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Travel is for everyone

We know that traveling with a wheelchair can be stressful. To help ease those worries, we have put together some helpful travel resources for your Permobil- wheelchair or Power Assist Device as well as top travel tips from experienced wheelchair travelers to help you be more prepared than ever.

Like you, we want to encourage and challenge the travel industry to ensure they meet the needs, behaviors, and concerns of passengers who are wheelchair users in their approach to inclusion and diversity. By raising awareness, we can all do better.

We wish you a happy journey!

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Useful Documents
Download our handy checklist to ensure you are prepared before you travel.
Complete the information and attach this tag to your chair to ensure it is handled correctly.
Find your wheelchair and PAD battery certificate here and download to provide to your airline as required.
Print your wheelchair specification to give size and weight to your airline.

Planning for your trip

Preparing for travel as a wheelchair user involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some essential tasks to consider:

Research your destination: Prioritize destinations that are known for their accessibility and have infrastructure and facilities suitable for wheelchair users. Look for information on accessible accommodations, transportation options, wheelchair-friendly activities, dining, and attractions.

Plan your itinerary: Create a detailed list that includes accessible points of interest, attractions, and restaurants. Make sure to factor in travel times and consider the availability of accessible transportation options at your destination. 

Contact your accommodation: Reach out to your chosen hotel/host in advance to confirm their accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible rooms, ramps, elevators, and bathroom facilities. Ask any specific questions or request additional information if needed. 

This is just a small portion of the trip planning guide. Click on the link below to download the free PDF.

Download the Trip Planning PDF
Eric sits at a table, smiling and talking to his friend

Eric LeGrand's top tips

Watch Eric's top tips for air travel and have a good flight!

Get to the gate early
Get to the gate as soon as you can, like right after you get past security, and introduce yourself to the check-in person and explain to them what you need help with and that you need to board early.
Patrik Wolff, Permobil user, sits by the table with a beer
Patrik Wolff
Patrik Wolff, Permobil user, sits by the table with a beer
Get to the gate early
Get to the gate as soon as you can, like right after you get past security, and introduce yourself to the check-in person and explain to them what you need help with and that you need to board early.
Patrik Wolff
London's taxi cabs can take some wheelchairs
London was fantastic and is one of the only cities with a taxis/ cabs that has a ramp in ALL of their vehicles! We were able to hail a cab at any time, which is something I have never experienced before . The 'Tube' was also pretty accessible, as long as you 'mind the gap', so if you want to visit a place where you are free explore without too much pre-planning, try London!
Katie Charboneau
London's taxi cabs can take some wheelchairs
London was fantastic and is one of the only cities with a taxis/ cabs that has a ramp in ALL of their vehicles! We were able to hail a cab at any time, which is something I have never experienced before . The 'Tube' was also pretty accessible, as long as you 'mind the gap', so if you want to visit a place where you are free explore without too much pre-planning, try London!
Katie Charboneau
Packing list
Make sure you pack your power chair battery charger (and that it is compatible with your destination!).
Eric sits at a table, smiling and talking to his friend
Eric LeGrand
Eric sits at a table, smiling and talking to his friend
Packing list
Make sure you pack your power chair battery charger (and that it is compatible with your destination!).
Eric LeGrand
Toilet break
If you see an accessible toilet use it, as you might not see one as soon as you need it.
Ross Hovey, UK
Accessibility Manager, Lloyds Banking Group and Co-Founder Changing Places
Toilet break
If you see an accessible toilet use it, as you might not see one as soon as you need it.
Ross Hovey, UK
Accessibility Manager, Lloyds Banking Group and Co-Founder Changing Places
Accessible is no size fits all.
‘Accessible’ means a different thing to every person. You will have to be the expert when you travel so it’s key to know your own needs and ensure that those will be met. That being said, to travel means to explore new things. It will not be like home, and I believe that is the whole reason to travel. And don’t worry when it doesn’t turn out the way you had planned. Things always work out.
Pernilla in her power chair enjoys while a giraffe bends down and licks her face
Pernilla Becker
Pernilla in her power chair enjoys while a giraffe bends down and licks her face
Accessible is no size fits all.
‘Accessible’ means a different thing to every person. You will have to be the expert when you travel so it’s key to know your own needs and ensure that those will be met. That being said, to travel means to explore new things. It will not be like home, and I believe that is the whole reason to travel. And don’t worry when it doesn’t turn out the way you had planned. Things always work out.
Pernilla Becker
Get to the gate early
Get to the gate as soon as you can, like right after you get past security, and introduce yourself to the check-in person and explain to them what you need help with and that you need to board early.
Patrik Wolff, Permobil user, sits by the table with a beer
Patrik Wolff
Patrik Wolff, Permobil user, sits by the table with a beer
Get to the gate early
Get to the gate as soon as you can, like right after you get past security, and introduce yourself to the check-in person and explain to them what you need help with and that you need to board early.
Patrik Wolff
London's taxi cabs can take some wheelchairs
London was fantastic and is one of the only cities with a taxis/ cabs that has a ramp in ALL of their vehicles! We were able to hail a cab at any time, which is something I have never experienced before . The 'Tube' was also pretty accessible, as long as you 'mind the gap', so if you want to visit a place where you are free explore without too much pre-planning, try London!
Katie Charboneau
London's taxi cabs can take some wheelchairs
London was fantastic and is one of the only cities with a taxis/ cabs that has a ramp in ALL of their vehicles! We were able to hail a cab at any time, which is something I have never experienced before . The 'Tube' was also pretty accessible, as long as you 'mind the gap', so if you want to visit a place where you are free explore without too much pre-planning, try London!
Katie Charboneau
Packing list
Make sure you pack your power chair battery charger (and that it is compatible with your destination!).
Eric sits at a table, smiling and talking to his friend
Eric LeGrand
Eric sits at a table, smiling and talking to his friend
Packing list
Make sure you pack your power chair battery charger (and that it is compatible with your destination!).
Eric LeGrand
Toilet break
If you see an accessible toilet use it, as you might not see one as soon as you need it.
Ross Hovey, UK
Accessibility Manager, Lloyds Banking Group and Co-Founder Changing Places
Toilet break
If you see an accessible toilet use it, as you might not see one as soon as you need it.
Ross Hovey, UK
Accessibility Manager, Lloyds Banking Group and Co-Founder Changing Places
Accessible is no size fits all.
‘Accessible’ means a different thing to every person. You will have to be the expert when you travel so it’s key to know your own needs and ensure that those will be met. That being said, to travel means to explore new things. It will not be like home, and I believe that is the whole reason to travel. And don’t worry when it doesn’t turn out the way you had planned. Things always work out.
Pernilla in her power chair enjoys while a giraffe bends down and licks her face
Pernilla Becker
Pernilla in her power chair enjoys while a giraffe bends down and licks her face
Accessible is no size fits all.
‘Accessible’ means a different thing to every person. You will have to be the expert when you travel so it’s key to know your own needs and ensure that those will be met. That being said, to travel means to explore new things. It will not be like home, and I believe that is the whole reason to travel. And don’t worry when it doesn’t turn out the way you had planned. Things always work out.
Pernilla Becker
If something happens during air travel

