All airlines Middle East
Etihad Airways
Powered chairs need the airline’s prior approval · carried free · 168 h notice.
- Advance notice
- 168hours before departure
- Powered wheelchair
- Conditional
- Lithium, battery installed
- Not published
- Cost to carry
- Free
Who to contact
Transcribed from the airline’s own pages, exactly as it labels them.
- PhoneGlobal Contact Centre (UAE) — number printed on Etihad's special assistance FAQ
- Online form
- Online form
- Online form
- Relay / textEtihad's special assistance FAQ directs wheelchair requests to the "virtual WhatsApp assistant" on +971 56 688 9003 (https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=971566889003), alongside the Live Chat bot and the Contact Centres.WhatsApp virtual assistant
Etihad publishes no dedicated disability phone line and no special-assistance email. Per-country Contact Centre numbers sit behind a JavaScript country finder on etihad.com/en/help that did not render through either fetch route; the only number printed in page text on the accessibility pages is the Global Contact Centre, +971 600 555 666. No US DOT Complaints Resolution Official page was found on etihad.com.
Read it from the source
- Special assistance (opens in a new tab)
- Special assistance FAQs — mobility aids, batteries, accessible toilets (opens in a new tab)
- Prohibited items and dangerous goods — wheelchair battery rules (opens in a new tab)
- Cargo Hold Information (PDF) — hold and door dimensions by aircraft (opens in a new tab)
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.
"All battery powered wheelchairs and mobility aids require prior approval. Please get in touch with our Global Contact Centre." Etihad asks for at least seven days' notice to arrange approvals and submit documents. The 120 cm height / 60 kg weight limit applies, and Etihad warns a device may be refused on weight or size grounds.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Accepted subject to prior approval from the Global Contact Centre. "Batteries must be UN tested and certified" and "must be either securely attached with the electrical circuits isolated or removed, as per the manufacturer's instructions".
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
No watt-hour ceiling is published for a lithium-ion battery that stays in the wheelchair — Etihad only requires that it be securely attached with the electrical circuits isolated. The 300 Wh figure applies to a REMOVED battery.
"If the battery is removed, this must be placed in a protective pouch and carried in your cabin baggage — The removed battery must not exceed 300 watt hours."
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"One spare battery, not exceeding 300 watt hours or two spares each not exceeding 160 watt hours each, can be carried in your cabin baggage."
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
One spare lithium-ion battery up to 300 Wh, or two spares of up to 160 Wh each, in cabin baggage. For other chemistries: one spare wet non-spillable battery, or two spare nickel-metal hydride or dry batteries, in strong rigid packaging and checked baggage only.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"Battery must be either securely attached with the electrical circuits isolated or removed, as per the manufacturer's instructions." Whether the battery comes out is therefore decided by the manufacturer's instructions for that chair, not by a blanket Etihad rule.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Non-spillable wet, nickel-metal hydride and dry batteries "may remain securely attached to the wheelchair, with all electrical circuits isolated". A detachable battery may be removed, packaged in strong rigid packaging and carried as CHECKED baggage only. Spares: one wet non-spillable, or two NiMH/dry batteries, in strong rigid packaging, checked baggage only. Prior approval required.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"If your wheelchair or mobility aid is powered by a spillable battery, the battery may remain securely attached to the wheelchair as long as all electrical circuits are isolated and we are able to load, stow, secure and unload the aid in an upright position at all times during the journey. This may depend on the aircraft type." Prior approval is required for all battery-powered aids.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Installed batteries must have "all electrical circuits isolated". A removed lithium-ion battery "must be placed in a protective pouch and carried in your cabin baggage"; removed non-spillable/NiMH/dry batteries must be "safely packaged in a strong, rigid packaging" and checked.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"Batteries must be UN tested and certified." All battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids need prior approval, and Etihad asks you to "Contact us at least seven days before your intended travel date for more information about approvals and to submit the required documents".
