wheelair

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Porter Airlines

IATA PD ICAO POE Canada · www.flyporter.com (opens in a new tab)

Powered wheelchairs accepted · carried free · 48 h notice · 300 Wh installed-battery cap.

Advance notice
48hours before departure
Powered wheelchair
Yes
Lithium, battery installed
300watt-hours maximum
Cost to carry
Free

Who to contact

Transcribed from the airline’s own pages, exactly as it labels them.

Porter runs a genuinely separate Disability Assistance Desk (1-855-542-3707, disabilityassistance@flyporter.com) rather than routing through the general call centre. If a leg is operated by a partner airline on a Porter-sold booking, 'you will need to arrange any mobility assistance with the other airline directly'.

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.

Powered chairs accepted
Yes

Powered wheelchairs and scooters are accepted within the published size and weight limits. The aid must be checked in at the airport counter; you may drive it to the gate or take a service wheelchair. Some disassembly, including battery disconnection, may be required.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Lithium-ion batteries
Yes

Accepted. An attached lithium battery may stay installed in the chair, which then travels as checked baggage provided terminals are protected from short circuits and the battery is securely attached. 'Should you need to travel with a lithium battery operated wheelchair or mobility aid, you must contact us to make arrangements in advance of your flight.' Batteries must meet CTA requirements — 'FAA battery approvals are not sufficient to meet Canadian requirements.'

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — battery stays in the chair
300 Wh

Restricted and Prohibited Items, 'Lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids — Installed in equipment': 'The battery must not exceed 300 Wh, or for a device that is fitted with two batteries required for operation, each battery must not exceed 160 Wh.'

Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — battery removed into the cabin
300 Wh

For a collapsible aid designed for battery removal, the battery 'must not exceed 300 Wh, or for a device that is fitted with two batteries required for operation, each battery must not exceed 160 Wh'. Once removed it must be protected from damage (e.g. a protective pouch) and 'must be carried in the passenger cabin'.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — spare battery
300 Wh

'A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spares each not exceeding 160 Wh may be carried.' Spare lithium batteries of any type are prohibited in checked baggage.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Spare batteries permittedmaximum number under any published configuration
2

One spare not exceeding 300 Wh, or alternatively two spares each not exceeding 160 Wh, carried in the cabin with terminals insulated (original packaging, taped terminals, or each in its own plastic bag). Non-spillable batteries: max 2 spares.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Battery must be removed
Conditional

Only where the aid 'is specifically designed to allow its battery(ies) to be removed (is collapsible)' — then the battery must be removed, insulated, protected and carried in the passenger cabin, and the chair travels as checked baggage without restriction. A securely attached lithium battery may remain installed. Removal must follow the manufacturer's or owner's instructions.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Non-spillable batteriesgel, AGM, sealed lead-acid, dry cell
Yes

'You may bring a wheelchair or other battery-powered mobility aid with dry cell or gel, non-spillable battery, as checked baggage when: battery is disconnected; terminals are protected from short circuits; battery is securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.' Up to 2 spare non-spillable batteries may also be carried with terminals protected.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Wet / spillable batteries
No

'We do not transport wet cell batteries, or any battery that is damaged or leaking.' Stated on both the mobility-aid page and the restricted-items page.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Terminal protection & immobilisation
Yes

Terminals must be protected from short circuits in every case — battery attached, battery removed, or non-spillable — e.g. by taping over exposed terminals; removed batteries also go in a protective pouch.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Paperwork the airline wants
Yes

Submit the Mobility Aid Information form (PDF) to disabilityassistance@flyporter.com as soon as you book, and bring the manufacturer's disassembly/assembly instructions and the necessary tools to the airport. Medical clearance is not required for a mobility device (only for oxygen or a personal attendant).

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Size limit for a powered chairAirline’s stated maximum wheelchair size
70 cm wide · 80 cm high

Same published maximum-device table: height 80 cm (31 in) on both aircraft; width 70 cm (27.5 in) on the narrower type and 150 cm (59.1 in) on the other. Porter's page contradicts itself over which aircraft takes which width, so the 70 cm figure is shown as the binding one.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Weight limit for a powered chair
227 kg

Same published table as manual chairs: 227 kg (500 lb) and 293 kg (648 lb) by aircraft; the lower figure is shown because Porter's page maps the two aircraft inconsistently.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Returned at the aircraft door
Not published

Not stated for powered aids. Porter says you may use your own aid to reach the gate, but the only return commitment printed is that a powered chair dropped at the check-in counter 'will be returned to you at the baggage claim area upon arrival at your final destination'. Gate return is spelled out only for manual chairs.

