All airlines Europe
Smartwings
Powered chairs need the airline’s prior approval · carried free · 48 h notice.
- Advance notice
- 48hours before departure
- Powered wheelchair
- Conditional
- Lithium, battery installed
- Not published
- Cost to carry
- Free
Who to contact
Transcribed from the airline’s own pages, exactly as it labels them.
- PhoneCzechia — Reservation Centre (also handles assistance queries and battery approvals)Daily 08:00–20:00 CET
- Online form
No dedicated accessibility phone line, email address, TTY or relay service is published — the Reservation Centre number and the general Contact Form are the only channels. If the flight is part of a holiday package the request must go through the tour operator instead, and that operator's price list applies.
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 and mobility aids are listed as 'ON APPROVAL' for the hold in Smartwings' dangerous-goods table: 'contact Smartwings Call Centre in advance to pre-arrange approval for such items. This authorization must be presented upon request at any time throughout the entire duration of transport.'
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'Lithium-ion batteries for wheelchairs and other mobility aids — carry as hand baggage: ON APPROVAL; carry as hold baggage: ON APPROVAL.' Batteries 'must comply with the requirements of each of the tests in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3'.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
No watt-hour cap is published for a battery that stays in the chair. Smartwings requires it to be 'securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid and disconnected from the electrical circuits according to the manufacturer's instructions'. The 300 Wh cap applies only to a battery that has to be removed.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'If the battery can be removed and the device does not provide adequate protection for it, it must be removed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The battery to be removed must not exceed 300 Wh. If the device does not provide adequate protection for battery, and the battery exceeds 300 Wh, such device is prohibited.'
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'You may carry a maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each.' Removed and spare batteries must be protected against damage and carried as hand baggage in the cabin.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Maximum count is two: 'a maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each'. Taking two spares means each must be 160 Wh or less. For non-spillable aids, one extra wet non-spillable spare or two dry / NiMH spares may be carried instead.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Only when the chair does not shield the battery: 'Remove the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions if the mobility aid does not provide adequate protection.' Adequate protection means the terminals are 'insulated, covered, or enclosed to prevent them from coming into contact with metal objects, conductive surfaces, or other batteries'.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'Battery-operated wheelchairs or other similar mobility aids with non-spillable batteries — carry as hand baggage: NOT PERMITTED; carry as hold baggage: ON APPROVAL.' The aid must be loaded, stored, secured and unloaded upright and the terminals protected against short circuit.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
The dangerous-goods page lists aids 'powered by flooded batteries' as hand baggage NOT PERMITTED, hold baggage ON APPROVAL — loaded upright, terminals protected, battery in suitable packaging. Conditions of Carriage 11.2(b) is stricter: 'It is not allowed to carry wheelchairs powered by batteries filled with corrosive substances.' Confirm with the airline before booking.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'Protect the battery terminals to avoid short circuits'; the battery 'must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid and disconnected from the electrical circuits according to the manufacturer's instructions — for example, disconnect the battery or turn off the main switch'. CoC 11.2(b): the passenger is obliged to disconnect the battery before handover, if possible.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Prior approval must be obtained from the Smartwings Call Centre and 'this authorization must be presented upon request at any time throughout the entire duration of transport'. The passenger must also declare the wheelchair's size and weight. No battery spec sheet or MSDS is specified.
Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not published. Smartwings gives no maximum powered-wheelchair dimensions and no hold-door figures; the aid is approved case by case from the declared size and weight.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not published as a figure; Smartwings assesses each aid from the size and weight the passenger declares at least 48 h before departure.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Same as for manual chairs: the chair goes into the cargo compartment at check-in and 'passengers will be able to pick them up at the destination airport', with ground staff using 'a different wheelchair' between the aircraft and baggage claim.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Small electric personal-transport vehicles (hoverboards, mini-Segways, Segways, airwheels, solowheels, e-bikes, rideable suitcases) are banned outright in cabin and hold. Wheelchairs and mobility aids are a separate category and are accepted on approval.
Manual wheelchairs
'During check-in, personal wheelchairs will be given to the airport staff in order to be located in the cargo compartment of the aircraft.' Two fully collapsible wheelchairs travel free, outside the baggage allowance.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 How does the carriage of passengers in wheelchairs work? (Health limitations FAQ) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not published. Smartwings states personal wheelchairs are handed over at check-in and carried in the cargo compartment; it describes no in-cabin stowage option for a folding chair.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not published — no in-cabin wheelchair stowage is described.
