All airlines Europe
Brussels Airlines
Powered chairs need the airline’s prior approval · carried free · 48 h notice · 160 Wh installed-battery cap.
- Advance notice
- 48hours before departure
- Powered wheelchair
- Conditional
- Lithium, battery installed
- 160watt-hours maximum
- Cost to carry
- Free
Who to contact
Transcribed from the airline’s own pages, exactly as it labels them.
- PhoneBelgium — Medical Assistance Co-ordination Service (MEDA): wheelchairs, medical equipment, assistance requestsMon-Sun and bank holidays, 09:00-12:00
- PhoneUSA — Lufthansa Group accessible travel line, published by Brussels Airlines for passengers with special needs (call at least 72 h before the flight); the same number is published by Lufthansa and Discover Airlines
- EmailMEDA — Medical Assistance Co-ordination Service (wheelchair/battery approval, MEDIF, assistance form)
- Relay / textWithin the US, first dial 711 and then 1-800-401-1801 to reach Brussels Airlines via the Telecommunications Relay Service.TTY / US text relay (TRS)
There is no online assistance-request form: Brussels Airlines asks you to download the Information Sheet PDF and email it to meda@brusselsairlines.com. The MEDA phone line is open only 09:00-12:00, seven days a week. CROs are available at Brussels Airlines' US destinations and in Brussels.
Read it from the source
- Mobility devices (opens in a new tab)
- Electronic devices and batteries (wheelchairs / mobility aids section) (opens in a new tab)
- Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance (PDF, incl. own-wheelchair sheet) (opens in a new tab)
- Traveling with disabilities to/from the USA (CRO) (opens in a new tab)
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.
"Air transport approval is required for wheelchairs and mobility aids." Restrictions apply to battery power, total weight and dimensions; send the completed form and the manufacturer's technical data sheet or handbook to MEDA no later than 48 hours before departure for review and approval.
Electronic devices and batteries (incl. wheelchairs and mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Lithium-battery wheelchairs are carried, but 'Air transport approval is required for wheelchairs and mobility aids': the manufacturer's technical data sheet or handbook plus the completed form must reach the MEDA department 'no later than 48 hours before departure for review and approval'. Foldable chair: battery removed, in a protective pouch, max 300 Wh (2 x 160 Wh if two are needed). Non-foldable: battery may stay in the chair, circuits isolated and securely attached; permanently installed lithium batteries max 2 x 160 Wh from 1 Oct 2025.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Electronic devices and batteries (incl. wheelchairs and mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"From October 1, 2025, wheelchairs or other mobility aids with a permanently installed, non-removable lithium battery will be subject to a limit of a maximum of two batteries, each with a capacity of up to 160 Wh." Bookings confirmed before 1 October 2025, or trips started before that date, are still carried as booked even above 160 Wh.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Electronic devices and batteries (incl. wheelchairs and mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Foldable/collapsible chair: the battery must be removed, protected from short circuits and placed in a protective pouch. "The removed battery may not exceed 300Wh (or for a wheelchair that needs 2 batteries to operate, each battery may not exceed 160Wh)." The removed batteries travel as carry-on cabin baggage.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance, incl. Own Wheelchair information sheet (PDF, 2021) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"You're allowed to take one spare battery max. 300Wh, or two spare batteries max. 160Wh each" — carried in the cabin, individually protected in a pouch.
Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance, incl. Own Wheelchair information sheet (PDF, 2021) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
One spare of max 300 Wh, or two spares of max 160 Wh each, carried in the cabin.
Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance, incl. Own Wheelchair information sheet (PDF, 2021) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Depends on whether the chair is foldable. Foldable/collapsible chairs: the battery must be removed — lithium batteries into the cabin in a protective pouch, gel/dry-cell batteries into the hold in strong rigid packaging. Non-foldable/non-collapsible chairs: the battery may remain in the chair as long as the electrical circuits are isolated and the battery is securely attached.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance, incl. Own Wheelchair information sheet (PDF, 2021) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Gel-cell, dry-cell and non-spillable wet batteries are accepted — foldable chair: battery removed, short-circuit protected, in strong rigid packaging in the hold; non-foldable: battery may stay if the circuits are isolated and it is securely attached. But 'Air transport approval is required for wheelchairs and mobility aids': the technical data sheet and completed form must reach the MEDA department 'no later than 48 hours before departure for review and approval'.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance, incl. Own Wheelchair information sheet (PDF, 2021) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Electronic devices and batteries (incl. wheelchairs and mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
If the wheelchair can be loaded, stowed and unloaded upright the battery may stay in it, provided terminals are protected from short circuit, spill-resistant vent caps are fitted where feasible, the battery is securely attached, circuits are isolated per the manufacturer's instructions and the chair is secured with straps or tie-downs. If it cannot be kept upright, "the battery must be removed and shipped as cargo" and only the chair travels as checked baggage.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Batteries must be protected from short circuits (e.g. exposed terminals covered with electrical tape, or the battery placed in a protective pouch), the electrical circuits must be isolated per the manufacturer's instructions, and the battery must be securely attached to the chair. Wet cells additionally need spill-resistant vent caps where feasible and the chair secured with straps or tie-downs.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance, incl. Own Wheelchair information sheet (PDF, 2021) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"Please send the required information (manufacturer's technical data sheet or handbook) about your wheelchair or mobility aid and the completed form... to the Brussels Airlines MEDA department... no later than 48 hours before departure for review and approval." The own-wheelchair sheet asks for foldability, smallest L x W x H in cm, weight, battery type and Wh rating.
Electronic devices and batteries (incl. wheelchairs and mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance, incl. Own Wheelchair information sheet (PDF, 2021) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Cargo-door apertures, not a stated maximum chair size: A319 1.24 m high x 1.82 m wide; A320 1.20 x 1.82 m; A330-300 1.66 x 2.72 m. Smallest door (A320) is 120 x 182 cm.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
No maximum weight for an electric mobility aid is published on brusselsairlines.com; the batteries page says only that restrictions exist on "battery power, total weight and dimensions of the wheelchair or mobility aid" without giving figures.
The chair can be used up to the gate and is stored in the hold there; on arrival it is returned at the arrival gate or at the baggage belt depending on the arrival airport's policy.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Your journey with special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Contradiction to check with MEDA: the 2021 own-wheelchair information sheet still states that for non-collapsible lithium chairs "There is no maximum Wh-limit for the contained battery", while the current website says permanently installed, non-removable lithium batteries are limited to two batteries of up to 160 Wh each from 1 October 2025. Battery-powered personal transport devices (e-scooters, hoverboards, electric pushchairs) are banned outright; that ban is a separate section and does not cover wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Manual wheelchairs
Wheelchairs and rollators are carried free of charge, on top of the baggage allowance, but only in the hold; Brussels Airlines needs the exact dimensions in advance to plan hold space.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"Due to their size, wheelchairs, rollators and other similar mobility aids can only be transported in the hold." Only crutches, walking canes and prosthetics are allowed on board. If you use your own chair to the aircraft "you will have to leave it at the door of the aircraft, preferably folded".
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Your journey with special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not applicable / not published: Brussels Airlines states wheelchairs can only be transported in the hold.
Brussels Airlines publishes cargo-door apertures, not a maximum chair size: A319 1.24 m high x 1.82 m wide; A320 1.20 x 1.82 m; A330-300 1.66 x 2.72 m. The smallest door (A320) is 120 cm high x 182 cm wide.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
No maximum weight is published on brusselsairlines.com. The airline asks for the chair's dimensions to plan hold space, and its own-wheelchair information sheet asks you to state the weight in kg, but names no limit.
You may hand the chair over at check-in or use it up to the gate, where airport staff store it in the hold. "Upon arrival, your mobility aid will be returned to you at the arrival gate or at the baggage belt" — which one "depends on the policy of the arrival airport"; if it goes to the belt you are taken there by wheelchair or cart.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Your journey with special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Check in first, then report to the airport's special assistance desk no later than 70 minutes before departure for flights within Europe, or 1 h 40 min before intercontinental flights; in peak season Brussels Airlines advises arriving at least 2 hours before departure. At Brussels Airport the special assistance desk is opposite check-in row 1.
