All airlines Europe
British Airways
Powered chairs need the airline’s prior approval · carried free · 48 h notice · no watt-hour cap on an installed battery.
- Advance notice
- 48hours before departure
- Powered wheelchair
- Conditional
- Lithium, battery installed
- No stated limit
- Cost to carry
- Free
Who to contact
Transcribed from the airline’s own pages, exactly as it labels them.
- PhoneUnited Kingdom — Accessibility Team (freephone)Daily 08:00-20:00
- PhoneUnited States — disability & mobility assistance (call 1-800-247-9297, option 3)Daily 07:00-01:00 EST
- Online form
- Online form
- Online form
- Relay / text0345 700 7706, daily 24/7United Kingdom — Minicom (D/deaf or hard of hearing only)
- Relay / text1-866-393-0961, 24 hours 7 days a week (EST); for D/deaf or hard-of-hearing customers onlyUnited States — Minicom / Teletypewriter (TTY)
- Relay / textBritish Sign Language video relay, daily 08:00-20:00, via the Convo/SignLive appBSL Video Relay Service with Convo
BA runs a dedicated Accessibility Team reachable by freephone in the UK and by web form worldwide; a separate Minicom/TTY line exists in both the UK and the US. Assistance itself is requested in Manage My Booking, not by phone. LINK-ROT WARNING (checked 2026-07-29): the "Accessible Holiday request form" link printed on BA's own Contact us page, https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/webforms/holiday-disability-assistance, now returns HTTP 404. The live form is https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/webforms/accessible-holidays-form (page title "Accessible Holidays | Information | British Airways Holidays"), which is the URL BA's Assistance hub links under the heading "Accessible holidays".
Read it from the source
Powered wheelchairs & batteries
The part that goes wrong. Battery chemistry and watt-hours decide whether your chair flies, and the rules differ depending on whether the battery can be removed.
Battery-powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters and mobility aids are carried in the hold free of charge, and BA says it will try to place them in containers. BA gives two examples of when it "might not be able to carry" the device: if unintended operation cannot be prevented, or if the weight exceeds the loading capacity of the smaller BA CityFlyer aircraft serving London City — a fleet/route exclusion, so acceptance is not unconditional. Chairs over 250 kg need prior arrangement with the Accessibility Team.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Baggage essentials (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Accepted. If the lithium battery is securely attached it must remain in the device with the power disconnected or isolated so it cannot be inadvertently activated; if it is not securely attached it must be removed and carried into the cabin.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
BA states there is no cap: "There is no maximum Watt-hour limit if the lithium battery(ies) remains in the device." The battery must be securely attached and the power disconnected or isolated so the chair cannot be inadvertently activated.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
For a battery that is not securely attached and must be removed into the cabin: "The maximum battery size is 300Wh, or for devices fitted with two batteries, 160Wh each." Removed batteries must have terminals covered/taped and be placed individually in a protective pouch.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"You may also take one spare lithium ion battery at a maximum of 300Wh, or two spare batteries at a maximum of 160Wh each", carried in the cabin with terminals protected and each in a protective pouch.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
One spare lithium-ion battery up to 300 Wh — or two spares of up to 160 Wh each. One spare dry cell battery and one spare non-spillable wet battery are also permitted. Spare spillable batteries are not permitted.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Only if the battery is not securely attached to the device. "If the lithium battery(ies) is securely attached to the wheelchair, mobility scooter or mobility aid, it must remain in the device." The same securely-attached test applies to dry cell, non-spillable and spillable batteries.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Gel, sealed lead acid and AGM batteries accepted; they "must meet the requirement of IATA dangerous goods regulations special provision A67". If securely attached the battery stays in the device, power disconnected/isolated; otherwise removed, terminals protected, placed in strong rigid packaging secured in the cargo hold. One spare non-spillable wet battery permitted.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Accepted. If securely attached and the device can be stowed upright, the battery stays in the chair with the power disconnected/isolated. Otherwise it must be removed, terminals protected, and packed in strong rigid leak-proof packaging with absorbent material, marked 'BATTERY WET WITH WHEELCHAIR' plus Corrosive (Class 8) and orientation labels. Spare spillable batteries are not permitted.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"You will be required to confirm that the power has been disconnected or isolated and the device cannot be inadvertently activated", following the manufacturer's instructions. Removed batteries "must be protected from short circuit (e.g. by covering or taping over exposed terminals)".
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Before travel BA requires: wheelchair/mobility aid type, dimensions, tare (un-laden) weight, number of batteries installed, type of battery, and instructions for preventing inadvertent operation. Battery-operated aids must be registered in Manage My Booking. Non-spillable batteries need manufacturer confirmation of IATA special provision A67. "You'll be asked to verify these at the airport."
