wheelair

All airlines Europe

Virgin Atlantic

IATA VS ICAO VIR United Kingdom · SkyTeam · www.virginatlantic.com (opens in a new tab)

Powered chairs need the airline’s prior approval · carried free · 72 h notice.

Advance notice
72hours 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.

Virgin Atlantic runs a named "Accessible Travel Services" team and asks you to use its online form at least 72 hours before departure rather than phoning. Complaint Resolution Officials are available at its UK and US airports — tell any Virgin Atlantic staff member and they will put you in direct contact with a CRO. Codeshare and partner-operated flights must be arranged with the operating carrier. Contact audit 2026-07-29: an e-mail address on the virginholidays.com domain (Virgin Atlantic Holidays) was removed because it could not be confirmed on any Virgin Atlantic page — the cited help article renders its body client-side and returns no content to any fetch route tried (direct, reader proxy with JS rendering, the site's own Next.js data endpoint and federated-data-api, and the Internet Archive, which holds no capture). The Virgin Atlantic Holidays cruise phone number below rests on the same unreadable article and should be re-verified by a human in a browser.

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
Conditional

"You're welcome to bring your electric mobility aid on your Virgin Atlantic flight, as long as the battery type is approved for travel." Virgin Atlantic must be told the manufacturer's name, model name, weight including batteries and battery type, and states: "There are complex safety regulations regarding these items, and if your electric mobility aid does not comply, we can't transport it."

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Lithium-ion batteries
Conditional

Accepted with Virgin Atlantic's permission: "Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries or lithium batteries" are listed under "Special Assistance items you’ll need to our permission to take onboard the plane", checked baggage only. Batteries must meet UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III subsection 38.3, terminals protected from short circuit, the battery securely attached and circuits isolated. Where the aid is designed for the user to remove the battery (e.g. collapsible) it must be removed and carried in the cabin.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  Dangerous or restricted items (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — battery stays in the chair
Not published

Not published. The 300 Wh figure is stated only for batteries designed to be removed by the user and carried in the cabin. Where a lithium battery stays installed, Virgin Atlantic states only that it must meet UN 38.3, be securely attached, have terminals protected and circuits isolated, and that the pilot in command is told where the aid is stowed.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

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

For a battery designed to be removed by the user: "The battery must not exceed 300 Wh." It must be insulated (e.g. tape over exposed terminals), protected from damage in a pouch, removed following the manufacturer's or owner's instructions, and carried in the passenger cabin.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

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." Spares must be carried in the passenger cabin.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Spare batteries permittedmaximum number under any published configuration
2

One spare up to 300 Wh, or two spares of up to 160 Wh each. For spares over 300 Wh, or any dry or wet cell spares, Virgin Atlantic asks you to contact the Accessible Travel team before you fly — only approved batteries are carried.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Battery must be removed
Conditional

Required where the aid "is specifically designed to allow its battery(ies) to be removed by the user (eg. collapsible)" — the lithium battery must then be removed and carried in the cabin (removable non-spillable batteries go in rigid packaging in the hold). Batteries not designed for user removal may remain installed.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  Dangerous or restricted items (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

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

Accepted with Virgin Atlantic's permission: "Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with non-spillable wet batteries or with batteries which comply with Special Provision A123 or A199" are listed under "Special Assistance items you’ll need to our permission to take onboard the plane", checked baggage only. The battery may stay installed if terminals are protected from short circuit, it is securely attached and the circuits isolated; a user-removable battery goes in strong rigid packaging in the hold, with the pilot in command told its location.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  Dangerous or restricted items (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Wet / spillable batteries
Conditional

Accepted in the hold with Virgin Atlantic's permission: spillable-battery wheelchairs are listed under "Special Assistance items you’ll need to our permission to take onboard the plane", checked baggage only — not in hand baggage or on the person. Terminals must be protected from short circuit (e.g. enclosed in a battery container), the battery securely attached to the aid and electrical circuits isolated so there is no chance of unintentional operation; as a last resort the cables are disconnected and terminals insulated.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  Dangerous or restricted items (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Terminal protection & immobilisation
Terminals must be protected from short circuit (enclosed in a battery container or taped) and electrical circuits isolated so the motors cannot operate

"Electrical circuits have been isolated and there is no chance of unintentional operation (ie. all motors must be rendered inoperative). If this is not possible and as an absolute last step, the battery cables must be disconnected and the battery terminals must be insulated to prevent short circuits."

