Virgin Atlantic Wheelchair Policy and Special Assistance Guide

Flying With Your Wheelchair on Virgin Atlantic

If you are bringing your manual wheelchair with you, Virgin Atlantic recommends that you let their Special Assistance team know at the time of booking, and they will put a note on your file. If you are travelling with a battery operated or electric wheelchair, please be prepared to provide the Special Assistance team with the manufacturer’s name, the model number, the weight including batteries, and the battery type. Virgin Atlantic has even created an online contact form which makes it easy to provide your details before you fly, which can be accessed here :  https://help.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/contact-forms.html?webform=own-mobility-aid

Virgin Atlantic recommends that you arrive a minimum of 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time, so that there is ample time to prepare your wheelchair for transport. In most cases, you will be able to stay in your personal wheelchair or mobility aid until you get to the aircraft, but if not, Virgin Atlantic will provide an airport wheelchair and assistance after you check your personal device. The process differs across airports, but Virgin Atlantic staff will always be around to assist you.  [AMZ asins='B07YNFD9LJ,B01L28ANI2,B074MW1MTW,B00RKJUPS6']

Where possible, Virgin Atlantic will have your wheelchair waiting at the aircraft door when you disembark. In cases where this is not possible, they will supply an airport wheelchair and assistance to the baggage hall until you can reclaim your personal mobility aid. 

Battery Operated Mobility Aids on Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic accepts all kinds of batteries for transport including wet-cell/spillable, non-spillable/dry/gel-cell, and lithium-ion. The batteries must be safely prepared for transport according to the requirements below:

Wet-Cell/Spillable

- The battery terminals must be protected from short circuits
- The battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid
- All electrical circuits have been isolated, motors made inoperative, and if necessary, battery cables must be disconnected

Dry/Gel/Non-Spillable

The battery must be protected from short circuits by isolating or covering the terminals, and the wheelchair must be protected from accidental activation

If the battery is removable it must:

- Be carried in firm, rigid packaging in the cargo hold
- Be protected from short circuit

Lithium-Ion

The battery must be protected from short circuit by isolating the terminals or enclosing the battery in a battery container.

The battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid

Should the battery be removable, it must:

- Be removed from the wheelchair or mobility aid
- Be protected from short circuit by insulating, covering, or isolating the terminals
- Be protected from damage by placing it in a protective pouch and carried as cabin baggage
- Not exceed 300Wh

One spare battery which does not exceed 300Wh, or two spare batteries which do not exceed 160Wh each may be carried as cabin baggage.

Requesting Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport when Flying with Virgin Atlantic

You can request assistance in advance when you book your trip with Virgin Atlantic, or you can add your request later by loging in to your Virgin Atlantic account by clicking on “My Booking”.

Lost or Damaged Wheelchairs With Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic will always take care of your wheelchair or other mobility aid, but they do recommend that you take out insurance against loss or damage, in case something does happen. 

Other Mobility Aids (Canes, Crutches, Walkers) on Virgin Atlantic 

There is no need to contact the Special Assistance team if you are travelling with other mobility aids such as a walking sticks, canes, or crutches. These can usually be taken on as carry on baggage for free, provided they are not being taken for someone who isn’t travelling. If space constraints mean that your mobility aid cannot be accommodated in-cabin, the crew will place them in the hold and return them to you upon arrival at your destination. If necessary, you can request airport mobility or wheelchair assistance to help get you through the airport and to your gate.

Contact Information for Virgin Atlantic Wheelchair Assistance

You can contact the Special Assistance team directly using the online form at https://help.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/contact-forms.html?webform=own-mobility-aid or by email at [email protected] 

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