Disability Scooter Transport on Overseas Air

[retafcruiser]

I have read plenty about domestic (US) airlines transporting disability scooters at no cost to the traveler. In fact, it appears they are legally bound to do so. But I have not read about experiences with the scooters on overseas travel. We want to take a Med cruise but need to fly with our scooter both directions. Are we going to have problems doing this?

[Essiesmom]

Have you tried calling the airlines?  I know people do it, as there have been lengthy discussions about batteries on flights to Asia...EM

[katisdale]

I have had no trouble with either Iberia nor British Airways. Iberia did not permit gate checking but that was not a major problem. The took the scooter at check-in and I was provided a wheelchair and a pusher to the tarmac. Also Iberia loaded me through the back of the plane using a lift truck. So even though it was different than on US airlines it all worked out. I flew Iberia from Venice to Madrid and Madrid to Chicago where I transferred to American for the rest of the trip.

Edited December 27, 2018 by katisdale

[Scooter girl 58]

I have flown many times in Europe on many airlines (mostly budget ones) and my scooter has always traveled free of charge.  I have also flown trans Atlantic and never had any problems.   

[mexico8]

I have a Travelscoot and have flown all over the world with it (Asia and London and  Dubai etc.)  I have never had to pay for it and have always been able to drive it right up to the door of the plane.

[raindropsalways]

Like others, I have traveled on foreign airlines without any problems. Regardless, I do contact the airline prior and advise them that I will have my scooter. It is a simple courtesy. My traveling companion experienced a problem with a French airlines mainly because they did not have advance notification. It happened to be a connecting flight and she assumed the US airline and shared the info. A number of years ago, various Chinese airlines wanted all sorts of info in advance, which we provided.

 

I use to travel with oxygen, which is considerably more involved and as long as the airline knew in advance, it was not a problem. The various US airlines wanted a doctor's certificate for oxygen, which is probably still required.

 

All airlines will question battery type. To my knowledge, if you have lithium batteries, you may have to carry the batteries on the plane with you. That is a very important safety factor. If you use the standard gel batteries, it is not an issue.

 

Even with the US airlines, I always notify them in advance. At one point, various US airlines stated wheel chair / mobility scooter space was on a first come / first serve basis. I have not seen that in the past few years.

 

Have a wonderful trip.

Betty

[silversurf]

Don’t forget if you are travelling on a UK cruise line you will have to book an accessible cabin. They will only let you use an ordinary cabin if you have a manual folding wheelchair. Even folding scooters are banned.