In general, a person with a (visual) disability or mobility impairment is required to be accompanied by an able-bodied adult if:

• You cannot fasten and unfasten your seatbelt yourself and require assistance with this.

• If you cannot reach the emergency exit on your own without assistance in an emergency.

• If you cannot put on the life jacket and oxygen mask yourself without assistance.

• If you require assistance with using the toilet, eating, or taking medication.

• If you are unable to understand or follow instructions given on board.

• If your own well-being and safety, or that of other passengers, is at risk, an airline may refuse you boarding.

It is important to be aware of the airline's conditions regarding passengers in wheelchairs. Generally, there are no restrictions for manual wheelchairs. The maximum permitted dimensions of the wheelchair depend on the width of the aircraft doors and vary by aircraft type and airline. For example, Transavia requires you to contact them immediately after booking if your wheelchair weighs more than 23 kg and/or is taller than 86 cm.

Regarding batteries, strict regulations apply: usually only dry (leak-proof) or wet batteries are permitted. Liquid batteries are prohibited unless you have special permission. Lithium-ion batteries are incorporated into most motorized systems of manual wheelchairs and are only permitted if the capacity is less than 300 Wh. Furthermore, these must be carried in the cabin. Special rules often apply to the transport of the battery packaging as well; check these carefully with your chosen airline.

Most airlines assist you free of charge with booking flight tickets via the service center. This way, you know immediately what assistance to expect at the airport. For people with a motor disability, there are three types of assistance available, for which international codes apply:

• Assistance to the gate (WCHR). For passengers who require a wheelchair to navigate the airport because they cannot walk long distances but are able to climb stairs. Schiphol has moving walkways and lifts.

• Assistance at the airport to use the stairs (WCHS). For passengers who cannot walk long distances and require assistance to get through the airport towards the gate, but are able to manage themselves on the plane.

• Assistance to the aircraft seat (WCHC). For passengers who cannot walk at all, who need assistance into the aircraft, and who need to be lifted in and out of their seat. If you are traveling with an escort, it is called ‘WCHC escorted by’; if you are flying alone, the code ‘WCHC self-supporting’ applies.

If you haven't already indicated this when booking, you can let the airline know that you are traveling with a wheelchair and what assistance you require at the airport. The airline will ask for all the details of the wheelchair: the brand, model, weight, dimensions, battery type, and what assistance is needed. Good to know: the transport of medical aids (which includes wheelchairs) is still free. Even low-cost airlines, which do not allow luggage in the cabin, do not have the right to charge a fee for wheelchair transport. Some airlines, such as Air France, allow two types of mobility aids per person (for example, a manual and an electric one).

Ensure you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance. Always insist that your own wheelchair remains with you until the gate. If the airline refuses this (which may be due to the airport layout), the wheelchair will be immediately registered as checked baggage, and you will be escorted by staff to boarding in a loaner wheelchair provided by the airport. If the aircraft does not have a jet bridge, you will be brought on board via the aircraft stairs if you are able to walk, or otherwise with a stair climber or scissor lift, depending on the available facilities. Assistance is always provided in this case.

Think about the battery and headrests, cushions, and footrests. There are no tools available at the airport to remove parts, so consider in advance how to do this.

This is one of the most vulnerable and expensive components of an electric wheelchair. Ensure that nothing can happen to it and that airport staff do not accidentally change the settings. Explain to the staff how to put the wheelchair in neutral so that you can push it. It is most convenient to stick a manual with the key points on the chair.

Take the time to test the various mechanical mechanisms and check if the electrical parts, such as the backrest, footrests, and lift, are working properly. If you discover anything unusual, let us know before you leave the airport; a small beep might seem insignificant, but it could result in a completely ruined vacation. If you follow our tips, check everything thoroughly, and always ask for help when needed, everything is guaranteed to run smoothly!