United Airlines serves thousands of passengers every day. Some passengers require additional equipment or wheelchair assistance. Thankfully, United Airlines can help out and make the process go smoothly.
Here’s everything you need to know about requesting wheelchair assistance or additional help at United Airlines.
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Wheelchair Assistance at United Airlines
United Airlines requires 48-hour advance notice and an extra hour at check-in if you need wheelchair assistance. You can request a wheelchair or additional assistance when booking your trip. Alternatively, you can call the Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744 for more information.
How to Request Wheelchair Assistance?
There are several ways you can request wheelchair assistance at United Airlines. United Airlines can help, whether you’re bringing a personal wheelchair or requesting one upon arrival. We cover the options for requesting wheelchair assistance at United Airlines below.
Requesting Wheelchairs at the Airport
You can request a wheelchair or wheelchair assistance ahead of time by accessing the My Trips page on the United Airlines website. Alternatively, you can request additional assistance in the traveler information tab when you book your trip.
You can pick up the requested wheelchair at the ticket counter or at the wheelchair assistance center in the airport lobby.
Wheelchair Services
- Airport wheelchairs: United Airlines offers manual wheelchairs at all of their airports. The wheelchairs are usually 18 inches wide.
- Aisle wheelchairs: United Airlines offers specially designed wheelchairs to help you access and get out of your seat during boarding and arrival.
- Onboard wheelchairs: United Airlines offers onboard wheelchairs on all planes with more than 60 seats. These wheelchairs can be used to access the on-plane bathroom.
Traveling with your own wheelchair
United Airlines allows passengers to check in wheelchairs or assistive devices for free alongside their checked bags. You can notify United Airlines that you’ll be bringing your own wheelchair ahead of time by accessing the My Trips page on the official website. Alternatively, you can notify United Airlines through the traveler information tab when you book your trip.
Eligible Wheelchairs and Assistive Devices
United Airlines allows passengers to bring several different wheelchairs and assistive devices, including:
- Manual wheelchairs
- Electric wheelchairs
- Electric scooters
- Walkers
- Canes
United Airlines states that these devices can be folding, non-folding, or collapsible.
Checking In Your Wheelchair
- Get to the airport ahead of schedule: United Airlines recommends individuals arrive an hour before the required check-in time if they’re using a wheelchair or assistive device.
- Consult an agent: United Airlines states that you can start the check-in process for your wheelchair by consulting an agent at the ticket counter or the gate.
- Check-in your wheelchair: United Airlines states that after your wheelchair is checked in, you can use the wheelchair at the airport or receive additional assistance.
More Tips
United Airlines states that its ground crew is always on the lookout for written instructions when handling wheelchairs. You can write your own wheelchair information or instructions and attach them to the chair ahead of time. The ground personnel will take off removable pieces if they have permission in the form of written instructions.
Are There Additional Fees?
United Airlines allows passengers to check in two wheelchairs, scooters, or assistive devices for free in addition to their check bags. That being said, baggage fees can apply for additional wheelchairs or assistive equipment, including devices used for sports.
Can I Board With a Wheelchair?
Generally speaking, most wheelchairs are checked-in and placed in the cargo zone of the plane. However, your wheelchair may or may not fit through the cargo openings, depending on the size of the device and the plane.
You can visit the My Trips page on the United Airlines website or app to see if the type of plane supports your wheelchair.
Additional Assistance
As mentioned earlier, you can request wheelchair assistance and additional services when you book your flight on the United Airlines website or app. You can also call the Accessibility Desk at
1-800-228-2744 for additional help if you live in the United States or Canada.
Alternatively, you can call the United Customer Contact Center and transfer to the Accessibility Desk if you’re outside of the United States or Canada. Your submission will be entered alongside your flight as a special service request.
Does United Airlines Offer Wheelchair Assistance?
Yes, United Airlines offers wheelchair assistance. Passengers can check in a personal wheelchair or assistive device ahead of time. Passengers can also request a wheelchair or additional assistance when booking a trip from the My Trips page.
United Airlines requires 48-hour advance notice and an extra hour at check-in if you need wheelchair assistance. You can also call the Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744 for more information.