Personal Mobility Aids

At Flair, we’re committed to making travel easier for customers who use mobility aids. Whether you’re bringing a cane, walker, or battery-powered wheelchair, here’s everything you need to know before you fly.  

If you are a person with a disability who needs a mobility aid during travel we will accept the mobility aid for transport as priority baggage (subject to sections 44 to 47 of the ATPDR). We will remove any cargo and other baggage from storage that is necessary in order to make room for the storage of your mobility aid. When necessary, we will disassemble and package your mobility aid in order to store it, then unpackage and reassemble it upon arrival before returning it to you without delay.  

 In This Article:

• Packing Tips
• Small Mobility Aids 
• Medications 
• Needs and Syringes 
• Travelling with Your Own Wheelchair or Mobility Device 
• Travelling with Batteries for Mobility Devices and Mobility Aids 
• Gate Handling and Stowage  
• Permitted Mobility Aids and Medical Items 
• Damaged, Delayed or Lost Mobility Aids 

Packing tips for medical equipment

We recommend packing all medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids and medications in your carry-on baggage whenever it fits within the carry-on baggage dimensions, as you may need immediate access to them. The limit of one carry-on bag and one personal item does not apply to your medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids and medication. Although we do not charge a fee for medical equipment, most portable medical devices (PMEDs) must be approved for air travel as they contain batteries, which are classified as dangerous goods. 

Please review the  Medical equipment and medication page well in advance of when you intend to travel to be sure these items arrive safely. Carry-on baggage and personal items declared as required onboard for disabilities must be dedicated to that purpose and cannot include other personal contents (such as clothing, toiletries, gifts, etc). All baggage is subject to our inspection and the right to search. If you are travelling with carry-on baggage or personal items dedicated to medical supplies, mobility aids and medication that exceeds the standard allowance, you must contact Flair Accessibility Services to receive approval. that exceed the standard allowance. 

For more information on battery acceptance and restrictions, please visit Electronic Devices Flair Airlines - Restricted and Prohibited Items.  

For more information on what is permitted on flights, as carry-on or checked baggage, please visit CATSA – What Can I Bring?  

Small Mobility Aids

We accept most approved medical devices for transport. You can travel with your small mobility aids on board for free, provided you require them inflight and they can be safely stowed. (Examples: canes, crutches, communication devices, orthotic positioning devices, portable oxygen concentrators, prostheses, walkers and manual folding wheelchairs. 

 We also accept FAA-certified Special CARES systems for adults who require extra core support or stability. 

 Some devices cannot be used during critical flight phases (taxi, take-off, or landing), as they may interfere with communication and navigation systems.  

• Device condition: Ensure that your medical device is in good repair. This includes being free from oil, grease, damage, or excessive wear and tear. The device should also be appropriately labelled.  
• Stowing medical devices: Medical devices must be stowed under the seat in front of you or the overhead bin during taxiing, take-off, and landing.  
• Powering off: If it is determined that a device is affecting aircraft operations, it must be powered off immediately.  
• Charging: Charging ports are NOT available on board, and medical devices and their batteries cannot be charged using these ports, as they are not designed for such use. We are not liable for any harm or damage caused by attempting to use the power supply for medical devices. 

 If your mobility aid cannot be safely stowed on board or you do not require it inflight, we will transport it as part of your checked bags - free of charge.  

Medications

Critical medications should accompany the customer in their carry-on bag or personal item.  Essential prescription and non-prescription liquid or gel-based medications, including contact lens/eye solution, cough syrup/spray, gel capsules, or liquid-filled capsules (e.g., ibuprofen), are allowed in carry-ons in volumes greater than 100 ml (3.4 oz.).  

Prescription medication must be in its original, labelled container with a printed label identifying the medication name and the issuing medical office or pharmacy.  

Needles and Syringes

Needles and syringes are accepted in your carry-on baggage when accompanied by the prescription medication they are intended to administer with and are for personal use only. If your medication requires needles and syringes, carry an explanation from your health care provider or a medical certificate with you.   

