【Traveling by Plane】Guide to Boarding with a Wheelchair and Booking Tickets! Introducing Available Support

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"Can I board a plane with a wheelchair?" When considering travel or returning home by plane, this question may have crossed your mind, causing you to hesitate before making a reservation.

However, if you inform the airline about your wheelchair and walking situation at the time of booking,you can receive assistance from staff from the airport to the cabin.

In this article, we will introduce the process from booking to arrival for those who will be using a wheelchair on a plane, along with the support provided by various airlines and information on disability discounts. We also include videos showing the actual experience of boarding a plane with a wheelchair.

Some airlines have deadlines for requesting assistance. Once your travel date is set, it's best to start preparing early.

*This article contains information as of October 15, 2026 (Reiwa 8). The services offered by each airline may change, so please check the official websites of the airlines for the latest information.

1. Can wheelchair users board a plane?

Of course,wheelchair users can board planes. However, there are restrictions such as needing to check in your own wheelchair and using a wheelchair provided by the airline on board.It is important to confirm this in advance.

Please follow the basic flow introduced in the next chapter to get an idea of what it is like to actually board a plane.

2. Basic flow for boarding a plane with a wheelchair

Let's take a look at the flow from booking to leaving the destination airport. The general flow is as follows:

• Booking: Confirm if you can board with a wheelchair and request assistance

• Departure Airport: Check-in → Check in your wheelchair → Security check

• Onboard: Priority boarding → Transfer to seat using onboard wheelchair

• Arrival Airport: Collect your checked wheelchair

2-1. Confirm wheelchair boarding before purchasing the ticket

Before purchasing your ticket, first check on the official websites or by calling the airlines to confirmif you can board with a wheelchair.

Many airlines, including JAL (Japan Airlines) and ANA (All Nippon Airways), require you to check in your own wheelchair and use the wheelchair provided by the airline.

Your wheelchair will be loaded as checked baggage and transported to your destination. Please check the terms and conditions regarding compensation for damage and handling on each airline's transportation regulations and official website.

2-2. Request support at the airport and on the plane when purchasing

Support at the airport and on the planeshould be requested when booking or purchasing your ticket. Many airlines have a checkbox for requesting assistance on the booking screen.

Additionally, you will need to communicate your walking situation. For example, choose the closest option from the following categories:

• Can walk and go up and down stairs, but find it difficult to walk long distances

• Can walk, but find it difficult to go up and down stairs

• Find it difficult to walk

参照：歩行の不自由なお客様｜スターフライヤー

On the day of travel, make sure to communicate your condition in detail at the airport's staffed counter. By accurately conveying your situation in advance,you can receive the support that suits you.

2-3. Check in after arriving at the airport

View this post on Instagram

Post shared by 宮野 秀樹(@miyanohide38)

In the video, Mr. Miyano showcases his experience moving through the airport with the support of airport staff and assistants, including transferring to a wheelchair until boarding. The post expresses gratitude to those who help him, stating, "It's not because I can do it alone, but because there are people who lend a hand that I can go where I want."

〈Is there an additional fee for using a wheelchair?〉

Both JAL and ANA allowthe use of your own wheelchair for free. Wheelchairs available for rent within the airport are also free. However, there may be restrictions on the size and weight of the wheelchair that can be checked, as well as the number of wheelchairs per flight. Be sure to inform them of the size and weight of your wheelchair when making a reservation.

参照：歩行が不自由なお客さま｜JAL
参照：飛行機での車いすのご利用、歩行の不自由なお客様へのご案内｜ANA

2-5. Security Check at the Security Screening Area

You will need to undergo a security check at the security screening area by the time specified by the airline. Please place all your belongings in the trays for inspection.

JAL provides wooden wheelchairs that do not contain metal, allowing for a smooth passage through the metal detectors at the security screening area. In some cases, a manual inspection may be conducted by staff.

参照：各種備品・設備のご案内（お手伝いを希望されるお客さまへのご案内）｜JAL

If you have a pacemaker or any metal medical devices in your body, inform the staff before passing through the screening.

2-6. Boarding the Airplane and Transferring to Your Seat

Many airlines allow passengers using wheelchairs to board the aircraftprior to other passengers as part of "priority boarding.".

The boarding process may vary depending on the airport, airline, and flight. Even if there is no boarding bridge, airlines provide equipment for boarding and disembarking.