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Escalation threshold rather than an absolute refusal size. Etihad: the wheelchair "should not exceed 120cm and 60kg. Contact us if your wheelchair does not meet these dimensions" — an invitation to a case-by-case decision, consistent with Etihad requiring prior approval for every battery-powered aid.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"The height and weight of the wheelchair should not exceed 120cm and 60kg." Contact Etihad if your chair is heavier; carriage is then decided case by case.
Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"At check-in, we'll tag your wheelchair, then you can choose to receive it at the aircraft door or collect it at the baggage belt when you land."
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Etihad's own text is inconsistent: the mobility-aid battery sections accept lithium-ion, spillable, non-spillable, NiMH and dry-cell wheelchairs in the hold, while two other passages state "Electric wheelchairs must be dry-cell operated in order to meet our cabin safety requirements" — the latter appears to govern electric chairs stowed IN THE CABIN, but a power-chair user should confirm this with the Global Contact Centre.
Manual wheelchairs
"You can bring your own wheelchair for free in addition to your checked baggage allowance. The height and weight of the wheelchair should not exceed 120cm and 60kg. Contact us if your wheelchair does not meet these dimensions."
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"If you're travelling on any of our wide body aircraft, you may be able to store your manual wheelchair, mobility aid or other assistive device on board. Storage is available on a first come, first served basis for items up to 33cm x 91cm x 106cm." Separately, "All Etihad Airways aircraft operating to and from the US have a priority space in the cabin for the stowage of one folding wheelchair", also first come first served.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"Storage is available on a first come, first served basis for items up to 33cm x 91cm x 106cm" on wide-body aircraft. Etihad does not label which figure is width/depth/height; recorded here as 33 cm wide x 91 cm deep x 106 cm high, matching the 13 x 36 x 42 in cabin-closet dimension. Electric wheelchairs stowed in the cabin "must be dry-cell operated".
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Escalation threshold rather than an absolute refusal size. Etihad: the wheelchair "should not exceed 120cm and 60kg. Contact us if your wheelchair does not meet these dimensions" — an invitation to a case-by-case decision, consistent with Etihad requiring prior approval for every battery-powered aid.
Special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"The height and weight of the wheelchair should not exceed 120cm and 60kg." Etihad asks you to contact them if your chair exceeds this. Etihad also warns that "due to weight or size, there may be circumstances where the device is not accepted on board".
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"At check-in, we'll tag your wheelchair, then you can choose to receive it at the aircraft door or collect it at the baggage belt when you land." You may use your own chair to the boarding gate, then transfer to an airport or cabin wheelchair.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Canes, crutches and foldable walkers are permitted in the cabin and can be stored in the overhead lockers; "devices must be no longer than 81cm and securely stowed before take-off and landing". Guests with a disability or mobility impairment may not sit in an emergency exit seat or in the row behind or in front of one.
Booking & cost
For general assistance Etihad says "we recommend letting us know at least 48 hours before your flight". But "All battery powered wheelchairs and mobility aids require prior approval", and the same prohibited-items page asks you to "Contact us at least seven days before your intended travel date for more information about approvals and to submit the required documents" — so 7 days (168 h) binds for a powered chair. Medical clearance (MEDIF), where required, is 72 h.
Special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"For guests with physical or mobility impairments who require wheelchair assistance, please contact our Contact Centres, Live Chat bot, or virtual Whatsapp assistant up to 48 hours before your flight." Etihad recommends arriving at least three hours before departure if you need special assistance.
Special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"You can bring your own wheelchair for free in addition to your checked baggage allowance." Canes, crutches, foldable walkers, other mobility aids and medical equipment are also carried free, in addition to the checked or cabin baggage allowance; aids over 33 x 91 x 106 cm are checked free too.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
No numeric limit is published on how many mobility devices are carried free; Etihad only says mobility aids and medical equipment travel free in addition to the baggage allowance.
"If your baggage or its contents has been damaged, please let us know as soon as possible. Visit the arrivals desk before you leave the airport, or contact us in writing within seven days. We'll give you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which you'll need to make a claim... please contact our Baggage Services team within 21 days." No mobility-aid-specific valuation rule is published.
