Airplane Aisle Chair: A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Air travel can be a daunting experience for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for people with disabilities or limited mobility.

One aspect of air travel that can be particularly difficult is boarding and deplaning the aircraft. This is where an airplane aisle chair can be a great help.

 

An aisle chair is a narrow wheelchair that is designed to fit down the narrow aisles of an airplane. It is used to transport passengers who are unable to walk to their seats on the plane.

The chair is usually provided by the airline and is used during boarding and deplaning, as well as during the flight if the passenger needs to use the lavatory.

Airplane aisle chairs are an important tool for making air travel more accessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility. They allow passengers who would otherwise have difficulty boarding and deplaning the aircraft to do so with ease.

In the following sections, we will explore the ins and outs of airplane aisle chairs, including how they work, what to expect during the boarding process, and how to prepare for your flight.

Key Takeaways

• Airplane aisle chairs are narrow wheelchairs that are designed to fit down the narrow aisles of an airplane.
• They are used to transport passengers who are unable to walk to their seats on the plane, and are usually provided by the airline.
• Aisle chairs are an important tool for making air travel more accessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility.

Understanding Airplane Aisle Chairs

If you have a disability that makes it difficult to walk or move around, you may need to use an airplane aisle chair when boarding and exiting the plane.

An aisle chair is a type of wheelchair that is designed to fit in the narrow aisles of an airplane.

In this section, we will discuss the design and features of airplane aisle chairs, as well as the different types available.

Design and Features

Aisle chairs are usually made of lightweight but strong materials, such as aluminum or titanium, to make it easier for airline staff to lift and move them around the plane.

They are also designed to be durable and withstand the wear and tear of frequent use. Some models feature mid-wheel turning, which allows for greater maneuverability in tight spaces, such as narrow airplane aisles.

Aisle chairs typically have safety belts to keep passengers secure during the flight. They may also have padded seats and backrests for added comfort. Some models have footrests and armrests that can be adjusted to accommodate different body sizes and shapes.

Types of Aisle Chairs

There are two main types of aisle chairs: manual and aisle wheelchairs.

Manual aisle chairs are designed to be pushed by airline staff or other passengers. They are usually smaller and lighter than aisle wheelchairs, which are motorized and can be operated by the passenger themselves.

Aisle wheelchairs are usually reserved for passengers who cannot transfer to a regular airplane seat. These chairs are designed to fit in the aisle of the plane and can be used to transport passengers to and from their seats. They may also be used to access the lavatory during the flight.

Air Travel Accessibility

When it comes to air travel accessibility, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. This section will cover the Air Carrier Access Act, airport assistance services, and onboard accessibility features that are available to make air travel more accessible for all passengers.

Air Carrier Access Act

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is a law that prohibits discrimination in air travel against individuals with disabilities.

Under this law, airlines are required to provide certain accommodations to passengers with disabilities, such as wheelchair assistance, accessible seating, and the use of service animals.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces this law and has a hotline for passengers to report any violations.

Airport Assistance Services

Airports offer a variety of assistance services to passengers with disabilities. These services can include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and lifts to help passengers board and disembark from the plane.

Additionally, passengers with disabilities can request bulkhead seats, which have more legroom and are closer to the restroom.

Onboard Accessibility Features

Many airlines have onboard accessibility features to make air travel more comfortable for passengers with disabilities.

These features can include adjustable armrests, accessible lavatories, and visual and audio announcements. Some airlines also offer special seating arrangements for passengers with disabilities, such as seats with movable armrests or seats with extra legroom.

Pre-Flight Preparations

Before you board your flight, there are a few pre-flight preparations you should make to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Booking and Seat Selection

When booking your flight, it’s important to let the airline know that you will be traveling with a wheelchair.

This will ensure that they are prepared to assist you with any special needs you may have. You should also request an aisle seat, as this will make it easier for you to get in and out of your seat.