  • Notify

    Complete a thorough inspection of your wheelchair and all of its components as soon as you receive it back after your flight. If there is any damage, including cosmetic, immediately notify airline staff at the airport to file a report. It is highly encouraged that you do not leave the airport until you’ve filed a claim. However, if damage is noted after leaving the airport, some air carriers will allow you to submit a claim later. Be sure to verify all processes with the specific airline.

  • Document

    Take photos of your wheelchair and its components before handing it over to airline staff. This will serve as evidence of its condition. If your wheelchair gets damaged, photograph the damage and note all details. These photos will be useful when filing a claim. Keep all flight-related documents for your records.

  • Follow-up

    After filing the report, request a written copy of the next steps and inquire about a loaner or rental wheelchair if yours is inoperable or significantly damaged. Follow up with the airline after your trip for updates on the status and repair timeline. Maintain regular communication until the matter is resolved satisfactorily.
Travel tips
  • Travel tips - Before you go

    Before you go

    Fully charge your batteries and make sure you have a compatible charger for your destination.
  • Travel tips - when travelling

    When travelling

    Utilise supporting equipment to help make travelling easier.

  • If something happens to your chair

    Contact a local dealer or Permobil representative who will do their best to help get you back up and running.

Check out our Wheelchairs Nerds podcast with its new series on all things travel!

Wheelchair Nerds

MyPermobil

Travel with confidence

From where you've been to where you want to go. The MyPermobil app provides an integrated map that can assist you on your power wheelchair journey. Combining in-app estimated range with the integrated map empowers you to go further with confidence.

Learn more

If something goes wrong

EDF's Transport Accessibility Database

You can report incidents in Europe to the European Disability Forum, a non-governmental organization that promotes and defends the rights of people with disabilities. You may also be able to report incidents to a governmental / regulatory body in your home country.

Report problems with air travel in Europe to EDF

AbleMove

Exploring new possibilities

ableMove products are for wheelchair users to support day to day activities as well as more specialised activities that previously may have been out of reach, such as flying. We are delighted to partner with ableMove to offer an exclusive summer promotion on ableSling Lite and ableDry products. The ableSling Lite is a discreet in-situ manual transfer sling for daily use and the ableDry is a wheelchair towel, designed to keep the seating area dry when getting out of the swimming pool, the sea, or even the bathroom.

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