wheelair

All airlines Europe

Aer Lingus

IATA EI ICAO EIN Ireland · www.aerlingus.com (opens in a new tab)

Powered chairs need the airline’s prior approval · carried free · 48 h notice · no watt-hour cap on an installed battery.

Advance notice
48hours before departure
Powered wheelchair
Conditional
Lithium, battery installed
No stated limit
Cost to carry
Free

Who to contact

Transcribed from the airline’s own pages, exactly as it labels them.

The country phone numbers are Aer Lingus's general contact-centre lines; the Special Assistance page directs customers to call them for assistance requests made within three business days of departure. The only accessibility-specific channels Aer Lingus publishes are the Accessibility Officer email/phone in its Canada accessibility plan and the online special assistance form.

Read it from the source

Powered wheelchairs & batteries

The part that goes wrong. Battery chemistry and watt-hours decide whether your chair flies, and the rules differ depending on whether the battery can be removed.

Powered chairs accepted
Conditional

Battery-operated wheelchairs and mobility devices are checked into the hold and require the operator's approval (Guide To Dangerous Goods, Jan 2026), with at least 48 hours' notice. ROUTE EXCLUSION: on Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines (flight numbers 3000–3999) only 1 electric mobility device is carried, up to 128 kg, wet-cell batteries "CANNOT be accepted", and the ATR hold limits are L118 x W56 x H150 cm.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Lithium-ion batteries
Conditional

Accepted subject to operator approval. Guide To Dangerous Goods (Jan 2026) lists two lithium entries: mobility aids "with spillable batteries or with lithium-ion batteries" (checked baggage, operator approval, pilot-in-command informed), and mobility aids "with Lithium-ion batteries where the battery is specifically designed to be removed, the battery must be carried in the cabin" (carry-on, not checked; operator approval; pilot-in-command informed).

Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — battery stays in the chair
No stated limit

Aer Lingus states the opposite of a cap: "Where an Electric Mobility Aid is designed to NOT allow the battery(ies) to be removed, there is NO LIMIT to the WH Rating for the installed battery(ies)" (Guide To Dangerous Goods, January 2026, Rev 5). The 300 Wh / 160 Wh figures elsewhere in that guide are spare-battery limits.

Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — battery removed into the cabin
Not published

Not published as a number. Where the lithium-ion battery "is specifically designed to be removed, the battery must be carried in the cabin", but Aer Lingus sets no watt-hour ceiling for that removed battery itself — its 300 Wh / 160 Wh figures are spare-battery limits.

Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — spare battery
300 Wh

Mobility aids: "A passenger may carry a maximum of one spare lithium-ion battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries each not exceeding 160 Wh." Spares travel in the cabin. Spare spillable (wet) batteries are refused: "We do not accept spare spillable batteries."

Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Spare batteries permittedmaximum number under any published configuration
2

Two is the maximum, and only at the lower rating: "a maximum of one spare lithium-ion battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries each not exceeding 160 Wh" (mobility aids), carried in the cabin. No spare spillable (wet) batteries are accepted. For portable electronic devices the guide separately allows two spares.

Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Battery must be removed
Conditional

Depends on the battery. Lithium-ion "where the battery is specifically designed to be removed, the battery must be carried in the cabin"; where the aid is designed so the battery cannot be removed it stays installed. Non-spillable batteries stay securely attached. A removable wet cell must be removed and boxed in rigid leak-proof packaging; otherwise it stays attached and upright with the power disconnected.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Non-spillable batteriesgel, AGM, sealed lead-acid, dry cell
Conditional

Accepted subject to operator approval. Guide To Dangerous Goods (Jan 2026): "Mobility Aids: Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with non-spillable wet batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries or dry batteries" — permitted as checked baggage, operator approval required and the pilot-in-command must be informed. Terminals must be protected from short circuit (e.g. enclosed in a battery container), the battery securely attached and the circuits isolated.

Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Wet / spillable batteries
Conditional

Accepted on mainline only, and the Guide To Dangerous Goods (Jan 2026) marks "Mobility Aids: Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries or with lithium-ion batteries" as requiring the approval of the operator and the pilot-in-command to be informed. "Wet cell batteries CANNOT be accepted for travel on Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines." A removable wet battery must be boxed in rigid, leak-proof packaging impervious to battery fluid with enough absorbent material for the total liquid contents.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Terminal protection & immobilisation
Yes

Battery terminals must be protected from short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed in a battery container, with the battery securely attached to the chair and the electrical circuits isolated against inadvertent operation. Wet batteries must have the power disconnected; spillable-battery packaging must be marked 'BATTERY WET WITH WHEELCHAIR', marked 'Corrosive (Class 8)' and carry 'this way up' orientation labels.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Paperwork the airline wants
Yes