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Restricted and prohibited items — batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Same maximum-device tables as manual chairs; smallest figure in each dimension shown. UK/Europe except CityFlyer L140 x W85 x H106 cm; BA CityFlyer (upright) L74 x W94 x H82 cm; rest of world L140 x W85 x H152 cm.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not an absolute limit: "If your wheelchair weighs more than 250kgs please contact our Accessibility Team so we can arrange to accommodate you." BA separately warns it may not be able to carry a device if the weight exceeds the loading capacity of BA CityFlyer aircraft.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"If your wheelchair has been stowed in the hold, we'll make every effort to return it to you as close to the aircraft door as possible." At connections BA can bring an electric chair from the hold to the aircraft door on 48 h notice, but warns it takes longer because the battery has to be reactivated on arrival and deactivated again before loading.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
BA gives two examples of when it "might not be able to carry" a powered device (the list is explicitly "for example", not exhaustive): if unintended operation cannot be prevented, and if its weight exceeds the loading capacity of the smaller BA CityFlyer aircraft flying to and from London City. The BA battery-approval form for 100-160 Wh lithium batteries explicitly does not apply to wheelchairs, scooters or mobility aids.
Manual wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are carried free of charge; you can keep yours to the departure gate or hand it over at check-in, depending on the airport.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Baggage essentials (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"We may be able to store one collapsible manual wheelchair in the cabin, depending on available space. This is allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis. Please contact staff at the boarding gate." The assistance hub adds that the chair "is stored in the upright position" and that the space "can't be pre-booked". Not guaranteed.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Assistance hub (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
BA does not publish a size limit for the one collapsible manual wheelchair it may stow in the cabin — only that it is stored upright, space is limited and it is allocated first come, first served. Other mobility devices may go in an overhead locker "if they're within the cabin baggage dimensions" (BA cabin bag: 56 x 45 x 25 cm / 22 x 18 x 10 in).
Assistance hub (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Baggage essentials (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Smallest figure in each dimension across BA's three published maximum-device tables. Full table: UK/Europe except BA CityFlyer L140 x W85 x H106 cm (55.1 x 33.5 x 41.7 in); BA CityFlyer (upright) L74 x W94 x H82 cm (29.6 x 37.6 x 32.2 in); rest of world L140 x W85 x H152 cm (55.1 x 33.5 x 59.8 in). "Your wheelchair or mobility aids must fit within the maximum dimensions for us to be able to accept it for travel."
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not an absolute limit: "If your wheelchair weighs more than 250kgs please contact our Accessibility Team so we can arrange to accommodate you." Heavier chairs need prior arrangement rather than being automatically refused.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"If your wheelchair has been stowed in the hold, we'll make every effort to return it to you as close to the aircraft door as possible." If not possible, an airport wheelchair takes you to baggage reclaim. At a connection BA can deliver your chair from the hold to the aircraft door if told at least 48 h ahead.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
A chair that exceeds the maximum height only because of a headrest is still accepted if the headrest can be removed and carried into the cabin. Carry the dimensions, weight and battery details of your chair with you — BA says you will be asked to verify them at the airport.
Booking & cost
"Please let us know what support you require at least 48 hours before your flight departs." BA's how-to-request page states it as a requirement: "You must do this at least 48 hours before your flight is due to depart." The same 48 h applies to asking for your own chair to be brought to the aircraft door at a connecting airport.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Assistance hub (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 How to request assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
BA: request assistance in Manage My Booking after booking and choose Service 1, 2 or 3. Battery-operated wheelchairs/scooters must be registered in Manage My Booking (Service Requests > Disability and Assistance). If the assistance you need is not listed, contact the Accessibility Team.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Assistance hub (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Restricted and prohibited items — batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"It's free to take wheelchairs, mobility aids and related equipment for your personal use as long as they're within the size limits." Conditions of Carriage 20d1: "There is no charge for transporting any assistive device, such as a wheelchair or a cane, and such assistive devices will not be counted towards your free baggage allowance."
Baggage essentials (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 How to request assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage (clauses 15, 16, 20) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not published as a number on BA's site. BA states mobility aids for personal use are carried free but does not cap how many.
BA publishes no mobility-aid-specific figure of its own. Its US Bill of Rights page (applying "to flights to or from the United States by foreign airlines") states: "Should an airline lose, damage, or destroy the wheelchair or other assistive device, the airline must provide compensation in an amount up to the original purchase price." Elsewhere, Conditions of Carriage 15e2 caps baggage damage at "1,519 SDRs (approximately £1,575)" unless a higher value is declared (15e3); 16b requires written notice within seven days.