Booking & cost
Request assistance "immediately after booking (or at the latest 48h before your flight)". For a wheelchair or mobility aid the completed form plus the manufacturer's technical data sheet or handbook must reach the MEDA department "no later than 48 hours before departure for review and approval". For flights to/from the USA Brussels Airlines recommends calling at least 72 hours ahead.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Request special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Electronic devices and batteries (incl. wheelchairs and mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Traveling with disabilities to/from the USA (Complaint Resolution Official) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Requests go to the Medical Assistance Co-ordination Service (MEDA) straight after booking. Exact wheelchair dimensions must be supplied so hold space can be planned; a MEDIF completed by your doctor may also be requested. If you do not know your battery type you can email photos of the device and battery labels to MEDA.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Request special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"You may bring a maximum of 2 mobility aids with you. This is free of charge and on top of your free baggage allowance." Carriage of wheelchairs and rollators in the hold is also free of charge.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"You may bring a maximum of 2 mobility aids with you" — e.g. 2 wheelchairs or rollators, 2 pairs of crutches/braces/prosthetics, 2 walking canes, or a combination.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Under 14 CFR DOT 382 Brussels Airlines offers repair/replacement with a device of comparable function and safety at its expense, or repair through your preferred vendor paid directly; a loaner chair matching your function and safety needs (or reimbursement of your own loaner within 30 days); and reimbursement of airport transport costs if the device is delayed. Damage is reported online or at the airport, with repair costs refunded via the baggage claim form.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Traveling with disabilities to/from the USA (Complaint Resolution Official) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
On board
Not published on brusselsairlines.com. None of the special-assistance pages mentions an on-board aisle wheelchair, and the airline states crew may not carry or lift passengers between the seat and a wheelchair.
Not published. Brussels Airlines only warns that "the toilets in an aircraft are generally quite small" and that crew cannot assist during a lavatory visit.
"For safety reasons, crew members are not authorised to carry or lift passengers between the passenger seat and a wheelchair or to assist passengers during a visit to the lavatory." Crew will only help with boarding/disembarking and opening meal packages; they cannot assist in the toilet, lift or carry you, help with meals or administer medication.
Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Your journey with special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"We also have seats with movable armrests for ease of access." Passengers with disabilities may be seated anywhere in their ticketed class consistent with FAA safety rules; bulkhead or extra-legroom seats may be provided on request if travelling with a service animal or with a fused/immobilised leg (numbers are limited).
Traveling with disabilities to/from the USA (Complaint Resolution Official) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Fleet detail. Cargo-door dimensions published by Brussels Airlines (height x width): A319 1.24 m / 4.1 ft x 1.82 m / 6.0 ft; A320 1.20 m / 3.9 ft x 1.82 m / 6.0 ft; A333 (A330-300) 1.66 m / 5.4 ft x 2.72 m / 8.9 ft.
Worth knowing
Brussels Airlines is a Lufthansa Group airline and its 'Electronic devices and batteries' page is the group template, but Brussels Airlines does not say anywhere that 'the Lufthansa Group policy applies' — every value here is from a brusselsairlines.com page or PDF and the mobility-aid rules are written in Brussels Airlines' own terms (foldable vs non-foldable, not removable vs installed). Three things a traveller should re-check with MEDA: (1) the 2021 wheelchair information sheet says there is no Wh limit for a battery contained in a non-collapsible chair, which conflicts with the site's 1 Oct 2025 cap of 2 x 160 Wh on permanently installed lithium batteries; (2) no on-board aisle wheelchair is published and crew are explicitly forbidden from lifting or transferring passengers, so a non-ambulant passenger cannot reach the lavatory unaided; (3) no maximum chair weight or size is published, only cargo-door apertures for the A319/A320/A330-300 fleet. The MEDA phone line is open just three hours a day (09:00-12:00).
Sources
Every figure above traces to one of these.
- s1 Mobility devices (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s2 Request special assistance (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s3 Electronic devices and batteries (incl. wheelchairs and mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s4 Information Sheet for Passengers requiring Special Assistance, incl. Own Wheelchair information sheet (PDF, 2021) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s5 Traveling with disabilities to/from the USA (Complaint Resolution Official) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s6 Your journey with special assistance (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
Record quality
Record status researched · confidence high · 6 official sources · 4 contacts · 88% of the fields this reference tracks are answered. Newest source read 29 July 2026, the day before this page was built. What these mean.