Passengers who Require a Wheelchair
We offer dedicated wheelchair assistance to ensure a seamless journey. Learn about charges, raising a request, accessing a wheelchair, and more.
What should I do if I require a wheelchair during travel? Will there be any extra charge?
If you need a wheelchair, you can let us know at the time of your reservation, ticketing, or reconfirmation of the booking. Travellers are requested to pre-book wheelchairs during booking or ticket issuance to avoid last-minute delays and the unavailability of wheelchairs.
Old and infirm travellers and those with a medical condition will not be charged for the wheelchair.
Medically unfit travellers who require a wheelchair must fill out and submit the Medical Information Form (MEDIF). You can submit the form duly filled by your physician at the nearest Air India office.
Our medical officer takes a minimum of 72 hours to sanction the request. In some offices like Canada, it takes five working days. Please check with the local office for more information to avoid any last-minute hassles.
I am booking a flight for a passenger with reduced mobility. How do I request a wheelchair?
Please remember the following when you book a seat for a traveller requiring wheelchair assistance.
Share specific requirements concerning handling and carriage of a passenger in a wheelchair. Let us know if the traveller requires wheelchair assistance up to the aircraft steps, entrance or the seat.
- Let us know the nature of assistance required during embarkation, disembarkation, and inflight at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
- Passengers with critical medical conditions or those requiring oxygen during the flight must obtain clearance from an Air India doctor. In such cases, travellers are advised to fill out the MEDIF available on the Air India website and contact the nearest Air India office for further guidance.
Can I use a wheelchair till the aircraft?
Yes, you are requested to pre-book wheelchairs at the time of booking or ticket issuance to avoid last-minute delays and unavailability of wheelchairs.
Do I need to share information about the battery-powered mobility aid/wheelchair I will use during my travel?
You must share the following details with our booking offices at least 48 hours before the flight so our staff can verify your request with IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulations before accepting:
- The number of batteries installed in the device.
- Whether it is detachable or not.
- The Watt-Hour (WH) rating of each battery.
- If you don't know the WH rating, you can share the ampere-hour (AH) rating and voltage rating.
- Make sure you carry the manufacturer's certificate or details.
Types of batteries you can carry
- Non-spillable battery: Dry battery (including integrated battery), gel-type battery, or wet battery (sealed)
- Spillable battery: Wet battery
- Lithium battery: Lithium-ion battery
Note
- If you are travelling with us and have a medical condition, please ensure you carry all relevant documents, including your fit-to-fly certificate, medical records, and medication, in your carry-on baggage. The medication you carry must comply with our carry-on and restricted baggage guidelines.
- A wheelchair or mobility aid battery must not exceed 300 WH. For mobility aids powered by two batteries, each battery must not exceed 160 WH. You can carry a maximum of one spare battery, not exceeding 300 WH, or two spares, each not exceeding 160 WH.
- IATA Dangerous Good Regulations regulate the carriage of battery-powered mobility aids and wheelchairs. We may not be able to carry your mobility aid or wheelchair if they differ from the conditions laid down in the regulations.
- Passengers carrying their wheelchairs (battery or non-battery-operated) may kindly note that the wheelchair should be capable of maneuvering through various airport areas, security hold and up to the aircraft. In some cases, the wheelchair will be collected at the aircraft entrance before boarding and loaded in aircraft holds. This is being done due to infrastructural constraints and weight restrictions. You will get it back on arrival at the plane or in the arrival hall. In such situations, you will get an airline wheelchair to the arrival hall. Here, you will be shifted back to your wheelchair.