally, all support services at the airport, such as wheelchair service and assistance, are legally provided free of charge. These regulations are based on Article 3 of EU Regulation 1107/2006, which prohibits discrimination and ensures barrier-free access to air travel for people with disabilities.

Yes, timely registration of your need for assistance is essential. You should notify the airline or the airport of your specific needs at least 48 hours before departure to ensure the smooth organization of assistance. While no guarantees can be made for last-minute notifications, airlines and airports will do their utmost to provide the necessary support.

DPNA stands for “Disabled Passenger Notification Advice” and is an internationally standardized code that precisely describes your individual assistance needs. Using this code makes it easier for airlines and airport staff to provide the appropriate services and assistance for you. Correctly providing the DPNA code during booking or registration is an important step in securing your rights as a person with a disability.

No, there is no entitlement to a free companion. However, some airlines offer a discount for such companions if the B code is present.

Yes, the companion does not necessarily have to be a family member. It can be a friend, caregiver, relative, or a professional companion. It is important that the companion is of legal age, capable of travelling, and able to provide assistance in an emergency.

As a rule, the companion is assigned a seat directly next to you to enable quick assistance if needed. This is particularly important if you require support during the flight. You should therefore request a seat reservation with the airline well in advance.

No, the transport of wheelchairs and other mobility aids is generally free of charge under EU law and does not count toward your regular baggage allowance. This applies to both manual and electric wheelchairs, provided they have been registered in advance and meet safety requirements.

Yes, you can bring an electric wheelchair, but you must register it at least 48 hours before departure. You must provide detailed information regarding the battery type, dimensions, and weight. New safety regulations have been in effect since October 1, 2025: Only a maximum of two lithium-ion batteries, each with a capacity of up to 160 Wh, may be transported. The airline will inform you of the exact requirements and assist with safe transport.

Walking canes, like wheelchairs or other orthopaedic aids, are considered mobility aids, which passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility are generally permitted to bring into the aircraft cabin at no additional cost. The walking cane may normally be carried to your seat and stowed in the overhead compartments above the seat. It is important that the walking cane does not have any dangerous features, such as sharp edges or points that could be classified as a weapon. To ensure that your walking stick complies with the airline’s guidelines, you should contact your airline before booking your flight or at least 48 hours before departure to inquire and request assistance. This ensures that your mobility aid can be brought on board without any issues and that you receive the best possible support during your trip.

Yes, essential medications may be carried in your carry-on luggage, even if they exceed the 100-ml limit, provided they are necessary for the trip. It is recommended that you carry a doctor’s note or prescription to quickly clarify any questions at security screening. This ensures that your health is not compromised during the trip.

A medical clearance certificate is required by airlines only in cases of certain serious illnesses, recent surgeries, or unstable health conditions. This certificate confirms that you are fit to fly and do not pose a danger to yourself or others. Check with your airline and your doctor well in advance to determine whether such a certificate is required.

Yes, the use of medical oxygen is permitted. Depending on the airline, only certain models may be allowed. It is important to notify the airline well in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made and a safe flight ensured.

Assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, are permitted to travel in the cabin free of charge, provided this is compatible with safety requirements and national regulations. A prerequisite is that the dog is properly trained and that you present the required documentation, such as a dog ID, health certificate, and vaccination record.