There is nothing as embarrassing and humiliating as being denied access right at the check-in because you are on a scooter or wheelchair that is not airplane friendly.
An even worse feeling is painfully watching your wheelchair being taken away knowing very well what an uncomfortable and possibly painful experience awaits you once you land.
Until such a time when air travel will be fair and accessible to all mobility aid users, it’s important to do your research well when shopping around so that you buy a mobility device that is allowed onboard by airlines. This is especially important if you travel a lot and you depend on your mobile device entirely to move around.
In this post, we help you find the best mobility scooters and wheelchairs that are approved by all if not majority of the airlines.
Which Mobility scooters Are Airline Approved?
The Enhance Mobility Transformer Scooter is one of the fastest automatic folding mobility scooters with a maximum speed of 3.7 mph.
The airline-approved scooter is available in a variety of vibrant colors – red, blue, yellow, and black – and all the colors look impeccably sleek, stylish, and hi-tech. The manufacturer really took their time with this one. Everything about it screams quality.
We loved that the electric scooter comes pre-assembled and ready to take off right after unboxing. This is a plus for aged users and users who do not know how to put things together.
And that’s not the only thing that impressed us. This mobility aid is incredibly easy to use and comes with easy-to-press buttons. You can opt to operate it manually or use a remote control.
While test-driving the scooter, we found that it maneuvered so well in narrow spaces and crowded areas, particularly when taking turns, that we didn’t knock down any obstacle. We also didn’t struggle to pass through any doorway.
The Transformer comes with a set of two Lithium-ion batteries and a station charger that you can use to charge your battery, whether offboard or onboard. Each of the batteries can last you up to 13.7 miles so with two fully charged batteries you can cover a distance of up to 26 miles.
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this four-wheel scooter is how fast it folds down into a compact piece that instantly becomes lightweight and easy to carry and store. Most airlines prefer a foldable scooter as it takes less cargo space. See how it folds down in this video.
As you can see from the video, you can also fold it down into a piece of trolley luggage (suitcase) so that you can move around with it easily at the airport.
One last thing, the scooter comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame,battery and a two-year warranty on all electrical components.
Read a more detailed review on the Enhance Mobility Transformer Scooter.
Quick Facts
Pros
Cons
The Atto folding mobility scooter is one of our most highly reviewed three-wheel scooters. It’s fitted with pneumatic tires so that you don’t have to keep worrying about punctures when enjoying your ride in the wild. It can ride on pretty much all terrains from smooth tiled floors and pavements to rough earthen roads.
The Atto folding scooter is one of the few mobility devices that is ISO-certified and FDA certified (K160909). This should give you confidence in its quality, durability, and performance.
The scooter comes with a UL and CE-approved charger and a super lightweight lithium battery that takes at most 4 hours to recharge. The battery can last you a driving range of up to 10 miles and can either be charged onboard or offboard.
Just like the Transformer scooter from Enhance Mobility, this scooter too can be folded down into a trolley suitcase as well as into two easy-to-carry units with one compartment weighing just 27 lbs while the other weighs 35 lbs. You can also make a lot of adjustments like seat height, armrest height, and tiller angle for a comfortable driving experience.
Overall, the Atto scooter is a top-of-the-range mobility scooter. It comes fully assembled and is easy to drive and control. The LED control panel comes with some of the most useful features like a battery indicator, direction mode, a five-speed control panel, and a horn to help you navigate crowded spaces.
Read a more detailed review of the Atto Folding Mobility Scooter
Quick Facts
Pros
Cons
The ZooMe Auto-Flex is the ultimate travel companion that comes with plenty of features to make your travel easier and fun.
Similar to the Atto scooter, ZooMe is a fully automatic portable scooter that takes literally 15 seconds to fold or unfold. You can fold it down to make it easy to lift and store in your car truck as you head to the airport or in a taxi when heading to your hotel room.
And because the frame is made of aluminum, the entire unit is considerably lightweight, tipping the scale at just 60 lbs. We say considerably because many of you may not consider this weight to be light but when compared to similar electric scooters, you will find that it’s actually lightweight.
