Wheelchairs, Scooters and Assistive Devices

We understand the importance of an accessible travel experience and thank you in advance for your patience as we work to meet your needs throughout your trip. Share your mobility needs with us at least 48 hours before your trip so we can offer you the best possible service.

 

In-page Links

Request Delta Wheelchair Service
Once you book a flight, you can request one or more of the wheelchair services described below. Please note, Delta does not provide electronic power scooters for personal use. Submit your request from “Accessible Services” in “My Trips” or call 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services). 
airport chair airport chair

Airport Wheelchair

Service begins curbside at the airport, through check-in and security, to your departure gate and down the jet bridge to the aircraft door.

aisle chair aisle chair

Aisle Wheelchair

Service assists you from the jet bridge onto the aircraft and down the aisle to your seat.

onboard chair onboard chair

Onboard Wheelchair

Service in-flight via an aircraft-designed wheelchair that fits in the aircraft aisles and most lavatories.

Bring Your Personal Wheelchair or Scooter

We understand that your personal mobility device needs to travel when you do. Delta transports both manual and battery-powered devices. Please prepare with the steps below.

1. Learn Your Wheelchair or Scooter Measurements

Measure the height and width of your chair at its smallest size (not expanded) and input the measurements below. Measuring estimates a likely fit on your aircraft but is not a guarantee of travel approval.

Will My Wheelchair Fit?


How do I measure my wheelchair? 


Select the Unit of Measurement






How do I measure my wheelchair or assistive device?

Height: Measure the distance from the top of the headrest or backrest to the ground.

Width: Measure the distance from the left wheel to right wheel on opposite sides of the chair or device.

Please enter collapsed height and width if your chair or device is collapsible.

2. Tell Us Your Device Details


Whether you bring a manual wheelchair or a battery-operated device, please inform us 48 hours before you fly for the best possible service using the Fly Delta app, the ‘My Trips’ page or by calling 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services). 

Measurements

If your personal wheelchair or device exceeds the maximum dimensions at its smallest size (not expanded), it may not safely fit in the cargo hold of your aircraft. Please call 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services) so we can book you on an aircraft that meets your needs.

Batteries

Forty-eight hours notice is recommended for battery-operated devices in order to follow the U.S. Federal Dangerous Goods Handling Procedures. This applies to various battery types, including but not limited to lithium ion, spillable or non-spillable batteries.

3. Prepare for Travel

  • Print the required Mobility Device Handling Form before your trip and bring it with you on the day of travel. (A completed form educates our agents on how to best assist you, reducing the chance of damage to your device). You may complete the form in advance, or with an agent at check-in. Also include the disassembly/reassembly instructions for your device and note its battery type, if applicable.
  • Attach the form to your wheelchair or scooter (a gate agent at boarding can assist you with this)
  • If your wheelchair is non-battery powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store your wheelchair on board, Go to footer note. Ask a gate agent about this option on your day of travel.


Bring an Assistive Device

You may need to bring an assistive device (such as a cane, walker or crutches) and we welcome those, too. Some items may be stored on board, while others will be checked at the gate as you board the plane. You may submit a “meet and assist” service request and/or an aisle chair if you need help getting to your seat after checking a device at the gate.

We’re committed to offering you a smooth travel experience to suit your mobility needs. Medical devices or medication may require additional planning. Review our Medical Devices and Medication guidelines to prepare for your trip. 

Understand Travel with a Mobility Device
Read more for what you can expect at each stage of your trip when you fly Delta with a mobility device.

Mobility services may begin upon arrival at the airport, either at curbside or at the ticket counter, depending on the request you entered 48 hours prior to travel. If you bring your own mobility device, feel free check in on the Fly Delta app or at an airport kiosk and then head to your gate. If you requested a Delta wheelchair service, meet with a Delta representative for guidance to the Special Services check-in or the closest wheelchair staging area. If you completed your Mobility Device Handling Form please pass it to the ticket agent if you check your device at the counter, or give it to the gate agent when boarding if you bring the device to the gate.

Battery-Operated Devices at Check-In

Some battery-operated devices may be stowed upright in the cargo hold of the aircraft, while others may need to be disassembled and checked before you fly. Please check with the device manufacturer before you travel about whether or not your device may be stored on its side and see an agent at the airport for help with your battery-operated device.

Please have the printed Mobility Device Handling Form ready and the gate agent will assist you to attach the form to the back of your personal wheelchair or scooter when you arrive at your departure gate. Remember to:  

  • Detach and carry onto the plane with you all removable parts (such as joystick, seat cushion, headrest, armrests or footrests) when you’re checking your device at the gate and bring device instructions if you’re unable to detach parts yourself, so an agent can assist 
  • Tell the agent if you’d like your checked device brought back up to the jet bridge during connections or if you prefer to check it through to baggage claim

Feel free to board during pre-boarding. You may elect to board during pre-boarding or when your zone number is called. Depending on the service you requested, your boarding experience may vary.