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Paperwork the airline wants
Lithium batteries must meet UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III subsection 38.3; a Material Safety Data Sheet may be requested for spare batteries

Virgin Atlantic may ask you to share an MSDS to confirm a spare battery is acceptable, particularly lithium spares over 300 Wh or any dry or wet cell spares. The mobility aid form requires manufacturer, model, weight, battery type including Wh rating, whether the battery was supplied or recommended by the manufacturer, and how the aid is switched off.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  Bringing your own mobility aid — assistance request form (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Size limit for a powered chairAirline’s stated maximum wheelchair size
155 cm long · 124 cm wide · 130 cm high

"The maximum size we can accept is 124cm wide x 130cm high x 155cm deep. This is the size of the mobility aid when it's ready to load, so please consider anything that can be folded or removed, such as the chair back, headrest or footplates. Where possible, removable parts can be carried in the cabin with you."

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Weight limit for a powered chair
No stated limit

"There isn't a fixed maximum weight for mobility aids. We'll accept your mobility aid where it can be safely handled, loaded, secured and carried using the aircraft, container, and airport equipment available." Virgin Atlantic asks you to contact Accessible Travel Services early if the aid is particularly heavy.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Returned at the aircraft door
Conditional

"Whenever possible we'll have your wheelchair/mobility aid ready and waiting at the aircraft doors. However, you may have to reclaim it at the baggage hall. In these instances, an airport wheelchair will be made available until yours can be reclaimed."

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Virgin Atlantic tells passengers to arrive about three hours before take-off so the chair can be prepared, and to reach the departure gate early. It points to the British Healthcare Trades Association mobility-aid log and the UK CAA's safety advice, and lists the instruments it works to: CAA Safety Notice SN-2012/003, 14 CFR Part 382, Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, the IATA/ICAO Dangerous Goods Regulations, and for US flights 49 CFR 175.10(a)(15) and (16). If you are travelling with an electric wheelchair and plan to use it during a connection, allow extra time.

Manual wheelchairs

Manual chairs accepted
Yes

"You can take your manual mobility aid with you when travelling on a Virgin Atlantic flight." On a codeshare or partner-operated flight the operating airline's rules apply instead.

Can I travel with my manual mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Folding chair may travel in the cabin
Yes

"Onboard, we have space for one manual collapsible wheelchair to be stowed in the cabin of our aircraft." First come, first served — it cannot be reserved. If it is already in use, the crew stow your chair in the hold and return it after landing.

Can I travel with my manual mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  How will my wheelchair be stowed onboard? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

In-cabin stowage limit
Not published

Virgin Atlantic publishes no dimensions for the in-cabin wheelchair stowage area, only that it holds one manual collapsible wheelchair on a first-come basis.

Can I travel with my manual mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  How will my wheelchair be stowed onboard? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Size limit for a checked manual chairAirline’s stated maximum wheelchair size
155 cm long · 124 cm wide · 130 cm high

"The maximum size we can accept is 124cm wide x 130cm high x 155cm deep. This is the size of the mobility aid when it's ready to load, so please consider anything that can be folded or removed, such as the chair back, headrest or footplates. Where possible, removable parts can be carried in the cabin with you." The same figure is published on the manual mobility aid article.

Can I travel with my manual mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Weight limit for a manual chair
No stated limit

"There isn't a fixed maximum weight for mobility aids. We'll accept your mobility aid where it can be safely handled, loaded, secured and carried using the aircraft, container, and airport equipment available." Virgin Atlantic asks you to contact Accessible Travel Services early if the aid is particularly heavy. Published on the manual mobility aid article in identical terms.

Can I travel with my manual mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Returned at the aircraft door
Yes

"Whenever possible we'll have your wheelchair/mobility aid ready and waiting at the aircraft doors. However, you may have to reclaim it at the baggage hall" — in that case an airport wheelchair is provided until yours can be reclaimed.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Walking sticks, crutches and walking frames need no advance notice and usually go in the cabin; where there is no cabin space the crew place them in the hold and help you move about the cabin.

Booking & cost

Advance notice requiredhours before scheduled departure
72h

"To get in touch with us and request assistance, please complete the below form at least 72 hours before your flight departs." The wheelchair assistance article repeats: "We recommend making your request as early as possible, ideally at least 72 hours before your flight."

How do I contact Accessible Travel Services? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  How do I request wheelchair assistance? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

How to request assistance
Complete the Accessible Travel Services online form at least 72 hours before departure (mobility aids have their own form), or add wheelchair assistance in My Booking under 'Request Assistance'

Airport wheelchair assistance is requested through My Booking → Request Assistance → Special Requests → Wheelchair assistance. Bringing your own mobility aid uses the dedicated form, which asks for manufacturer, model, weight, battery type and Wh rating, free-wheel fitting, lifting handles and how the device is switched off.