• 3-3. Prior Notification Required for Passengers Using Medical Devices and Oxygen Cylinders

  Passengers using medical devices or medical oxygen on board mustnotify the airline in advance. Depending on the type of equipment and the airline, a doctor's certificate (in the airline's specified format) may be required.

  Whether you can bring an oxygen cylinder or if the airline provides one varies by airline. Be sure to check the necessary documents on the official website of the airline you will be using.

  Some airlines have deadlines for submitting medical certificates. JAL requires that the submission deadline for using medical devices is 48 hours before the departure of both domestic and international flights. Be sure to check the deadline and submit within that time frame.

  Note that JAL and ANA state that the power outlets in the cabin cannot be used for medical devices other than CPAP. CPAP may also be unavailable on certain routes or aircraft, so confirm with the airline in advance. Prepare a sufficient amount of battery for the expected usage time on board.

  Reference:Medical Device Carriage and Usage for Passengers | JAL
  Reference:Medical Device Carriage for Passengers | ANA
  Reference:Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CPAP Usage) Passengers | ANA

  3-4. Traveling with Children Requiring Medical Care or Seating Support

  If you are traveling with a child who has difficulty maintaining a seated position,the airline may provide seating support equipment. The types of equipment available for lending and whether you can bring your own seating support device on board varies by airline.

  Reference:Information for Passengers Who Have Difficulty Maintaining a Seated Position | ANA

  
  

  For basic knowledge about seating support chairs and tips for maintaining a seated position on an airplane, please refer to this article.

  Reference:

  4. Restrooms Accessible with Onboard Wheelchairs

  Onboard, there are wheelchairs available for use. If you need to go to the restroom, notify the staff, and they will prepare a wheelchair and assist you in moving to the restroom.

  However, there are some aircraft that do not have restrooms accessible by onboard wheelchairs. ANA provides onboard wheelchairs on all aircraft, but the Boeing 737-800 and Dash 8-400 do not have restrooms accessible by onboard wheelchairs.

  Reference:Information for Passengers with Limited Mobility, Facilities and Services onboard | ANA

  Additionally, restrooms are not very spacious, so even if you can reach the entrance with an onboard wheelchair, transferring to the toilet seat may require assistance or adjustments. You can check the aircraft type and restroom locations on each airline's seat map page. Be sure to confirm this when making your reservation.

  Reference:Embraer 170 (E70)/ Aircraft Seat Configuration | JAL

  5. Initiatives for Wheelchair Support by Airlines

  Wheelchairs are available for rent at all airports and can be used up to the aircraft. Cabin crew will also assist on board, providing support belts if it's difficult to maintain a seated position. Since the number of wheelchairs is limited, it’s advisable to request one when making your reservation.

  There are size restrictions for the cargo hold, with approximate dimensions of height 95cm, depth 140cm, and width 143cm. If you are using a large wheelchair or a heavy electric wheelchair, please inform in advance.

  After arriving at the airport, staff will guide you to the arrival lobby or to your welcoming party.

  参照：歩行の不自由なお客様＜スターフライヤー

  6. Disability Discounts for Air Travel | Eligibility and Discount Details by Airline

  Many domestic airlines offer discounts for individuals holding a disability certificate.The basic eligibility for discounts is common across all airlines.

  ■ Eligible Certificates

  • Physical Disability Certificate

  • War Injury Certificate

  • Welfare Certificate for Developmental Disorders

  • Mental Health Welfare Certificate

  ■ Eligible Individuals

  • The individual holding the certificate

  • One caregiver accompanying on the same flight

  The differences lie in how the discount amount is determined, as well as specific conditions regarding the age of the individual and caregiver if the individual is a child. We will introduce the airlines by dividing them into two groups based on how the discount amount is determined.

  6-1. Airlines Offering a 20% Discount off the Fare

  The following six airlines offer a 20% discount (or equivalent) off each fare.

  Airline	Notes on Children and Caregivers
  JAL	If the individual is aged 3-11 and uses a different fare, the caregiver is still eligible for the discount
  ANA	If the individual is aged 2-11, they receive a child discount, while the caregiver receives a disability discount
  AIRDO	If the individual is aged 2-11, they receive a child discount, while the caregiver receives a disability discount
  Star Flyer	If the individual is aged 2-11, they receive a child discount (25%), while the caregiver receives a disability discount (20%)
  Solaseed Air	Cannot be combined with child discounts
  Ibex Airlines	Children under 12 are eligible for child fares (with a higher discount)

  参照：ディスカウントご利用案内｜JAL
  参照：ANA国内線の障がい者割引について｜ANA
  参照：障がい者割引｜AIRDO
  参照：障がい者割引｜スタフライヤー
  参照：各種割引適用｜ソラシドエア
  参照：運賃適用条件＜割引制度について＞｜アイベックスエアラインズ

  6-2. Airlines Determining Fares Based on Routes and Seasons

  The following three airlines determine disability discount fares based on routes and seasons.