Similarly, it comes with a delta tiller which is a feature not found in a lot of mobility scooters but one that makes driving so effortless, particularly for users with dexterity issues.
In addition, you can adjust both the height and the angle of the delta tiller for an even more comfortable driving experience as well as adjust the padded armrests.
ZooMe Auto-Flex 4-wheel scooter is incredibly easy to control and drive and comes with convenient accessories like the cup holder, storage basket, and reflectors. The rear and front wheels are fitted with flat-free tires that can handle pretty much any terrain. It also comes with anti-tip wheels fitted on the rear to ensure that you ride safely on all the terrains.
Quick Facts
Pros
Cons
Wheelchairs That Are Airline Approved
Below are the best wheelchairs approved by most airlines.
The eVolt Traveler Power Chair is an FDA-approved foldable electric wheelchair with excellent durability, strength, and lightweight frame.
This power wheelchair also comes with a joystick controller that’s super easy to operate even for users with dexterity issues. And with just a push of a button, the wheelchair folds tightly to a compact size. It measures31″ x 25′ x 13 in size. This makes it possible to fit the wheelchair into the plane’s cargo space.
That, combined with the fact that the wheelchair can comfortably ride over any type of terrain, rugged terrain included, makes it a perfect travel companion. And you won’t have to be worried about sudden tire punctures thanks to the pneumatic flat-free tires.
Quick Facts
Pros
Cons
The Model H Hybrid wheelchair is both a manual and an electric wheelchair. It’s designed for users who love the convenience of a power chair and the ability to go manual quickly..
Weighing at just 39 pounds, the Model H Hybrid wheelchair is by far the most lightweight foldable electric wheelchair on the market. It folds down to a compact size that is easy to travel with.
The chair comes assembled right out of the box which means you can use it right away.
What struck us the most about this wheelchair is the comfort and safety features added to ensure that users are safe while using it. For instance, there is a seat belt to keep you secure, ati-tip wheels to keep you from falling over on steep or rugged terrains, flat-free tires to avoid mid-journey punctures, an anti-lock system, and a horn to help you navigate crowded places.
As for comfort and convenience, there is a footrest to rest your legs, armrests to rest your hands when driving, a joystick controller, and remote control for easy operation among others.
In addition, you can customize the wheelchair to make it more comfortable by adjusting the seat height and armrests.
The Model H Hybrid wheelchair also maneuvers pretty well in tight, narrow, and awkward spaces and can travel as far as 13 miles when fully charged. The best thing is if you ever run out of power, you can simply switch to manual mode for the remainder of your journey.
Read a more detailed Model H hybrid wheelchair review.
Quick Facts
Pros
Cons
The featherweight wheelchair is another one of our favorites weighing just 33 lbs.
The Featherweight wheelchair is easy to transport as it’s light enough to lift and fits into the trunk of any car. It performs exceptionally well on smooth and rough terrains therefore you can go just about anywhere with it.
In addition to safety features like anti-locking wheels, the electric wheelchair comes with a joystick controller that can be fitted either on the left or right side of the wheelchair for ease of use as well as quick-release buckles.
Furthermore, the upholstery is made of a thick and durable nylon material while the frame is made of a super lightweight aluminum alloy.
Overall, the Featherlight power chair is a great traveling electric wheelchair with desirable features like a carrying handle and solid non-puncture tires to make your travels safe. The best part is that the wheelchair can be used right out of the box.
Quick Facts
Pros
Cons
Things to look for when shopping for A Mobility Scooter To Take On A Plane
There are a few things that you must pay attention to when shopping for either a mobility scooter or wheelchair when boarding a plane.
The first thing you want to consider is portability. A mobility scooter or wheelchair that is lightweight and compact is easy to move around with. It’s also easier to load into the trunk of your car for your to transport it to the airport.
You also want to consider the battery type and capacity. What most of you don’t know is that any electric wheelchair or mobility scooter can be allowed on the plane if it has the right type of battery.