The medication must be labelled with a pharmacy-dispensed label that includes your name.  Syringes must have protective needle guards and be carried in a proper medical container.  

If you use needles during your flight, please dispose of them in the designated sharps container. Our inflight crew will direct you to its location. 

Travelling with Your Own Wheelchair or Mobility Device 

• Customers are permitted to check in one manual or battery-powered (electric) wheelchair or assistive device free of charge as part of their checked baggage. If you're travelling with your own wheelchair, please let us know the type in advance.  
• Manual Wheelchair (WCMP): We'll help stow and handle your chair with care. If you’re travelling with your own manual wheelchair, please let us know in your booking or by contacting Flair Accessibility Services.  
• Contact Flair Accessibility Services at least 48 hours before departure so we can prepare. We’ll try to accommodate requests without notice, but advance notice helps. 
• Once your request is received, we will confirm your mobility aid arrangements in writing. 
• We recommend that you review your owner's manual to familiarize yourself with how your mobility aid should be prepared for transport. 
• Maximum size & weight for checked mobility aids: 
• Weight: 136 kg (300 lbs) 
• Dimensions: 84 cm × 122 cm (33 in × 48 in) 
• Personal recreational scooters are not permitted. 
• If you plan to bring your own personal wheelchair or mobility device, please be prepared to answer the following questions: 
• Does your mobility device have a battery, and is the battery removable?  
• What type of battery are you travelling with? Examples include spillable (wet cell), non-spillable (sealed lead acid), or lithium.  
• What is your mobility device's height, weight, width, and length?  

• Do you have any detachable items that should be brought into the aircraft's cabin to avoid damage? 

• Arrive at the airport and check in at least 30 minutes before the recommended check-in time. 
• Bring your owner’s manual with you to the airport. 
• If your mobility aid has been modified, detailed instructions on how to prepare it for transport must also be provided. Flair strictly adheres to the individual manufacturer’s recommendation for proper disassembly and stowage as described in the owner's manual when provided.  
• Remove any removable parts from your mobility aid and pack them in your carry-on. 
• When requested, we will return your mobility aid to you at the aircraft door upon arrival, unless airport facilities make this impossible. If that occurs, we will return it to the nearest possible location and assist you there. 

Travelling with Batteries for Mobility Devices and Mobility Aids 

There are strict criteria for travelling with batteries or battery-operated equipment. Please follow the information below to ensure your batteries are properly prepared for transport: 

• Battery safety: Batteries are classified as dangerous goods, and Flair Airlines takes their handling very seriously. Batteries not properly identified and prepared at check-in will not be accepted.  
• Battery removal: The battery in certain items, such as smart bags, wheelchairs, and mobility aids, may need to be removed or deactivated. 
• Ensure that batteries are fitted with spill-resistant vent caps. 
• Our team can assist if needed, provided you have the manufacturer’s or verbal instructions.  
• Protection against short circuits: All battery terminals must be recessed or packaged to protect them from contact with metal objects, including other batteries. The battery may remain attached to the mobility aid if terminals are properly isolated and controls are switched off. Electrical wiring and terminals must be protected from damage and short circuits. Customers may check in one spare battery if it is properly contained. 
• If your mobility aid is lost or damaged, we will promptly provide a temporary replacement and repair or replace your original aid at no cost to you. We will also give priority handling to mobility aids over other baggage. 

Please be aware that the cargo door configuration may require your mobility device to be turned onto its side to fit through the entrance. If your mobility device cannot be turned on its side for loading and unloading, we cannot accept it for transport. Most mobility devices will be transported in an upright position. Depending on the type of wheelchair battery that your mobility aid uses, the battery may need to be removed. Please be aware that if a battery cannot be deactivated or disconnected, it will be denied transportation.  