You must tell Aer Lingus (via the mobility device form, ≥48 h ahead) the device type, weight, dimensions, whether it is battery operated and whether the battery is removable, how it should be immobilised (keyed ignition, switch, airsafe connector, other) and whether it is suitable for high-altitude transport. Carry the dimensions, weight and battery details with you — you will be asked to verify them at the airport.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Special assistance / mobility device request form (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Size limit for a powered chairAirline’s stated maximum wheelchair size
118 cm long · 56 cm wide · 108 cm high

Same explicit maximum-size table as for manual chairs — it covers "wheelchairs and mobility aids": A330 L140 x W85 x H155 cm; A320 & A321neo L140 x W85 x H108 cm; ATR (Emerald Airlines) L118 x W56 x H150 cm. The smallest figure in each axis is shown here.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Weight limit for a powered chair
128 kg

Binding smallest figure: on Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines only 1 electric mobility device is accepted, up to a maximum weight of 128 kg. On mainline flights there is no published maximum — devices over 120 kg (or with a heaviest part over 120 kg) are accepted at all airports but need advance notice for lifting equipment.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Returned at the aircraft door
Not published

Not published. Aer Lingus states battery-operated devices are checked in and carried in the hold, but does not say whether they are returned at the aircraft door.

Emerald Airlines-operated Aer Lingus Regional flights (flight numbers 3000–3999) carry at most one electric mobility device, max 128 kg, no wet-cell batteries and no on-board wheelchair.

Manual wheelchairs

Manual chairs accepted
Yes

Passengers with a disability or reduced mobility may travel with up to two pieces of mobility equipment at no charge; Aer Lingus accepts wheelchairs and other mobility aids at all of its airports, including devices over 120 kg with advance notice.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Folding chair may travel in the cabin
Not published

Not published. Aer Lingus's disability page says a battery-operated wheelchair or other mobility device "will need to check it in" for the hold, and says nothing about stowing a folding manual chair in the cabin. It does allow a removable headrest that makes the chair too tall to be taken into the cabin separately.

In-cabin stowage limit
Not published

Not published. Aer Lingus states a battery-operated wheelchair or mobility device "will need to check it in" for the hold and gives no in-cabin stowage size for a folding manual chair; the only cabin allowance it names is a removable headrest taken into the cabin separately.

Size limit for a checked manual chairAirline’s stated maximum wheelchair size
118 cm long · 56 cm wide · 108 cm high

Explicit maximum wheelchair size: "We can accommodate the following maximum dimensions for wheelchairs and mobility aids." Published table: Airbus A330 L140 x W85 x H155 cm (51.1" x 33.5" x 61"); Airbus A320 & A321neo L140 x W85 x H108 cm (51.1" x 33.5" x 42.5"); ATR (Aer Lingus Regional, Emerald Airlines) L118 x W56 x H150 cm (46.4" x 22" x 59"). The smallest figure in each axis is shown here. A removable headrest may be taken into the cabin separately if it makes the chair too tall.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Weight limit for a manual chair
Not published

No maximum published for mainline. "We accept wheelchairs and other mobility aids weighing over 120kg (or where the heaviest individual part weighs more than 120kg) at all of our airports", but advance notice is required for any device heavier than 120 kg so lifting equipment is available.

Returned at the aircraft door
Not published

Not published. Aer Lingus says assistance covers helping you "collect your baggage and mobility devices" but does not state whether a checked chair is returned at the aircraft door or at baggage reclaim.

Canes, walkers, rollators, crutches and prosthetics need no advance notice; walkers and rollators go in the hold, and Emerald-operated flights limit how many can be carried.

Booking & cost

Advance notice requiredhours before scheduled departure
48h

"Request mobility or special assistance (at least 48 hours before departure)". Aer Lingus also states you must advise it at least 48 hours before departure if travelling with a battery-operated wheelchair or other mobility device, and requires advance notice for any device heavier than 120 kg.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Special Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

How to request assistance
Online special assistance / mobility device form at least 48 h before departure; call the contact centre for requests within 3 business days of departure

"Request assistance online no later than 48 hours before flight departure" via the special assistance form (which also declares your own mobility device). "Book assistance via phone within 3 business days of departure — Please call us for any requests within three business days of your flight departure."

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Special Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Special assistance / mobility device request form (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Charge for carrying the aid
No fee

"Disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility can travel with up to two pieces of mobility equipment at no charge."

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Mobility devices carried free
2

Up to two pieces of mobility equipment at no charge. On Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines only 1 electric mobility device can be accommodated, and there is a limit on the number of walkers/rollators because of the small hold.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

If they damage your chair
Repair/replacement help, loaner device and an online claim; no monetary limit published

If your device is mishandled Aer Lingus says: speak to an Aer Lingus Complaints Resolution Officer at the airport; it will try to provide the most suitable loaner mobility device while yours is repaired or replaced; it can help find repair services (keep receipts); and you can claim for the cost of damage via the online baggage claim form. Passengers on US flights who buy a more expensive Aer Lingus flight because their preferred flight will not fit their device may be refunded the fare difference. No liability cap or Montreal Convention figure is published.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

On board

On-board aisle chair
Yes

"All aircraft in our Airbus fleet (A330, A321, and A320) are equipped with on-board wheelchairs." There is no on-board wheelchair on Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines (ATR-72).