Bill of Rights (US Air Carrier Access Act summary, published by British Airways) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage (clauses 15, 16, 20) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
On board
"We have wheelchairs on our aircraft to assist you on board." Service 3 includes "use of the on-board wheelchair to get to/from your seat and around the cabin". BA warns the on-board wheelchair service "will not be offered by third party airlines who are operating flights on behalf of British Airways", and that you can move to a BA-operated flight free of charge if that affects you.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Fleet-dependent. BA: "The majority of our aircraft offer accessible toilets but they're not large enough to accommodate wheelchairs. However, on board our Airbus A380 we're able to offer two wheelchair-accessible toilets on the upper deck and one on the main deck. On our Boeing 787 aircraft we are able to offer one wheelchair-accessible toilet." You must be able to manage your own personal care in the toilet — cabin crew cannot help with this.
How to request assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Ground staff will take you to your seat (Service 3), but in flight "our cabin crew are unable to assist you onto the on-board aisle chair. If you do not possess enough upper body strength to move between your seat and the chair, then you will need to travel with a companion who can help you do that." Conditions of Carriage 20c: BA "may require that you travel with an attendant if it is essential for safety or you are unable to assist in your own evacuation from the aircraft or you are unable to understand safety instructions."
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage (clauses 15, 16, 20) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"You may be able to reserve your seat for free if you have a specific seating requirement because of your disability" — select it in Manage My Booking after requesting assistance; you cannot reserve free of charge without having requested assistance. BA also lists approved seat support systems.
What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Assistance hub (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Fleet detail. Maximum accepted wheelchair / mobility-aid size, by network (not a cargo-door figure — BA states the device must fit within these to be accepted): to and from the UK and Europe, except BA CityFlyer, L140 x W85 x H106 cm (55.1 x 33.5 x 41.7 in); on BA CityFlyer flights (London City), measured upright, L74 x W94 x H82 cm (29.6 x 37.6 x 32.2 in); to and from the rest of the world L140 x W85 x H152 cm (55.1 x 33.5 x 59.8 in). BA CityFlyer aircraft also have a loading-capacity weight limit that can prevent carriage of a heavy powered chair.
Worth knowing
British Airways publishes one of the most complete mobility-aid battery pages of any European carrier: separate handling rules for lithium-ion, dry cell, non-spillable wet and spillable batteries, an explicit statement that there is NO watt-hour limit while a lithium battery stays securely attached to the chair, and a 300 Wh (or 2 x 160 Wh) cap only once the battery has to be removed into the cabin. Watch-outs: the London City (BA CityFlyer) fleet is materially smaller - L74 x W94 x H82 cm upright - and BA warns a powered chair can be refused there on weight; chairs over 250 kg need prior arrangement with the Accessibility Team (not an automatic refusal); and in flight cabin crew will NOT help you transfer onto the aisle chair. Wheelchair-accessible toilets exist only on the A380 (two upper deck, one main deck) and the 787 (one); on the rest of the fleet the accessible toilets are "not large enough to accommodate wheelchairs". The policy covers British Airways, BA Euroflyer and BA CityFlyer; franchise/third-party operators flying on BA's behalf do not offer the on-board wheelchair. BA's 100-160 Wh lithium operator-approval form explicitly excludes mobility aids. Link-rot repair 2026-07-29: the Accessible Holiday request form URL previously recorded here, /content/information/webforms/holiday-disability-assistance, is genuinely dead — it returns BA's 404 page through the reader proxy while sibling ba.com pages fetched in the same session returned 200, so this is not a bot wall. (A browser-shaped curl from this network gets HTTP 200 on EVERY ba.com URL, but the body is Akamai's "We are experiencing high demand on ba.com" holding page, so a curl status code proves nothing about ba.com.) The form moved to /content/information/webforms/accessible-holidays-form, verified live and rendering the "Accessible holidays request" fields; that is the URL BA's own Assistance hub links, and the source was switched from s3 (Contact us, which still prints the dead address) to s2 (Assistance hub). No policy fact depended on the dead URL — it backed only a contacts.web_form entry — so no value changed.
Sources
Every figure above traces to one of these.
- s1 What assistance is available? (mobility aids, wheelchair dimensions, battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s2 Assistance hub (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s3 Contact us — travelling with a disability (UK) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s4 Contact us — travelling with a disability (US) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s5 Baggage essentials (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s6 Restricted and prohibited items — batteries (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s7 Bill of Rights (US Air Carrier Access Act summary, published by British Airways) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s8 How to request assistance (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s9 General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage (clauses 15, 16, 20) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
Record quality
Record status researched · confidence high · 9 official sources · 8 contacts · 96% of the fields this reference tracks are answered. Newest source read 29 July 2026, the day before this page was built. What these mean.