FAA is very clear on the type of batteries allowed on a plane. It must be a non-spillable battery regardless of whether it is a lead-acid or lithium battery. Non-spillable batteries are less hazardous when being transported by air.
That being said, the batteries must be handled and stored properly during transit and must not exceed 300 amp hours.
Airlines That Allow Mobility Scooters and Wheelchair
The below are some of the top airlines that allow mobility scooters and wheelchairs with non-spillable batteries that comply with the FAA air travel regulations.
|
Airline |
Information Page |
Phone number |
|
Aegean Airlines (A3) |
(+32) 275 34710 |
|
|
Aer Lingus (EI) |
1-800-778-4838 |
|
|
Aeroflot (SU) |
+7 (495) 380-35-85 |
|
|
Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) |
0810 222 86527 |
|
|
Aeromexico (AM) |
1-800-237-6639 |
|
|
AirAsia (AK) |
+61 2 8188 2133 |
|
|
airBaltic (BT) |
+371 6700 6006 |
|
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Air Belgium (KF) |
+32 10 23 45 00 |
|
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Air Canada (AC) |
1-800-667-4732 |
|
|
Air China (CA) |
+1-800-882-8122 |
|
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Air Europa (UX) |
+1 844 415 39 55 |
|
|
Air France (AF) |
+1 (800) 210-6508 |
|
|
Air India (AI) |
+1 888 634 1407 |
|
|
Air Italy (IG) |
+39 0789 52609 |
|
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Air Malta (KM) |
+356 2166 2211 |
|
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Air New Zealand (NZ) |
+1 (800) 262-1234 |
|
|
Air Tahiti Nui (TN) |
+1 (877) 824-4846 |
|
|
Air Transat (TS) |
+1 514-636-3630 |
|
|
Alaska Airlines (AS) |
1-800-503-0101 |
|
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American Airlines (AA) |
1-800-237-7976 |
|
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ANA (NH) |
0120-029-377 |
|
|
Asiana Airlines (OZ) |
+1-800-227-4262 |
|
|
Austrian Airlines (OS) |
+43 5 1766 1000 |
|
|
Avianca (AV) |
1-800-778-4838 |
|
|
Azul Brazilian Airlines (AD) |
1 (888) 587-3255 |
|
|
Blue Air (0B) |
1 (888) 258-3247 |
|
|
British Airways (BA) |
1-800-778-4838 |
|
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Brussels Airlines (SN) |
+32 5 333 81 81 |
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Cathay Pacific (CX) |
1 (833) 933-2244 |
|
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China Airlines (CI) |
1-800-778-4838 |
|
|
China Eastern Airlines (MU) |
1-855-589-5530 |
|
|
China Southern Airlines (CZ) |
+86-4008695539-1-4-2 |
|
|
Condor (DE) |
+49 (0) 6171 6988978 |
|
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Copa Airlines (CP) |
+1 (800) 359-2672 |
|
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Croatia Airlines (OU) |
+385 1 66 76 555 |
|
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Czech Airlines (OK) |
+1 (855) 359-2932 |
|
|
Delta Air Lines (DL) |
+1 404-209-3434 |
|
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EasyJet (U2) |
+44 158 227 7147 |
|
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EgyptAir (MS) |
+1 (212) 581-5600 |
|
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Emirates (EK) |
+1 (800) 777-3999 |
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Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |
+1 (800) 445-2733 |
|
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Etihad Airways (EY) |
+1 (888) 838-4423 |
|
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Fiji Airways (FJ) |
+1 (800) 227-4446 |
|
|
Finnair (AY) |
+1 (877) 757-7143 |
|
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Flydubai (FZ) |
+971 600 54 44 45 |
|
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Frontier Airlines (F9) |
