There you are, the departure lounge buzzing like a beehive. Suitcases roll in, announcements follow, and in the midst of this ballet you move at your own pace. An agent greets you, an assistance chair awaits you, the itinerary is marked out.
Air travel for people with reduced mobility or disabilities should never be a feat. With the right guidance, flying as a PRM or with a disability becomes a series of simple, reassuring gestures.
Rights of disabled and PRM passengers
In Europe, the rule is clear. Airports and airlines are obliged to provide assistance free of charge, from the moment the passenger enters the terminal to the seat on board, and all the way to the exit on arrival. This assistance covers orientation, passing through controls, boarding and the return of mobility aids. It is governed by European regulation 1107/2006, which prohibits discrimination and specifies the division of responsibilities between the airport and the carrier.
What the European regulation guarantees
The text enshrines equal access to air transport, defines the points at which passengers can be taken in charge, and sets out a framework for cases of refusal on safety grounds, with the obligation to propose an acceptable solution and give reasons in writing.
Read the article: if you're dreaming of art and history, prepare a tailor-made visit with this dossier dedicated to Versailles for people with reduced mobility.
Activate your rights on site
Go to the PRM reception point or airline counter, announce your arrival and let the team coordinate assistance right up to the aircraft door. The French authorities detail the route and the responsibilities of each player.
Petit Futé tip to prepare your first accessible citytrip after your flight, take inspiration from this selection of European cities accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Flying as a PRM or with a disability: constraints and obligations to be aware of
Air travel requires a number of checks to protect both passengers and equipment. Electric wheelchairs require precise information, as different battery technologies require different treatment:
- Indicate weight,
- Dimensions,
- Battery type,
- And include emergency stop instructions.
Companies require advance notice to organize handling and provide trained personnel.
The article to read to find out more, read our Practical Guide for disabled travellers.
Electric wheelchairs and batteries
Instructions differ depending on whether the battery is lithium, sealed non-reversible or liquid electrolyte. The IATA guide explains how to secure, disconnect and immobilize the wheelchair, manage removable batteries and inform the captain of their location. These rules derive from dangerous goods regulations. Essential medical equipment travels in priority in the cabin if its size allows it, with the corresponding prescriptions. Companies accept vital equipment in excess of the allowance, provided it has been declared in advance.
Good to know: place visible markings on the structure and on the bags. Place the technical data sheet in a rigid pocket. When required, inform the airline of the location of batteries in the cabin, and remind the hold crew of handling instructions. The IATA guide also reminds pilots of the information they must provide.
Seating and transfer on board
Some on-board seats are more accessible, allowing for discreet transfers. Some airlines specify assistance to the seat, the presence of a cabin chair and rules for allocating adjacent seats to the companion when this is necessary for safety. In the event of turbulence, the crew is your best guide
Documents to bring with you when flying as a PRM or with a disability
The key to a smooth journey is preparation:
- A medical certificate can help you understand any special needs you may have.
- Medication is best carried in the cabin with the prescription.
- A certificate for an assistance dog speeds up recognition by the teams.
- For wheelchairs, draw up a summary sheet with specifications and handling.
Public portals remind you of deadlines and best practices before departure.
What to do at the time of booking
It all starts when you choose your flight. When you make your reservation, be sure to specify your needs and, if necessary, ask for a cabin plan so you can select an accessible seat. Mention the presence of a wheelchair, the need for assistance to the seat or the desire for priority boarding. Feedback from travelers illustrates how anticipation transforms the journey into a serene experience.
Flying as a PRM or with a disability: meeting the 48-hour deadline
To guarantee the presence of staff and equipment, declare your needs no later than forty-eight hours before departure. Beyond that, the airport must help within reason, but anticipation is the best insurance.
Confirming assistance with airports
After purchase, contact the airport of departure and arrival to confirm the time and meeting point. Official guides detail every step, from the meeting point to the boarding gate.
The article to read wheeled World: a portrait of Wheeled World, an inspiring couple of able-bodied handicapped travelers, shows in concrete terms how good preparation changes everything.
Assistance and guide dogs
A recognized guide or assistance dog can travel in the cabin, at no extra charge, at the passenger's foot. Present the training, vaccination and other documents required by the destination country.
Notify the airline at the time of booking so that you can choose a seat with sufficient space to facilitate boarding. These measures are part of the free assistance provided for under European law.
How to prepare your dog for air travel as a PRM or with a disability
Inform the crew when boarding, keep water available and plan any necessary breaks before check-in. Travel communities remind us that a few simple gestures are all you need for a comfortable journey.
Good to know parks and monuments are fine-tuning their welcome itineraries. For a well-organized day, follow the Disneyland Paris accessibility guide.
Key times at the airport
On arrival at the terminal, assistance meets you at the agreed point, sometimes at the entrance or information desk:
- You'll pass through the checkpoints without haste, with clear explanations and appropriate gestures.
- In the boarding lounge, the team checks transfers and prepares the wheelchair for its journey in the hold, with precise labelling.
- On arrival, they return the mobility aid as close to the aircraft as possible and accompany you to the exit or to your connecting flight.
Useful comfort tips for flying as a PRM or with a disability
Check in early, carry essential documents, bring water and comfortable clothing. Report any special needs, such as a seat search or extra assistance at security checkpoints.
In the event of a problem, make a note of the people you'll be speaking to and keep the flight details for future reference.
Good to know if you're landing in the South of France, check out the 7 Tourisme & Handicap museums to visit in Marseille.
Inspiration and ideas for accessible holidays
After landing, it's time to get emotional. Major events are being structured to better welcome all audiences. This selection of festivals adapted for the disabled and people with reduced mobility will help you build a cultural calendar without giving up concerts. And to breathe in the fresh air, head for the summits with this panorama of accessible ski resorts, including Avoriaz.
Flying is possible when you're a PRM or a person with a disability, and it can even be simple when you know your rights and the right reflexes. Put on your confidence like a coat and open up the field of possibilities. To prepare your next accessible getaway, explore the Handitourisme section of Le Petit Futé and let us guide you to destinations designed with you in mind.
