Can I take a wheelchair on a private jet?

The quick answer is yes, you can take a wheelchair on private jets, but it does depend on the aircraft type.

On a small private aircraft, for example a Diamond Twin Star, a wheelchair would not fit on board. However you can fit a wheelchair on larger private jets such as the Citation XLS where there is plenty of luggage space.

Our Flight Team at PrivateFly have significant experience flying customers who have mobility constraints and so the best advice is to call and discuss your requirements with one of our aircraft experts. We want to understand your specific requirements and will suggest a suitable aircraft for your needs and budget.

For private jet charter advice and prices call our 24 hour expert Flight Team on +44 (0)20 7315 4436 or search for instant estimate prices from your local airport using our flight search:

Can I remain in my wheelchair during the flight?

For the take off and landing you will need to be buckled up in an aircraft seat, and it's unlikely you will be able to remain in your wheelchair during the flight. The alternative is in a medical aircraft when a stretcher can be used.

In most aircraft the wheelchair would be placed carefully in the luggage hold of the aircraft. On many large private jets the baggage area is accessible during the flight.

On private airliners and large cabin aircraft, smaller wheelchairs can be used in the passenger cabin, if the aisle is wide enough. The cabin crew will expect the wheelchair to be securely fastened or put into the luggage compartment for the take off and landing.

What about transporting an electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs are slightly more complicated but again can be flown in larger aircraft. Your PrivateFly Flight Advisor will need to know about the weight of the chair, if it can be dissasembled and what type of battery it has.

The battery of an electric wheelchair might be considered as dangerous air cargo and as such will have to comply with certain regulations before it can be flown. However PrivateFly are very experienced at flying many of our clients who have large, heavy and complex electric wheelchairs, so everything is possible given enough preparation time.

How do I board an aircraft without my wheelchair?

If your wheelchair is flown in the cargo section of the aircraft we will be able to support your boarding of the aircraft in a manner specifically tailored to your preferences. With our customers who need to be lifted fully into the cabin, extra staff are available at airports to assist with this. Larger private jet airports have regular team members who are extensively trained to assist with boarding private customers who are disabled. At smaller airports often the firemen are the best equipped team to support wheelchair users when they board an aircraft.

Will the pilots fly differently with a wheelchair onboard?

When flying passengers who are paralysed the pilots will fly as smoothly as possible to avoid sudden changes in the aircraft position, eg when climbing and descending. It is also important to accelerate gently to avoid discomfort.

As with all private jet flights, the pilots will avoid turbulence as much as possible to ensure your flight is smooth.

If you have any concerns about flying on a private aircraft with a passenger who have any special requirements, please get contact our team on +44 (0)20 7315 4436