Air Carrier Access Act Technical Assistance Manual (2005)

Wheelchairs Unable to be Stowed in the Aircraft Cabin as Carry-on

When a folding, collapsible, or break-down wheelchair cannot be stowed in the cabin as carry-on baggage, you must ensure the timely checking and return of the passenger’s wheelchair or other assistive device as close as possible to the door of the aircraft, so that the passenger with a disability can use his or her own equipment, where possible, consistent with DOT regulations concerning transportation of hazardous materials. [Sec. 382.41(f)]

If, on the other hand, a passenger with a disability requests, you should return the wheelchair or other assistive device at the baggage claim area instead of at the door of the aircraft. [Sec. 382.41(f)(1)] A passenger’s wheelchair or other assistive device must be stowed in the baggage compartment with priority over other items and baggage. [Sec. 382.41(f)(3)] In order to ensure the timely return of a passenger’s wheelchair or other assistive device, it must be among the first items retrieved from the baggage compartment. [Sec. 382.41(f)(2)] If giving priority to wheelchairs and other assistive devices results in passengers’ non-assistive device-related baggage being unable to be carried on the flight, you must use your best efforts to ensure that the non-assistive device-related baggage reaches the passengers’ destination within four hours of the scheduled arrival time of the flight.