+1 (877) 846-8035 |
|
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Garuda Indonesia (GA) |
+1 (800) 342-7832 |
|
|
GOL Airlines (G3) |
+1 (855) 862-9190 |
|
|
Hawaiian Airlines (HA) |
+1 (800) 367-5320 |
|
|
Iberia (IB) |
+1 (800) 772-4642 |
|
|
Icelandair (FI) |
+1 (800) 223-5500 |
|
|
IndiGo (6E) |
+91 991 038 3838 |
|
|
JAL (JL) |
+81 03 5460 3783 |
|
|
Jet Airways (9W) |
+1 (877) 835-9538 |
|
|
JetBlue Airways (B6) |
+1 (855) 232-5463 |
|
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Jetstar (JQ) |
+1 (866) 397-8170 |
|
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Kenya Airways (KQ) |
+1 (866) 536-9224 |
|
|
KLM (KL) |
+1 (844) 797-7723 |
|
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Korean Air (KE) |
+1 (800) 438-5000 |
|
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LATAM Airlines (LA) |
+1 (866) 435-9526 |
|
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LOT Polish Airlines (LO) |
+1 (212) 789-0970 |
|
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Lufthansa (LH) |
+1 (800) 645-3880 |
|
|
Luxair (LG) |
+352 2456 1 |
|
|
Malaysia Airlines (MH) |
+1 (800) 552-9264 |
|
|
Middle East Airlines (ME) |
+1 (800) 491-2741 |
|
|
Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY) |
+1 (800) 357-4159 |
|
|
Oman Air (WY) |
+1 (201) 205-2115 |
|
|
Philippine Airlines (PR) |
+1 (800) 435-9725 |
|
|
Qantas (QF) |
+1 (800) 227-4500 |
|
|
Qatar Airways (QR) |
+1 (877) 777-2827 |
|
|
Royal Air Maroc (AT) |
+212 522 48 97 51 |
|
|
Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) |
+1 (844) 807-3690 |
|
|
Ryanair (FR) |
+44 871 24 60 003 |
|
|
S7 Airlines (S7) |
+7 495 783-0707 |
|
|
SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK) |
+1 (800) 221-2350 |
|
|
Saudia (SV) |
+1 (800) 472-8342 |
|
|
Scoot (TR) |
+1 (808) 206-7487 |
|
|
Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) |
+86 755 95361-9 |
|
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Silver Airways (3M) |
+1 (801) 401-9100 |
|
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Singapore Airlines (SQ) |
+1 (800) 742-3333 |
|
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South African Airways (SA) |
+27 11 978 2764 |
|
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Southwest Airlines (WN) |
+1 (800) 435-9792 |
|
|
Spirit Airlines (NK) |
+1 (801) 401-2200 |
|
|
SriLankan Airlines (UL) |
+1 (800) 497-4270 |
|
|
Sun Country Airlines (SY) |
+1 (651) 905-2774 |
|
|
SWISS (LX) |
+1 (877) 359-7947 |
|
|
TAP Portugal (TP) |
+1 (800) 221 7370 |
|
|
TAROM (RO) |
+40 21 9361 |
|
|
Thai Airways (TG) |
+1 (800) 426-5204 |
|
|
Turkish Airlines (TK) |
+1 (800) 874-8875 |
|
|
United Airlines (UA) |
+1 (800) 228-2744 |
|
|
Vietnam Airlines (VN) |
+1 (416) 927-0275 |
|
|
Virgin Atlantic (VS) |
+1 (888) 747-7474 |
|
|
Virgin Australia (VA) |
+1 (855) 253-8021 |
|
|
Vueling (VY) |
+34 90 280 80 05 |
|
|
WestJet (WS) |
+1 (888) 937-8538 |
|
|
WOW Air (WW) |
1-888-209-3170 |
|
|
XiamenAir (MF) |
+1 (844) 629-5557 |
Conclusion
I hope your search for the best mobility scooter and wheelchair for air travel has come to an end. If you still aren’t sure what to pick, we recommend the Atto Folding mobility scooter for its extremely lightweight design. Also, it meets all the requirements of the FAA and is accepted by most airlines. If looking for an airline-approved electric wheelchair, we recommend the Model H hybrid wheelchair.
Whichever scooter or wheelchair you pick, always make it a point to contact the airline ahead of time to find out if they accept your mobility device and what other requirements are needed. This will save you the headache of last-minute cancellations and the humiliation of being turned away.
