Traveling with mobility and medical devices
If you’re traveling with any medical device, a wheelchair or other mobility device we’re here to help – we offer pre-boarding, deplaning and airport assistance.
For battery operated mobility devices, contact Special Assistance to make sure the battery type is approved for travel and for any other special assistance travel requests.
If you’re connecting to another airline or traveling on a codeshare flight, contact the operating carrier or other airline for their rules on traveling with mobility and medical devices.
Tips and suggestions:
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Be sure your equipment is clearly labeled with your name, address and phone number.
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Write down the make, model, serial number and note any normal wear and tear.
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Write down any safe-handling and disassembly instructions and attach to your device.
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Plan to arrive at your departure gate 1 hour before scheduled departure.
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Check with the gate agent to get a gate delivery tag and attach it to your equipment before boarding.
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When you arrive at your final destination look over your equipment to make sure it’s in good and working condition before leaving the airport.
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Notify the gate agent or baggage service office if you notice any damage.
Wheelchairs (mobility scooters)
Please let a gate or Reservation agent know if you need onboard wheelchair assistance during your trip. Flight attendants can provide assistance in transfers between your seat and an onboard wheelchair, and in moving the onboard wheelchair to and from the lavatory door.
When traveling outside the U.S., we highly recommended you make your special assistance requests as far in advance as possible.
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Planes have a designated space to hold 1 collapsible wheelchair.
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Mobility devices can also be stored overhead or under your seat.
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Non-collapsible wheelchairs, scooters or other battery-powered wheelchairs can be checked at the ticket counter or departure gate.
The doors to the wheelchair storage area are 25in high x 40in wide (63cm x 101cm), with some smaller at 25in x 38in. If your wheelchair is larger than this, contact Reservations.
Request special assistance during booking
Choose "Add special assistance" on the passenger details page when booking or managing your trip on aa.com. There you can:
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Request wheelchair service
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Notify us you’re traveling with your own mobility device
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Request assistance if you have a hearing, vision, cognitive or developmental disability
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State if you’re traveling with a service animal. Keep in mind, notice and approval is required at least 48 hours before your flight.
How to contact Special Assistance
Send us your request online
Submit a disability assistance request
Call Special Assistance
If you can't change your trip online or need to make special arrangements, call us for help:
800-237-7976
For hearing or speech-impaired assistance:
800-735-2988
Contact Reservations for all other questions
Dial 711 to be connected through the National Relay Service
Accessible travel
We're dedicated to providing a positive travel experience for all customers. You can request special assistance when making or managing your reservation online or call us if you have special requests. A coordinator will contact you before your trip to make sure everything’s ready.
Request special assistance online
When you book or manage your trip online, choose 'Add special assistance' on the passenger details page. There you can:
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Request wheelchair service
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State if you're traveling with your own mobility device
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Request individual assistance if you have a hearing, vision, cognitive or developmental disability
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State if you’re traveling with a service animal. Keep in mind, notice and approval is required at least 48 hours before your flight.
Links:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/mobility-and-medical-devices.jsp
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/restricted-items.jsp#batteries
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/contact-american/special-assistance.jsp
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/special-assistance.jsp