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Wheelchairs

Aircraft with 100 or more seats must have priority space for stowing a passenger’s folding wheelchair in the cabin. This spot is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchairs shall be stowed in the onboard designated area for assistive devices (a closet, a row of seats using seat strapping, or other storage space) if the device fits.

Passengers may provide airlines with written instructions on how to take apart their wheelchair if necessary.  Airlines are required to carry out these instructions to the greatest extent feasible, consistent with FAA, PHMSA, TSA, or applicable foreign government requirements concerning security, safety, and hazardous materials with respect to the stowage of carry-on items.

Powered or manual wheelchairs that do not break down to fit in a designated priority space in the cabin of the aircraft are not required to be carried in the cabin, but must be stowed in the cargo portion of the aircraft. Upon request, foldable wheelchairs that fit in the designated priority area of the aircraft cabin are required to be stowed in that area given that the area is not already occupied by another assistive device.

If you are a carrier that uses the seat-strapping method to stow a manual passenger wheelchair, you must ensure that there is priority space for at least two such wheelchairs, if stowing the second passenger wheelchair would not displace passengers.