Not published. Smartwings publishes no maximum wheelchair size and no per-aircraft hold table; instead the passenger must declare the chair's size and weight when notifying carriage, at least 48 h ahead.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Not published as a figure. Conditions of Carriage 11.2(b) requires only that 'the passenger must provide the carrier with information about the size and weight of the wheelchair' so acceptance can be assessed case by case.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'Passengers will be able to pick them up at the destination airport. Airport ground staff will provide assistance to the passengers with moving from the check-in stands to the aircraft and from the aircraft to the baggage claim area after the flight, using a different wheelchair.' Your own chair is returned at baggage claim, not at the aircraft door.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Wheelchairs, crutches and stretchers are subject to manual security inspection before boarding, and passengers with special needs may not occupy seats near the emergency exits.
Booking & cost
'Passengers using wheelchairs can request our free assistance service via Contact Form no later than 48 hours before departure.' Conditions of Carriage 11.2(b) sets the same deadline for notifying carriage of a personal wheelchair, and 11.1(f) for seating a companion beside you.
How does the carriage of passengers in wheelchairs work? (Health limitations FAQ) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'Passengers using wheelchairs can request our free assistance service via Contact Form no later than 48 hours before departure ... If the flight is a part of holiday package from travel agency, please contact the agency to purchase this service. Pricelist of your tour operator will be applied.' Battery-powered aids additionally need approval pre-arranged with the Call Centre.
How does the carriage of passengers in wheelchairs work? (Health limitations FAQ) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Contact — Reservation Centre and contact form (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'Passengers with reduced mobility may request a free wheelchair assistance.' Conditions of Carriage 11.2(b): 'The passenger can carry for free two fully collapsible wheelchairs that are not included in the baggage allowance.' On package holidays the tour operator's own price list applies to the assistance service.
How does the carriage of passengers in wheelchairs work? (Health limitations FAQ) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'The passenger can carry for free two fully collapsible wheelchairs that are not included in the baggage allowance.' A guide dog is also carried on board free of charge.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'In the carriage of baggage, the liability of the carrier in the event of destruction, loss, damage or delay shall be limited to 1 519 SDR for each passenger.' Damage to checked baggage must be reported immediately or within 7 days of delivery. No mobility-aid-specific liability rule is published.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
On board
Not published — Smartwings says nothing about an on-board aisle wheelchair.
No accessible lavatory is published. Conditions of Carriage 11.2(d) states only that 'some toilets are equipped with handrails, making the use of them easier for passengers with reduced mobility'.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'Cabin crew can help passengers with reduced mobility on the way to and from the toilet but are not authorized to lift passengers from the wheelchair seat or aid at the toilet.'
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
'Some of the seats on board have movable armrests to facilitate movement. If possible, the carrier shall ensure that these seats are available to passengers with reduced mobility.' PRM cannot occupy seats near emergency exits; a companion gets the adjacent seat if notified at least 48 h before departure.
Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Worth knowing
Two findings a power-chair user should weigh. First, Smartwings explicitly returns the chair at baggage claim, not at the aircraft door: 'passengers will be able to pick them up at the destination airport', with airport staff moving you in 'a different wheelchair' between aircraft and reclaim. Second, there is a direct contradiction between the two authoritative pages on spillable batteries — the dangerous-goods page carries aids with flooded batteries in the hold ON APPROVAL, while Conditions of Carriage 11.2(b) says 'it is not allowed to carry wheelchairs powered by batteries filled with corrosive substances'. A human should get this resolved in writing before travel. Every battery-powered aid needs Call Centre approval in advance and the authorisation must be producible throughout the journey. No maximum wheelchair size or weight is published at all — the passenger declares the size and weight and Smartwings decides. Package-holiday passengers must route the request through their tour operator, whose price list applies (the airline's own assistance is free). Note also that some flights are operated by Smartwings Hungary Kft., whose Conditions of Carriage differ (they are cited in the fitness-to-fly rules). smartwings.com is behind a Cloudflare challenge that blocks both direct fetches and the r.jina.ai reader proxy; the pages cited were read through Google's translate.goog transport, which serves Smartwings' own English pages verbatim.
Sources
Every figure above traces to one of these.
- s1 How does the carriage of passengers in wheelchairs work? (Health limitations FAQ) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s2 Non standard items — Wheelchairs (spillable, non-spillable and lithium batteries) and lithium battery rules (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s3 Conditions of Carriage — 11.1/11.2 carriage of special needs passengers and passengers with reduced mobility; 15 liability (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s4 Contact — Reservation Centre and contact form (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s5 Can I carry batteries? (points to the non-standard items battery rules) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
Record quality
Record status researched · confidence high · 5 official sources · 2 contacts · 72% of the fields this reference tracks are answered. Newest source read 29 July 2026, the day before this page was built. What these mean.