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Accessible lavatory
Conditional

The seat-accessibility table marks A320, A320neo and A330-200 as having an on-board wheelchair-accessible lavatory, and A321neo and A330-300 as not accessible (aisle chair reaches the restroom entrance only). Elsewhere the same page states "On-board toilets are not wheelchair accessible, however the on-board aisle chair provides accessibility to the toilets" — the page contradicts itself.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Crew help you transfer
Yes

Assistance covers boarding and getting seated, and Aer Lingus notifies airports if you request a "carry-on service", "designed for passengers who are completely immobile and unable to make their way to their seat unaided. Passengers must be capable of sitting upright in their seat." You must travel with an accompanying person if you need help lifting yourself in or out of your seat.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Seating & movable armrests
Yes

Published per-aircraft table of movable armrests: A320/A320neo economy movable except exit and bulkhead rows; A321neo business 2CH, 4CH, 6CH; A330-300 business 1AG, 2DH, 3AG, 4DH, 5AG, 6DH, 7ADGK; A330-200 business 2AGH, 3D, 4AGH, 5D, 6AGH; ATR-72 fixed in front row only. Reduced-mobility passengers may not sit in an exit row but may sit at a bulkhead. Movable aisle armrests may need crew assistance.

Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Fleet detail. Maximum accepted wheelchair/mobility aid dimensions by aircraft: Airbus A330 L140 x W85 x H155 cm (51.1" x 33.5" x 61"); Airbus A320 & A321neo L140 x W85 x H108 cm (51.1" x 33.5" x 42.5"); ATR (Aer Lingus Regional operated by Emerald Airlines) L118 x W56 x H150 cm (46.4" x 22" x 59"). The A320/A321neo height limit of 108 cm and the ATR width limit of 56 cm are the tightest constraints on the network. Emerald ATR flights also cap electric devices at one per flight and 128 kg and refuse wet-cell batteries.

Worth knowing

CORRECTION (2026-07-29): an earlier version of this record dated the "Guide to Dangerous Goods" PDF to January 2015 and said it gave no watt-hour rule for mobility aids. Both were wrong. The PDF was re-downloaded and read: its running header is "Guide To Dangerous Goods January 2026" and its running footer is "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (PDF metadata: created 27/04/2026, modified 27/05/2026, 4 pages, marked "Aer Lingus - Confidential"). It carries three mobility-aid rows plus a standalone statement: (a) aids with non-spillable wet, NiMH or dry batteries - checked baggage, operator approval, pilot-in-command informed; (b) aids with spillable or lithium-ion batteries - same; (c) aids "with Lithium-ion batteries where the battery is specifically designed to be removed, the battery must be carried in the cabin. A passenger may carry a maximum of one spare lithium-ion battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries each not exceeding 160 Wh" (carry-on yes, checked no); and (d) "Where an Electric Mobility Aid is designed to NOT allow the battery(ies) to be removed, there is NO LIMIT to the WH Rating for the installed battery(ies)." So the 300/160 Wh numbers are SPARE limits; there is no published Wh ceiling for the aid's own battery, installed or removed. The 100/160 Wh figures elsewhere in the guide are for portable electronic devices. Aer Lingus also publishes an explicit "maximum dimensions for wheelchairs and mobility aids" table (basis max_device, not a hold-door aperture) and a per-aircraft movable-armrest table. Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines (flight numbers 3000-3999) are materially stricter: one electric device only, 128 kg max, NO wet-cell batteries, no on-board wheelchair, ATR limits L118 x W56 x H150 cm. The disability page contradicts itself on accessible lavatories (aircraft-table footnote 1 says A320/A320neo/A330-200 have a wheelchair-accessible lavatory; the body text says on-board toilets are not wheelchair accessible). The /prepare/bags/restricted-items/ page is behind a bot wall from every route tried. Aer Lingus has Complaints Resolution Officers at airports and a Canada-plan Accessibility Officer (cta.accessibility@aerlingus.com, +1 516 622 4228 24/7, toll free +1 877 351 6882) but no dedicated European accessibility phone line.

Sources

Every figure above traces to one of these.

  1. s1 Disability Assistance (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  2. s2 Special Assistance (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  3. s3 Contact us (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  4. s4 Guide To Dangerous Goods (PDF) — header dated "January 2026", footer "Revision 5, 14/04/2026" (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  5. s5 Aer Lingus Accessibility Plan 2026 (Canada ATPRR) (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
  6. s6 Special assistance / mobility device request form (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29

Record quality

Record status researched · confidence high · 6 official sources · 23 contacts · 85% of the fields this reference tracks are answered. Newest source read 29 July 2026, the day before this page was built. What these mean.