You must be present for disassembly and reassembly of the aid and supply the tools and manufacturer's instructions. Detachable items you list on the Mobility Aid Information form (seat cushion, footrests) travel with you in the cabin.

Manual wheelchairs

Manual chairs accepted
Yes

Manual wheelchairs, crutches, canes and walkers are carried free of charge in addition to the fare's baggage allowance. A checked manual chair can be dropped at the check-in counter (you then get a service wheelchair) or checked at the departure gate.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Folding chair may travel in the cabin
No

'We cannot store personal wheelchairs in the cabin.' Smaller mobility aids that meet the size and weight restriction for the approved cabin storage space may be brought on board space permitting, and canes or crutches must lie flat under the seat for takeoff and landing. NOTE: the same page also says under 'Manual wheelchairs' that 'space permitting, mobility aids that meet the size and weight restriction for the approved cabin storage space can be brought on board' — Porter's wording is inconsistent.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

In-cabin stowage limit
Not published

Not published. Porter refers to 'the size and weight restriction for the approved cabin storage space' without giving figures, and states that personal wheelchairs cannot be stored in the cabin at all.

Size limit for a checked manual chairAirline’s stated maximum wheelchair size
70 cm wide · 80 cm high

'On Porter-operated flights, we can safely store your wheelchair or scooter if it does not exceed these dimensions or weight limits': height 80 cm (31 in) on both aircraft; width either 70 cm (27.5 in) or 150 cm (59.1 in) depending on aircraft. Porter's own page maps those widths to the E195-E2 and Dash 8-400 inconsistently, so the smaller 70 cm figure is shown here.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Weight limit for a manual chair
227 kg

227 kg (500 lb) is the smaller of the two published aircraft figures; the other is 293 kg (648 lb). Porter's page contradicts itself over which aircraft is which (see aircraft_hold_note), so the lower figure is the safe one.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Returned at the aircraft door
Yes

'If you would prefer to use your personal wheelchair within the airport, you can arrange to have it checked at the departure gate. Your wheelchair will be returned to you at your destination gate or at your connecting airport.' Porter warns that a short connection may not allow this, especially if disassembly and reassembly are needed.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

If disassembly is required you must be present for disassembly and reassembly, bring the necessary tools and the manufacturer's instructions, and carry detachable items you listed on the form (seat cushions, footrests) into the cabin.

Booking & cost

Advance notice requiredhours before scheduled departure
48h

'To accommodate special requests, we need up to 48 hours advance notice if you… are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid' (also for extra seating, an attendant, a POC, allergies). 'If we receive your completed [Mobility Aid Information] form less than 48 hours before your departure, we will make every reasonable effort to fulfill your request.' An onboard wheelchair also needs 48 h notice.

Requesting Disability Assistance (48-hour reservation requirements, Disability Assistance Desk hours) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

How to request assistance
Select your wheelchair or scooter details under 'Support requests' on the Passenger Details page when booking online (or tell the Disability Assistance Desk on 1-855-542-3707), then email the completed Mobility Aid Information form to disabilityassistance@flyporter.com

Existing bookings can be updated in My Bookings or by calling the desk. Arrive at least 2 hours before a flight within Canada and 3 hours for international travel. Medical clearance is NOT required to travel with a mobility device (only for respiratory needs or a personal attendant).

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Requesting Disability Assistance (48-hour reservation requirements, Disability Assistance Desk hours) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Charge for carrying the aid
No fee

'You can bring your personal mobility aid free of charge in addition to the baggage allowed for your fare. Acceptable aids include wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, walking canes, and walkers.' The Accessibility Plan lists acceptance of the mobility aid as priority baggage.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Porter Airlines Accessibility Plan (PDF, 1 June 2023) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Mobility devices carried free
Not published

Not published per passenger. Porter says only that 'there is a limit of how many wheelchairs we can carry per flight', without giving the number.

If they damage your chair
Temporary replacement free of charge, reimbursement of expenses, repair at Porter's expense, or same-model/equivalent replacement or replacement cost if unrepairable or lost beyond 96 hours

'Porter will provide a suitable temporary replacement without charge' and 'reimburse any reasonably incurred expenses'. A repairable aid is repaired at Porter's expense and returned as soon as reasonably possible. If it cannot be repaired, or is lost and not located within 96 hours of arrival, Porter replaces it with the same model (or one with substantially identical features) or reimburses the replacement cost. On international itineraries you may file a special declaration of interest under Montreal Convention Art. 22(2).