• Non-Spillable (Gel-Cell) Dry Cell (WCBD): These batteries can only be checked in with a mobility aid. Flair will not otherwise accept them. The battery may remain attached to the mobility aid if terminals are properly isolated and controls are switched off. Electrical wiring and terminals must be protected from damage and short circuits with coverings or an encasement. Customers may check in one spare battery if properly contained and terminals isolated. 
• Spillable Wet Cell (WCBW): These batteries have the same restrictions as dry cell batteries if the wheelchair or mobility device remains upright during transport. If not upright, the battery will be removed and packed in a strong, rigid, leak-proof container to contain any fluid leakage. Packaging must be labelled "Battery, wet with wheelchair/mobility aid" and include a corrosive label and orientation markings. Batteries must be secured upright with absorbent material sufficient to contain any leaks. 
• Lithium (WCLB): Batteries do not need to be removed unless the device lacks adequate protection. If the battery is not removed, all electrical cables and controls must be protected, and the controls should be turned to the "off" position. Additionally, if there is a master switch, it must also be turned off. If the battery is removed from the mobility aid, the customer must carry it on board. 

 Batteries removed from mobility aids must be contained appropriately.  Maximum battery capacity: 

• 300 Wh for a single-battery mobility aid 
• 160 Wh per battery for dual-battery mobility aids 

 Sufficient battery supply: Bring an adequate supply of approved batteries to meet your specific needs. As a guideline, consider bringing enough to cover 1.5 times the total duration of your travel, including flight time, ground time, and potential delays. Charging ports are NOT available onboard, and medical devices and their batteries cannot be charged using these ports, as they are not designed for such use. We are not liable for any harm or damage caused by attempting to use the power supply for medical devices.  Customers may carry: 

• One spare battery (max 300 Wh) 

OR 

• Two spare batteries (each max 160 Wh) 

Gate Handling and Stowage  

Customers may request gate delivery of their mobility aid. A Gate Delivery tag with the customer’s name, flight number, and destination must be attached. For departures, wheelchairs must be placed in plastic bags and zip-tied. Upon arrival, wheelchairs will be offloaded and delivered promptly to the aircraft door.  If your mobility aid must be removed from the cabin for stowage, we will consult with you on how it should be prepared and stored. For further assistance, contact Flair Accessible Services before your flight.  

Permitted Mobility Aids and Medical Items 

• Wheelchairs 
• Scooters 
• Crutches 
• Canes 
• Walkers 
• Prosthetic devices 
• Casts 
• Support braces 
• Support appliances 
• Service animals 
• Apnea monitors 
• Orthopedic shoes 
• Ostomy supplies 
• Exterior medical devices 
• Assistive/adaptive equipment 
• Augmentation devices 
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines & respirators (water in CPAP machines is exempt from the liquid restrictions) 
• Hearing aids 
• Cochlear implants 
• Tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly 
• Personal supplemental oxygen 
• CO2 personal oxygen concentrators 
• Tools for prosthetic devices 
• Medications 
• All diabetes-related medication, equipment and supplies 
• Braille note takers 
• Slate and stylus 

Any other disability-related equipment and associated supplies  

Damaged, Delayed or Lost Mobility Aids 

We take great care when handling mobility aids. In the rare event that something is damaged, delayed, destroyed, or lost, we have a clear process to make it right.  If you notice damage, destruction, loss, or that your mobility aid isn’t available when you arrive: 

1. Report it immediately at the Baggage Claim area when you reach your destination. 
2. If you can’t file a report right away, you must do so within 7 days by following these steps: 

• Go to our Customer Support and select Baggage Issues. 
• From the dropdown, choose Mobility Aids and then Damaged (or the most relevant option). 
• Provide your details and any supporting documentation. 

What We’ll Do:

If your mobility aid is damaged, destroyed, lost, or delayed, Flair will, without delay and at our own expense: 

• Provide you with a temporary replacement mobility aid; 
• Reimburse you for any expenses you’ve incurred because of the delay or damage; 
• Repair or replace the damaged mobility aid with the same model. 
• Reimburse you for the full replacement cost if repair or identical replacement isn’t possible; 
• Replace a destroyed or lost mobility aid with the same model; or 
• Reimburse you for the full replacement cost of the destroyed or lost mobility aid. 

 What Can’t We Do? 

• We cannot guarantee accommodations for medical and accessibility requests submitted less than 48 hours before departure, though we will make reasonable efforts to do so.