Help centre (get in touch, damaged baggage) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
On board
"Onboard wheelchairs are also available on all flights (excluding A320Neo aircraft) to help non-ambulatory guests move to and from the aircraft toilets. Our cabin crew are unable to assist guests using the toilet facilities." (Another passage says cabin chairs are available on all flights — see research notes.)
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"Our A380, B787, B777, A350 aircraft are equipped with accessible toilets." Narrow-bodies (A320/A321) are not listed. Crew can take you to the toilet with the onboard wheelchair but cannot assist inside.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
"At the airport, you can use your wheelchair to the boarding gate. We'll then assist you to your seat on an airport or cabin wheelchair." A Cabin Wheelchair (WCHC) can be requested if you are completely immobile; crew cannot assist with toileting.
Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Guests with a physical or cognitive disability can request assistance at etihad.com/manage and then "select your seat for free online or by calling us". Restriction: "you will not be permitted to sit in an emergency exit seat, or in a row behind or in front of an emergency exit", and the number of guests unable to self-evacuate must not exceed the number who can.
Special assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29
Fleet detail. Etihad publishes a Cargo Hold Information PDF "for the purpose of assessing the loadability of wheelchairs and mobility aids". Bulk-hold door apertures (W x H): A320/A321 0.95 x 0.77 m; A330-200/300 0.95 x 1.07 m; A350-1000 0.95 x 0.76 m; A380 1.13 x 1.75 m; B787-9/-10 1.02 x 1.51 m; B777-300ER 0.91 x 1.15 m — the narrowest is the B777-300ER at 91 cm and the lowest is the A350-1000 at 76 cm. Bulk hold volumes (L x W x H): A320/A321 3.24 x 1.41 x 0.82 m; A330 4.04 x 3.81 x 1.82 m; A350-1000 1.91 x 1.19 x 1.68 m; A380 2.81 x 4.13 x 1.14 m; B787 2.59 x 2.21 x 1.50 m; B777-300ER 4.47 x 2.31 x 1.14 m. FWD/AFT holds are containerised (AKE 1.40 x 1.96 x 1.52 m, ALF 3.03 x 1.43 x 1.48 m internal).
Worth knowing
Etihad is the only airline in this batch that publishes a wheelchair SIZE and WEIGHT figure for a traveller to check against — 120 cm high and 60 kg, though the page says "should not exceed" and invites contact rather than refusing outright — and it requires prior approval for every battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid, with documents to be submitted at least seven days before travel. The battery numbers themselves (300 Wh removed, 300 Wh spare or 2 x 160 Wh) live on the prohibited-items/dangerous-goods page and are repeated verbatim in the special-assistance FAQ; no watt-hour cap is published for a battery left installed in the chair. Two contradictions a human should re-check: (1) "Electric wheelchairs must be dry-cell operated in order to meet our cabin safety requirements" appears twice, apparently about cabin stowage, yet the same site accepts lithium-ion and wet-cell powered chairs in the hold; (2) the FAQ says onboard wheelchairs are available on all flights "excluding A320Neo aircraft" in one place and on "all of our flights" in another. Per-country Contact Centre numbers are behind a JavaScript country finder that would not render, so only the Global Contact Centre number is recorded. No US DOT Complaints Resolution Official page was found on etihad.com despite Etihad serving the USA.
Sources
Every figure above traces to one of these.
- s1 Special assistance (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s2 Special assistance FAQs (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s3 Prohibited items and dangerous goods (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s4 Cargo Hold Information (PDF) — hold and door dimensions for assessing wheelchair loadability (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s5 Help centre (get in touch, damaged baggage) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
- s6 Baggage information (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
Record quality
Record status researched · confidence high · 6 official sources · 5 contacts · 92% of the fields this reference tracks are answered. Newest source read 29 July 2026, the day before this page was built. What these mean.