JIANLIAN HOMECARE PRODUCTS CO,.LTD

Can you fly with a walker?

For travelers with mobility issues, portable walking aids are essential for travel, and many worry about whether they can bring their portable walking aids on a plane. The answer is yes: the adult walking aid can be carried on board. Both wheeled portable walking aids and electric portable walking aids are considered assistive mobility devices under civil aviation regulations, and airlines are required to facilitate their transportation. However, it's important to note that different types of portable walking aids have different procedures for carrying and storage, so understanding the relevant rules in advance will make travel smoother.

I. Lightweight Walkers Can Be Transported Free of Charge

According to the clear regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Administration of my country (CAAC), lightweight walkers are classified as "assistive mobility devices" and are eligible for free transportation, without being counted towards carry-on or checked baggage allowances. This means that passengers do not need to pay any extra transportation fees for carrying lightweight walkers, effectively reducing travel costs. Depending on the size of the lightweight walker, appropriate transportation methods can be chosen. Smaller, foldable lightweight walkers can be stored in the passenger cabin, while larger adjustable adult walkers can be checked in at the boarding gate.

II. Inform the airline in advance if you need to use a adjustable adult walker.

Passengers are advised to contact the airline proactively when booking their tickets or at least 24 hours before their flight to inform them of their need to bring a adjustable adult walker. Giving advance notice allows the airline to prepare accordingly, such as reserving suitable storage space and arranging for assistance services, thus avoiding delays caused by last-minute communication. This is especially important when carrying special types of adjustable adult walkers (such as electric portable walking aids).

III. Precautions for Traveling with Electric Adjustable Adult Walkers

Electric adult walking aids, due to containing lithium batteries (which are considered dangerous goods in aviation), have stricter carrying requirements. First, you must apply to the airline at least 24 hours in advance, providing key information such as the battery type and capacity; second, there are clear limitations on battery capacity: lithium metal batteries must not exceed 2 grams, and lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100Wh; batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval; third, the battery must be removed and carried as hand luggage, and is prohibited from being placed in checked baggage. The battery terminals must be insulated after removal to prevent short circuits; finally, it is recommended to check the battery condition in advance to ensure there is no damage or leakage.

IV. Can you take your adult walking aid to the gate?

When checking in, if you need to hand over your wheelchair or adult walking aid, passengers with reduced mobility can request a temporary wheelchair from airport staff. A new wheelchair will be provided upon arrival to facilitate travel to the baggage claim area.

Most airports allow you to take your adult walking aid to the boarding gate, where staff will transfer your portable walking aid to the cargo hold for storage. You can retrieve your adult walking aid upon arrival, significantly improving travel convenience. It is recommended to use a travel protection cover to prevent scratches and to purchase insurance for your adult walking aid to protect against loss or damage. Most airlines cover emergency replacement costs; you can confirm this with your travel agency or accessibility travel organization before your trip.

V. Choosing the Most Suitable Adult Walking Aid for Air Travel

We recommend prioritizing Jianlian lightweight foldable medical home care aluminum walkers, with the JL963LA and JL9162L lightweight walkers being ideal choices for air travel. These two medical home care aluminum walker are made of lightweight aluminum, combining portability and durability. When folded, these two medical home care aluminum walker are extremely compact and can be easily placed in the overhead compartment, meeting carry-on luggage requirements. These two medical home care aluminum walker also feature multi-position height adjustment, adapting to the needs of users of different heights, offering great flexibility. Furthermore, their simple structure and strong stability prevent damage during transport and provide stable support during boarding and transfers. As "aviation-friendly" models, these two medical home care aluminum walkers fully comply with aviation transportation size regulations and safety standards, providing a worry-free and secure experience for travelers who frequently travel by air.