Flying with a Powerchair: Practical Lessons from an Ireland Trip
Accessible Holidays: Flying to Ireland
Originally published 9 July 2024
Original article
Tristram is a writer and powerchair-using traveller, who's combining these two skills to share his top tips for overseas travel. Most importantly, he's part of the Clicka family!
In the first part of my Irish travel series, I shared some of my top tips for booking that perfect, accessible holiday. After all, who doesn’t want to pursue that wanderlust in their lives?
With my booking advice dispensed, I’m now turning my attention to the practicalities of flying as a powerchair user. Let’s be honest: it can be a scary proposition.
But never fear, with my recent experiences, I’ve realised some very simple things can make the process infinitely smoother. Here we go.
The Art of Being Early
If you’re flying interstate, I recommend you get to the airport two hours prior to boarding. If you’re flying overseas, make it three hours. That’s right; THREE HOURS.
I know this seems like overkill, but the earlier you get to the airport, the more time your chosen airline can ensure everything is in order – or fix anything that might go awry.
For my Irish trip, I rocked up to the Emirates counter with all my luggage, medical aids, and documentation (including that Dangerous Goods letter, remember?) with plenty of time.
As well as ensuring that there’s enough time to get all the necessary things done, this calmed the airline staff – it might sound trite, but it let them know I was willing to work with them.
I also mentioned that time is needed to fix things. For my recent trip, I had the small issue of a hoist battery. Typically, this is carry-on, but this trip they decided it should be checked.
[Clickability update, September 2026: This describes one journey, not a packing rule. Obtain current instructions for your exact battery and equipment from the operating airline; see mobility aid guidance.]
However, Emirates staff realised this after I’d been through security. Thankfully, because I got to the airport early, they were able to meet me at the gate, bag it, and get it into the hold before we took off.
Settling in for a Long Flight
I often joke to my friends that, being a powerchair user, my body is made for sitting long distances. But the truth is I get proper uncomfortable when flying.
Like other powerchair users, my powerchair is made for me, whereas an airline seat is very much not. It’s feels like I’m sitting on a wooden board.
When I’m flying then, I’ll often ask if there’s any chance that I can get a middle row to myself for me and my support workers. This means I can lie down after take-off.
As I also can’t get up and move, it also means my support workers don’t have to clamour over the top of me to get out of their seats if I’m sat in the middle of the middle row.
However, the main difficulty with flying is *drum roll* toileting. As above, I can’t easily get out of my seat, nor are most airline toilets large enough for me to get into.
This means that aids are necessary. Some of my male friends use uridoms (condom-like contraptions connected to a bag), but I don’t trust them. We’ve all got our quirks.
Instead, I’ll often use a uri-bag, which you can buy from most chemists (and be reimbursed for through your NDIS Plans). I’ll throw a blanket over me and use one while on my seat.
[Clickability update, September 2026: Reimbursement is not automatic. Check your individual funding and evidence requirements before purchase; see NDIA continence assessment guidance.]
I can hear the outrage amongst many of you. ‘This is disgusting!’ But I’m not risking dehydration, and if we do this in a hygienic manner, it’s easily the best option.
Thankfully, some planes (looking at you, Singapore Airlines) have a partition between their toilets that they can open, making one giant toilet. They also have an aisle chair onboard.
In this instance, when I’ve flown with Singapore, I’ll shuffle onto this chair and use their giant toilet… it makes me feel like royalty! It’s worth confirming this can be done before booking your flights though.
For in-flight entertainment, please know that closed captions are available on almost all flights, if you have a hearing impairment. To be honest, I turn them on regardless!
Transfers in airports
When you arrive three hours early to the airport, be upfront with staff as to whether you need assistance with transfers. They’re usually accommodating.
For example, my lay-over in Dubai to Dublin was too short to get my powerchair, so I used an airline chair. But Dubai has support staff who can help you!
When we landed, my support workers helped me get into the aisle chair, but Dubai staff pushed me in it from one terminal to the next.
The other small advice is not to assume your destination has accessible transport to your accommodation, so be sure to check this before you embark on your flight.
What’s next?
Flights are done, so now it’s time for the holiday! In the next part of my Irish travel series, I’m going to explore accessible Ireland. The fun well and truly begins.
Clickability editorial update, September 2026
What should you confirm before flying with a powerchair?
Make a short equipment sheet with the chair’s dimensions, weight, battery details and handling instructions. Share it with the operating airline and ask how assistance will work at departure, transit and arrival. A booking through one airline may include flights operated by another, so check every leg.
Ask where your chair will be returned, what happens during a short connection and whether the aircraft’s facilities suit your needs. Keep written confirmations somewhere you and your travelling companion can access. It is worth having an offline copy too.
How powerchair users can prepare for the whole journey
Describe the help you need at each point: getting to the gate, transferring, managing the flight and reaching your chair after landing. Keep the equipment sheet separate from personal-care instructions so each team can find the information it needs. Ask the operating airline for confirmation for every flight, including connections.
Plan what you will do if the chair is delayed or unavailable. Keep essential communication and contact information within reach and discuss any backup equipment with the people who know your needs. Use the author’s experience to identify questions, rather than assuming the same aircraft or arrangements will be available.
Plan the less glamorous details as well
Transfers, seating comfort and toileting can decide whether a journey is manageable. Talk through your own needs with an appropriate clinician and the airline rather than copying another traveller’s routine. An empty row or a particular toilet layout may not be available on your flight.
The author’s NDIS reimbursement comment is not a funding approval for every reader. The NDIA’s continence assessment guidance explains the role of evidence for disability-related support. Confirm the proposed item and funding before purchase. Continue the story with My Irish Adventure and Seeing Ireland.
What travelling companions need to agree before departure
Talk through which assistance the traveller wants from you and which tasks require airline staff or trained support. Decide who keeps equipment documents, who speaks to ground staff and how the traveller remains involved when a problem needs resolving.
Check the practical limits of the journey together, including transfers and toileting. Do not assume airport assistance includes personal care. A shared plan is more useful than discovering at the gate that each person expected someone else to help.
Questions readers ask
Should every powerchair battery go in checked baggage?
No universal rule can be taken from this story. Give the airline the exact battery details and obtain its instructions for the equipment and flight.
Will I get my powerchair back during a connection?
Confirm this for the itinerary. Emirates notes that return arrangements depend on what is feasible and permitted.
Are continence supplies automatically reimbursed by the NDIS?
No. Confirm that the item is appropriate for your disability-related needs and plan before purchasing it.