Packing and Luggage Considerations

When packing for your trip, it’s important to consider your carry-on and luggage needs.

You should pack any medical equipment you need in your carry-on bag, as this will ensure that you have access to it throughout your journey.

You should also check the weight limit for your baggage, as this will vary depending on the airline.

If you are traveling with a wheelchair, you may need to check it in at the gate. This is known as gate check, and it allows you to keep your wheelchair with you until you board the plane.

However, you should check with the airline beforehand to ensure that your wheelchair is suitable for gate check.

In-Flight Experience

When traveling by air with a disability, the in-flight experience can be challenging. However, with the use of an aisle transfer chair, it is possible to make the journey more comfortable and safe. Here are some important things to keep in mind during your flight.

Boarding and Deplaning

Boarding and deplaning are two of the most challenging parts of air travel for people with disabilities.

When boarding the plane, you will use the aisle transfer chair to move from your wheelchair to your seat. Flight attendants will assist you with this process and ensure that you are comfortable and secure in your seat.

During deplaning, the process is reversed, and you will use the aisle transfer chair to move from your seat to your wheelchair.

Comfort and Safety During Flight

Once you are seated, it is important to ensure that you are comfortable and safe during the flight.

The aisle transfer chair is designed to fit the narrow aisle of the plane, but it is not as comfortable as a regular wheelchair. Therefore, you need to adjust your routine to ensure that you are comfortable.

You may need to adjust your position, use pillows and cushions, or request additional blankets to ensure that you are comfortable during the flight.

It is also important to ensure that you are safe during the flight. You should always wear your safety belt, and ensure that it is fastened securely.

The flight attendants will provide you with instructions on how to use the safety belt, and will check that it is fastened correctly before take-off.

Additionally, if you are seated in the first row or near an emergency exit, the flight attendants will provide you with additional instructions on how to safely exit the plane in case of an emergency.

If you need to use the lavatory during the flight, the flight attendants will assist you with using the aisle transfer chair to move to the lavatory.

The lavatory is designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, but it is important to be aware of the limited space and adjust your routine accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is an aisle chair used during air travel?

An aisle chair is a narrow wheelchair designed to fit in the aisle of an airplane. It is used to assist passengers with mobility issues to board and disembark from the aircraft and to move around the cabin during the flight.

The passenger’s own wheelchair is usually checked in as special luggage and is not used during the flight. The airline will provide an aisle chair for the passenger to use during the flight.

What is the typical cost of an airplane aisle chair?

The cost of an airplane aisle chair varies depending on the airline and the type of chair.

Some airlines provide the chair free of charge, while others may charge a fee. It is recommended to check with the airline in advance to determine if there will be a cost associated with the use of an aisle chair.

Are there specific aisle chairs designed for aircraft use?

Yes, there are specific aisle chairs designed for aircraft use. These chairs are lightweight, narrow, and have a low profile to fit in the narrow aisles of the aircraft.

They are also designed to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces and have features such as brakes and footrests.

What features do portable aisle chairs offer for airline passengers?

Portable aisle chairs offer several features for airline passengers.

They are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for use in aircraft aisles. They also have features such as brakes and footrests to ensure the safety and comfort of the passenger during the flight.

Some portable aisle chairs also have adjustable seat heights and armrests to accommodate passengers of different sizes.

How does one access a wheelchair accessible airplane seat?

Wheelchair accessible airplane seats are typically located in the front of the cabin or in bulkhead rows.

Passengers who require a wheelchair accessible seat should contact the airline in advance to make arrangements. The airline will usually require specific information about the passenger’s mobility needs and will make the necessary arrangements to ensure a wheelchair accessible seat is available.

What are the policies for passengers traveling with walkers on airplanes?

Passengers traveling with walkers on airplanes are usually allowed to bring them on board as carry-on items. However, the walker will need to be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of the passenger during takeoff and landing.

It is recommended to check with the airline in advance to ensure that the walker meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions.