Air Canada Wheelchair Policy and Special Assistance Guide

Wheelchairs in the Cabin on Air Canada

Air Canada will bring your wheelchair or scooter as a carry-on item free of charge, subject to space availability on the plane.  In some cases your wheelchair will be placed in the luggage hold. You are also allowed to bring other mobility devices such as Braces, canes, crutches, walkers and prostheses, and any portable battery-powered medical devices that are needed in flight or right away upon arrival.  This includes dialysis equipment, a feeding tube, CPAP machine or Personal Oxygen Concentrator.  [AMZ asins='B07YNFD9LJ,B01L28ANI2,B074MW1MTW,B00RKJUPS6']

Air Canada will attempt to allow you to use your own wheelchair at the airport, but it may be placed in the hold once you board the aircraft, and returned to you upon arrival.  On most flights, there will be an on-board wheelchair available to access the bathrooms, and assistance will be provided to/from the bathrooms. There is no assistance provided in the bathroom, if assistance is required you will need to be traveling with your own care-giver.

Battery-Powered Wheelchairs on Air Canada

Special requirements apply for Battery-Powered wheelchairs and scooters on Air Canada.

If you’re travelling with a battery-powered mobility aid (e.g. wheelchair or scooter), please:

• Complete and print two copies of the Air Canada Powered Mobility Aid Information FormOpen PDF file (PDF file, 137 KB)
• Affix one copy of the form to your mobility aid. It will serve as a useful handling guide.
• Keep the other copy for yourself and have it available in case the one affixed to your mobility aid comes off and gets lost.

If you do not feel comfortable printing and completing the form from home, you may request a form at the airport and complete it there. If possible, bring a picture of your mobility aid so that it can be attached to the form.

The battery-powered wheelchairs need to be stored upright, so the size limit depends on the size of the aircraft's cargo door.  Please contact Air Canada Reservations for the exact size limits for your flight.

Spillable or Non-Spillable Battery Types

Air Canada must inspect the battery label to verify if it is spillable or non-spillable.

The battery may need to be removed and packed separately if

• Your mobility aid is powered by spillable batteries and the wheelchair must be tilted while loading or stowing due to the size of the aircraft, or
• The battery is not secured to your mobility aid.

Using Your Own Wheelchair at the Airport

Air Canada will attempt to arrange for you to use your own wheelchair at the airport until boarding, and provide it for you at the gate upon your arrival. 

Air Canada will also:

• Stow your small mobility or other aid in the cabin
• Assist in transferring you between your wheelchair or other mobility aid and the aircraft seat
• Assist you in moving to and from the aircraft washroom (except by carrying) with the use of the on-board wheelchair
• Arrange for alternate transportation for your large mobility aid when travelling on an aircraft with less than 60 seats that cannot accommodate the aid

Advance Notice with Air Canada

In some cases you may be required to provide Advance Notice when travelling with battery-powered wheelchairs on Air Canada. You will need to notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight, and arrive at the airport 60 minutes ahead of the recocmmended check-in time.

Requesting Assistance within the Airport

If you will require assistance at the airport, please contact Air Canada Reservations as soon as possible before your flight in order to arrange in airport aassistance and any additional services required.

Air Canada Medical Assitance Desk Contact Info

Phone:
1-800-667-4732 (Toll-free between Canada and the United States)
1-514-369-7039 (long distance charges apply)

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Comments / Discussion / Questions

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