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

On board

On-board aisle chair
Yes

'All Porter aircraft can accommodate an on-board wheelchair to fit in the aisle.' Request it on 1-855-542-3707 at least 48 hours before departure; for later requests Porter will 'make every reasonable effort'.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Accessible lavatory
No

'Washroom door handles and locks, grab bars, soap dispensers, faucets, and flush controls are designed to be used with minimal effort. While the washrooms have assist handles (grab bars), they cannot accommodate a wheelchair.' Washrooms are at the front of the cabin; the E195-E2 has an extra one at the rear. Staff can help you to the washroom, but help inside it may require a personal attendant.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Crew help you transfer
Yes

Porter transfers passengers between their own mobility aid and a Porter aid before boarding, and between a mobility aid and the passenger seat before departure and after arrival. Important limit: with the onboard wheelchair, 'our cabin crew will assist passengers between their seat and the onboard wheelchair or between the wheelchair and the toilet, but cannot lift them. Passengers must be able to use the grab bars to transfer themselves.'

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Porter Airlines Accessibility Plan (PDF, 1 June 2023) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Seating & movable armrests
Yes

'To facilitate seating, all of our seats are equipped with movable armrests, except 1A/B and 2C/D on board the Dash 8-400 and 1A/B/C/D on board the E195-E2.' Extra seating for yourself or an attendant needs up to 48 hours' notice.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Requesting Disability Assistance (48-hour reservation requirements, Disability Assistance Desk hours) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Fleet detail. Porter publishes one maximum-mobility-aid table for its two types (Dash 8-400 turboprop and Embraer E195-E2 jet): height 80 cm (31 in) on both; width 70 cm (27.5 in) with 227 kg (500 lb) for one type and width 150 cm (59.1 in) with 293 kg (648 lb) for the other. CAUTION: flyporter.com contradicts itself over which aircraft is which — the combined table assigns 70 cm / 227 kg to the E195-E2 and 150 cm / 293 kg to the Dash 8-400, while the two stacked single-aircraft tables immediately below it assign them the opposite way round (the French page repeats the same contradiction). Porter also notes 'there is a limit of how many wheelchairs we can carry per flight'.

Worth knowing

Porter is the only one of the three Canadian carriers with a dedicated Disability Assistance Desk phone line and email. Its battery rules are the most complete: 300 Wh installed, 300 Wh removed, one spare ≤300 Wh (or two ≤160 Wh), wet cell refused, non-spillable accepted disconnected and attached — and it warns explicitly that 'FAA battery approvals are not sufficient to meet Canadian requirements'. Two things a human must re-check: (1) flyporter.com publishes the per-aircraft maximum wheelchair width/weight two different ways on the same page (70 cm/227 kg vs 150 cm/293 kg swapped between the E195-E2 and the Dash 8-400, identically in French), so the smaller figures are recorded here; (2) the site says 'We cannot store personal wheelchairs in the cabin' but a few paragraphs later says mobility aids meeting the cabin storage limits can be brought on board. Regulatory status also differs between documents: the Accessible Travel page states Porter is subject to Parts I–III of the ATPDR, while the Accessibility Plan (dated 1 June 2023) says neither Porter Airlines Inc. nor Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited is a 'large air carrier' under the ATPDR and that they follow Part VII of the Air Transportation Regulations while voluntarily implementing virtually all ATPDR large-carrier requirements. Porter's washrooms cannot accommodate a wheelchair, and cabin crew are not permitted to lift passengers.

Sources

Every figure above traces to one of these.

  1. s1 Accessible Travel (hub, disability assistance contacts, ATPDR notice, ACAA information) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  2. s2 Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance (maximum dimensions, batteries, check-in, onboard, damage) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  3. s3 Requesting Disability Assistance (48-hour reservation requirements, Disability Assistance Desk hours) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  4. s4 Restricted and Prohibited Items — Batteries (lithium batteries in wheelchairs or mobility aids) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  5. s5 Porter Airlines Accessibility Plan (PDF, 1 June 2023) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  6. s6 Help & Contact / Disability Assistance FAQ (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29

Record quality

Record status researched · confidence high · 6 official sources · 9 contacts · 93% of the fields this reference tracks are answered. Newest source read 29 July 2026, the day before this page was built. What these mean.