How do I contact Accessible Travel Services? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  How do I request wheelchair assistance? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Bringing your own mobility aid — assistance request form (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Charge for carrying the aid
No fee

Virgin Atlantic: walking sticks, crutches and walking frames "can be brought with you free of charge in addition to your free baggage allowance", unless carried for someone who is not travelling. No fee is published anywhere for carrying a manual wheelchair or an electric mobility aid, and there is "no charge for pre-allocating seating for customers with accessibility requirements".

Can I travel with my manual mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30  What accessible seating options are there? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Mobility devices carried free
Not published

Virgin Atlantic does not publish a number of mobility aids carried free per passenger.

If they damage your chair
Not published

No monetary liability figure is published for mobility aids. Virgin Atlantic states that under the US DOT non-discrimination rule you have the right to contact a Complaint Resolution Official and file a claim; CROs are available at its UK and US airports and any staff member will put you in direct contact with one. After leaving the airport, use the delayed/lost/damaged bag process.

What happens if my wheelchair or electric mobility aid is delayed, damaged or mishandled? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

On board

On-board aisle chair
Yes

"There is an onboard aisle wheelchair on every aircraft, and the crew will help you get around the cabin while you're onboard."

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Accessible lavatory
Conditional

Crew "can take you to and from the bathroom door but cannot assist you inside, for hygiene reasons". Passengers needing help inside the lavatory are told to contact Accessible Travel Services to discuss options.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Crew help you transfer
Conditional

Crew help you move around the cabin using the on-board aisle chair and take you to and from the lavatory door, but will not assist inside the lavatory.

Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-30

Seating & movable armrests
Yes

"Our seat maps highlight accessible features like movable armrests and toilets with wheelchair access." Accessible Travel Services can help choose seats, including bulkhead seats, which are prioritised for medical needs and allocated within 24 hours of departure. There is no charge for pre-allocating seating for customers with accessibility requirements.

What accessible seating options are there? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Fleet detail. Mobility aids are stowed in containers in the hold. Virgin Atlantic states the maximum container dimensions as "79 inches height x 60 inches depth x 1605 inches width" — the width figure is an obvious typo on the airline's own page and should not be relied on. The binding published figure is the maximum accepted device size of 124 cm wide x 130 cm high x 155 cm deep.

Worth knowing

virginatlantic.com's help centre is a client-rendered Next.js app whose article bodies are empty in the server HTML and invisible to reader proxies; the content here was read from a headless-browser render of each article. Re-check by a human: (1) the stowage article prints hold container dimensions as "79 inches height x 60 inches depth x 1605 inches width" — the width is a typo; (2) the UK Special Assistance phone 0344 481 4455 and Minicom 0844 209 0747 come from the Customer Service Plan page on flywith.virginatlantic.com, while the current help centre prints no phone number and steers customers to an online form at least 72 hours ahead, so the line may be stale. The 300 Wh lithium cap is published only for batteries designed to be removed by the user; no watt-hour cap is published for a battery that stays installed. 2026-07-30: both help-centre articles were supplied by a human — the portal renders entirely client-side and had defeated every automated route, including a 30-second JS render and Wayback. The size and weight rules are now sourced. The battery sections of the electric article (Non-spillable and dry / Spillable / Lithium / Spare) are collapsed accordions whose bodies did not come through, so Virgin Atlantic's watt-hour figures remain unread and stay null rather than being assumed from the ICAO baseline.

Sources

Every figure above traces to one of these.

  1. s1 Can I travel with my electric mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-30
  2. s2 Can I travel with my manual mobility aid? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-30
  3. s3 How do I contact Accessible Travel Services? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  4. s4 How do I request wheelchair assistance? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  5. s5 What happens if my wheelchair or electric mobility aid is delayed, damaged or mishandled? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  6. s6 Do you have accessible toilets onboard? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  7. s7 What accessible seating options are there? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  8. s8 How will my wheelchair be stowed onboard? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  9. s9 Dangerous or restricted items (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  10. s10 Virgin Atlantic Customer Service Plan (Special Assistance Department contacts) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  11. s11 Accessible travel & fitness to fly (help centre category) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  12. s12 Bringing your own mobility aid — assistance request form (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  13. s13 Air Carrier Access Act (policy page) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  14. s14 Can I take my manual mobility aid onboard? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29

Record quality

Record status researched · confidence high · 14 official sources · 5 contacts · 88% of the fields this reference tracks are answered. Newest source read 30 July 2026, the day this page was built. What these mean.