COPA Airlines

Electric wheelchairs are carried in the hold, but "if you have an electric wheelchair, Copa Airlines policies require you to remove the batteries from the wheelchair and store the batteries in an upright position". Powered chairs are not eligible for cabin stowage ("only manual wheelchairs are allowed" in the cabin).

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Accepted, but the battery must come out of the chair: "Lithium batteries: The battery should be removed from the equipment and placed in a protective case" and carried in the cabin. Copa's wheelchair page adds "only lithium batteries are allowed to be onboard". Batteries over 160 Wh are otherwise banned "except for mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs)".

Restricted baggage — wheelchair batteries, lithium batteries, wet batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"The battery should be removed from the equipment and placed in a protective case. Battery and spare must not exceed 300 Wh. For equipment that requires two batteries, each battery must not exceed 160Wh."

Restricted baggage — wheelchair batteries, lithium batteries, wet batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Same rule: "Battery and spare must not exceed 300 Wh. For equipment that requires two batteries, each battery must not exceed 160Wh." Loose/spare lithium batteries are never allowed in checked baggage — carry-on only, individually protected against short circuit.

Restricted baggage — wheelchair batteries, lithium batteries, wet batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"If you have an electric wheelchair, Copa Airlines policies require you to remove the batteries from the wheelchair and store the batteries in an upright position." For lithium specifically, the battery is removed, placed in a protective case and carried in the cabin. Non-spillable and spillable batteries may otherwise stay secured to the chair with terminals disconnected and insulated.

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted baggage — wheelchair batteries, lithium batteries, wet batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"Non-spillable batteries: They can be transported as long as the edges [terminals] are disconnected and insulated and the battery is properly secured to the wheelchair."

Restricted baggage — wheelchair batteries, lithium batteries, wet batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Accepted as an exception to Copa's ban on wet batteries ("Exception: wheelchairs operated with these batteries"). Terminals must be disconnected and insulated and the battery secured to the chair, with the chair carried upright and secured; if that is not possible the battery is removed, packed in strong metal or plastic packaging with enough compatible absorbent material, marked "wet battery with wheelchair" with a corrosive label, and loaded upright. If the battery may leak fluid the captain is notified on the appropriate form and a tag describing the battery type is attached.

Restricted baggage — wheelchair batteries, lithium batteries, wet batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"The edges [terminals] must be disconnected and insulated, the battery secured to the wheelchair and the wheelchair placed upright on the aircraft, equally well secured." Loose lithium batteries "must always be individually protected to avoid short circuits" — original packaging, taped terminals, a plastic sleeve or a separate bag.

Restricted baggage — wheelchair batteries, lithium batteries, wet batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"Let our staff know about the manufacturer's instructions for folding and unfolding the wheelchair, and whether there are any special instructions for carrying the wheelchair in the hold. In addition, let us know whether or not the batteries are spillable." A leak-capable battery triggers a captain's notification form and a battery-type tag. Copa also requires that "the device/battery must visibly display its capacity in 'Wh' for lithium-ion".

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Restricted baggage — wheelchair batteries, lithium batteries, wet batteries (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

CARGO-DOOR APERTURE, not a stated maximum chair size. Rear cargo door 33 in x 48 in (84 x 122 cm) on both the 737-700/800 and the 737 MAX 8/9; front door 35 in x 48 in (89 x 122 cm). Copa also publishes hold lengths (Table B, 184–470 in depending on model and compartment) and hold width/height figures (Table C).

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Manual wheelchairs may be checked as baggage or, space permitting, carried in the cabin — "Only manual wheelchairs are allowed" in the cabin. Wheelchairs and other travel assistance items have priority over baggage and cargo.

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"Transport it in the cabin: If space is available, you can carry it in the cabin, as long as it meets the permitted dimensions (36 inches high, 39 inches long, and 12 inches wide). Only manual wheelchairs are allowed." You will be asked to board early to stow it in the closet; if it does not fit any cabin stowage space it is checked into the hold.

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

In-cabin limit for a manual wheelchair, subject to space: "36 inches high, 39 inches long, and 12 inches wide" (91.4 x 99.1 x 30.5 cm). Only manual chairs qualify.

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

CARGO-DOOR APERTURE, not a stated maximum chair size. Copa's Table A gives, for both the 737-700/800 and the 737 MAX 8/9, a front cargo door of 35 in x 48 in (89 cm x 122 cm) and a rear cargo door of 33 in x 48 in (84 cm x 122 cm). The smaller rear door is recorded here. Copa's instruction is to "ensure the dimensions do not exceed the maximum allowed sizes, which may vary depending on the aircraft assigned to your flight".

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"The request for a wheelchair must be made in advance by contacting our Call Center at least 24 hours before your flight's departure or during the check-in counter." The same 24-hour notice applies to requesting the on-board (aisle) wheelchair.

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Copa asks you to say whether you need assistance for the whole journey (equipment and personnel) or whether you are bringing your own wheelchair. Airport wheelchair assistance runs from the check-in counter to the gate, and on arrival from the gate to the customs exit.

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"All claims for destruction, loss, damage, or delay of wheelchairs or assistive devices are subject to the conditions, limitations, and exceptions established in the Montreal Convention." If damaged in Copa's custody "you have the right to choose an authorized provider of your preference for repairs and submit the corresponding invoices for reimbursement". File at the Airport Baggage Service Office within 72 hours; contact a CRO or Copa representative. For a delayed device, Copa provides a temporary wheelchair at some stations and coordinates one through the CRO elsewhere.

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"All Copa Airlines aircraft have an onboard wheelchair. These wheelchairs are specially designed to fit the aisle of our aircraft and may be used by semi-ambulatory customers to access the bathroom." Request it via the reservation centre at least 24 hours before departure.

Special Services Request (Including Wheelchair) — cargo-door tables, cabin limits, CRO, damage claims (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"The transfer from seat to seat for individuals with limited mobility is the responsibility of the passenger's companion; service agents may provide support without assuming primary responsibility." Copa also states it does not provide medical manoeuvres, assistance with physiological needs, or the disassembly/assembly of medical assistance equipment.

Types of Assistance for Passengers with Special Services (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29