I don’t use a power chair myself, but I’ve heard from friends who do that a few things really help — like removing anything that sticks out (joystick, headrest, footrests), wrapping the fragile parts with bubble wrap or even pool noodles, and taping clear instructions right on the chair so baggage crew know how to handle it. They also always remind staff at the gate that the chair needs to come back to the plane door, not baggage claim. Seems like those little steps can make a big difference.

And you can read my article on what to do in the unfortunate event of your chair being damaged: https://theworldisaccessible.com/airline-damaged-your-wheelchair-heres-what-to-do/, but more than likely everything will be absolutely fine!

While not physically protecting, I always recommend taking multiple pictures/videos of your wheelchair when you pass it off so there will be no doubt that it was damaged by the airline or ground staff.

Look up and get in touch with local repair shops so if anything comes up there is no “what should we do?” moment.

While we hear about all the horrible experiences, we rarely hear about the good ones. And, yes, there are many good experiences.

I have been a power wheelchair user since 1987 and have flown mostly solo since 1992.

My chair has been damaged only once. It occurred in 2004 during an LAX-JFK flight. One of my footrests got slammed inwards. I reported it at JFK before proceeding to my hotel. United admitted that they were at fault and stated they would cover the repair costs. When I got back home to LAX, I again had them confirm they were at fault. They gave me instructions on how my preferred repair place could bill them.

I have flown around the US and to London and that has been the only time my chair has been damaged.