Planning for travel with a disability

If you're travelling and have a disability, know your needs and plan carefully. Describe your needs carefully to airline staff so they can help you.

Booking your flight

Before booking your flight, think about what you need so you can choose the airline that best suits you. Ask about:

• accessibility of the airport and airline, and the disability services they offer
• if they use aerobridges for getting on and off the aeroplane. If they don’t use aerobridges you should find out how to get on and off safely
• moveable armrests, so you can get in and out of your seat easily
• whether you can request an aisle seat
• the aeroplane type on which you will travel, and facilities on board
• transporting a wheelchair and the battery, if you have one.

Also check the airline can provide the support services you need.

Arrange your support services

Learn what services are available and arrange them ahead of time. Services may include:

• a customer service officer to help you at the kerbside, including loading your bags, pushing wheelchairs and helping at check-in and with baggage
• a shuttle system, people movers or moving walkways
• priority boarding, either before or after other passengers
• emergency information in Braille or large-print books
• specialised equipment during the flight, such as upper torso restraints or leg support bridges
• an accessible toilet.

If an airline doesn't or can't meet your needs, try booking with another airline.

Double check your reservation

After you book, double check your reservation, and get information in writing if you need to. Be sure to check:

• the disability-related services you need to use
• the date, time and place of departure
• the check-in time (make sure you arrive early)
• your seat number
• the services during the flight, including meals
• the number and length of any stopovers.

Carers and assistants

Some airlines need a carer or assistant to travel with someone who:

• is on a stretcher or an incubator
• has a cognitive or intellectual disability, and can't respond to instructions
• has a mobility disability and can't evacuate themselves in an emergency.

Ventilators and respirators

Airlines allow you to bring and use ventilators and respirators powered by non-spillable batteries while on the aeroplane. These devices don't count towards carry-on baggage limits.

At the airport

Make sure you arrive early. Use any disability services that were available when you made your booking, such as help with check-in, baggage and boarding.

Security screening

People with disability must go through the same security screening as everyone else. If you activate the security system when screening, you will need to go through extra screening.

Extra screening often includes scanning you with a handheld device. If this is not available or you're still setting off the security system, security may ask you to undergo a physical search. Ask for this to be done in private.

Read information about security screening at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.