  Airline

  8. For Those Considering Travel by Shinkansen Depending on your destination and the distance of travel,the Shinkansen may be more convenient or cheaper than flying.. This article provides detailed explanations on how to use a wheelchair on the Shinkansen and how to utilize disability discounts. Please consider this along with flying. Reference: 9. Conclusion With proper preparation at the booking stage, wheelchair users can receive assistance from staff while traveling from the airport to the aircraft. The three most important points are: Inform the airline about your walking ability and the specifications of your wheelchair (size, weight, battery type) when making the reservation. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Confirm any concerns regarding in-flight restrooms and seating during the reservation process. Additionally, those with a disability certificate and their caregivers can utilizedisability discounts on airline tickets.. The details of support and deadlines vary by airline. Start byconsulting the support desk of the airline you wish to use regarding boarding with a wheelchair.. Whether it's a long-awaited return home or a distant city you've always wanted to visit, flying opens up new possibilities for your travel destinations. We hope this helps expand your options for barrier-free travel with a wheelchair. Furthermore, we provide detailed information on how to enjoy traveling with a wheelchair in the following articles. Reference:Things to Know to Enjoy Traveling with a Wheelchair | Important Points to Consider When Traveling and Reservation Methods Share this article Share This Article XFacebookLINECopy Related Articles Related Articles Stay 7 Questions to Ask Over the Phone Before Staying at a Wheelchair-Accessible Hotel Here are seven questions to ask over the phone before staying at an accessible hotel in a wheelchair. These include inquiries about steps, bed height, space for attaching a wheelchair, handrails, bathrooms, and assistance equipment. We explain the points to confirm both before and after booking, along with practical ways to ask these questions over the phone. Published: 2026.09.04•Updated: 2026.09.04 Play/Go outTravel/Tourism 【Latest in 2026】5 Handy Items Wheelchair Users Should Prepare Before Traveling! Traveling can be enjoyable, but for wheelchair users, there are often small challenges related to mobility and access at tourist destinations. This time, we will introduce five handy items that are easy to carry, designed to help wheelchair users enjoy their travels with peace of mind. Published: 2023.05.08•Updated: 2023.05.08 Play/Go outTravel/Tourism 【Hokkaido Edition】6 Wheelchair-Accessible Tourist Spots for Everyone to Enjoy Hokkaido offers many attractive tourist spots that will make you want to visit. With numerous wheelchair-accessible, barrier-free locations, it is easy to enjoy. This article introduces tourist spots in Hokkaido that are barrier-free and convenient services for enjoying a trip to Hokkaido even with a wheelchair. Published: 2025.11.22•Updated: 2025.11.22 Play/Go outTravel/Tourism 【Okinawa Edition】7 Wheelchair-Accessible Tourist Spots to Enjoy Introducing barrier-free tourist spots in Okinawa that can be enjoyed by wheelchair users and the elderly! Support is available to ensure everyone, regardless of disability, can enjoy swimming and marine sports. Learn how to enjoy Okinawa with information on convenient tour centers that enhance your travel experience. Published: 2023.12.20•Updated: 2023.12.20 Play/Go outTravel/Tourism The Ultimate Travel Guide for Wheelchair Travelers: 9 Travel Support Companies and Helpful Websites! Are there people who want to travel but find it difficult due to disabilities or illnesses? This time, we introduce companies and organizations that support such challenges. Through barrier-free travel, you can create comfortable and enjoyable memories with family and friends […] Published: 2022.09.09•Updated: 2022.09.09 Life Hacks What is a Seating Support Chair? An Explanation from Costs and Subsidies to Tips for Air Travel This article explains the types and costs of seating support chairs, as well as the application process for the assistive device cost reimbursement system. It also introduces tips for maintaining posture that can be used in places like airplanes, aimed at those who find going out challenging. Please refer to this information when planning your outings. Published: 2026.11.02•Updated: 2026.11.02