Airport Wheelchair Boarding

If you’re unable to walk long distances or climb stairs, the wheelchair agent will escort you to the end of the jet bridge where you may board the aircraft and seat yourself.

Aisle Wheelchair Boarding  
 
Aisle chairs are available if you need help boarding the plane from the jet bridge and getting into your seat. At the aircraft door, an agent will transfer you from your device into the aisle chair. (Aisle chairs have chest and leg straps to keep you secure during transfer. Please speak your needs to the transfer agent – your verbal direction is important for the agent to assist you best). Once securely in the transfer chair, the agent will assist you onto the aircraft and into your seat. 

We are committed to you having a safe and pleasant flight. The in-flight crew can assist you with an onboard wheelchair and stowing or retrieving carry-on items.

Onboard Wheelchairs

Aircraft-designed onboard chairs are available for in-flight use that fit in the aisles and lavatories. These onboard wheelchairs can only be used with flight attendant assistance. Flight attendants cannot lift or carry you.

Depending on the plane, onboard wheelchairs may not fit in the lavatory. More details about accessible lavatories are below. 

Accessible Lavatories

Many of our larger aircraft have an accessible lavatory and you’re welcome to use the lavatory most convenient for you. Please contact us at 404-209-3434 for questions about accessible lavatories or to help you find the appropriate aircraft and flight for your needs.

Flight attendants are unable to assist with lavatory functions. They cannot lift or carry you or provide medical services, such as dispensing medicine or giving injections. Please consider buying another ticket for a care attendant or travel companion if you require these services during your flight.  

Retrieving your mobility device at arrival depends on what you indicated to the agent at check-in, whether you request your device brought to the jet bridge or if you prefer to retrieve it at baggage claim. If you opted to retrieve it planeside, a Delta agent will bring it up to the jetbridge for you on arrival. If you opted to retrieve it at baggage claim, please look for it on the “oversize” conveyor belt. 

Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes a device may exceed an aircraft’s cargo door dimensions or is too large to fit in upright. While some mobility devices may be loaded on their side, not all devices allow for this. Please check with your device manufacturer before travel to confirm that side-loading will not damage the device. If the manufacturer recommends it remain upright, contact us at least 48 hours before you fly at 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services) for assistance.  

We recommend you let us know about your device’s battery type at least 48 hours before you fly, so we can follow the correct U.S. Federal Dangerous Goods Handling Procedures and ensure the safe transport of your device. The battery type in your device will affect your travel preparation: 

  • Lithium-ion batteries have no restrictions. Follow the steps in our “Bring Your Personal Wheelchair” section. 
  • Wet-cell spillable batteries require special handling. Contact us at 404-209-3434 (or dial 711 for relay services) at least 48 hours before you fly. 
  • Dry-cell and gel-cell non-spillable batteries also require special handling. Check with the manufacturer to ensure the battery can travel on its side and then follow the steps in our “Bring Your Personal Wheelchair” section. 

To learn more about the handling of battery-operated devices, review our Battery or Fuel Powered Guidelines.  

Not all aircrafts booked through Delta are large enough to accommodate onboard wheelchairs. Please contact us for help booking a reservation on the aircraft that will suit your needs. Call 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services).
If you’re not able to ascend or descend steps, let us know before you travel. After you book your flight, visit the ‘My Trips’ page or the Fly Delta app to request Accessible Services. Or you can call 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services) for assistance. 

Yes, if your non-battery operated wheelchair or mobility device meets the size restrictions for the approved storage space on the aircraft, you may stow your collapsible device on your flight. Wheelchairs take priority over other carry-on items. 

In general, the device may not exceed measurements of 13”x 36”x 42”, but the limits vary by aircraft. Please confirm with a gate agent before you board whether your device may be stowed or needs to be checked.

If your device can be stowed, Delta agents must confirm that it can be stowed without accidental in-flight activation. If we’re unable to confirm this, Delta must disconnect the battery post connectors and wrap each connector with tape to prevent electrical shorts during travel. 

If your device must be checked at the gate, it will be returned to you at the gate for use at your destination or connecting airport.

Yes, depending on the type of service you requested if you confirmed your request for your travel reservation, it should address your mobility needs  throughout airports for connecting flights.
If you confirmed your accessible services request prior to travel, please rest assured that your service is planned and we thank you for your patience. If you still need help, see a Delta representative for assistance. 
A trained Complaint Resolution Official (CRO) is available at all Delta airports to ensure Delta’s compliance with disability regulations and to help resolve any issues that may arise when you travel. You may request to speak with a CRO at any time throughout your trip
We understand that your mobility device is an extension of you. While we do our best to transport your device carefully, if your device was damaged, please meet with a Delta agent before you leave the airport and speak with a Complaint Resolution Officer (CRO). If you have already left the airport, contact us at 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services) with your flight details so that we may better assist you.