Quick answer: If you have a disability or reduced mobility, the CAA says you are legally entitled to free assistance when flying from a UK airport on any airline, or to the UK on a UK or EU airline. Book it when you buy your ticket or at least 48 hours before you fly. Carry medicines in hand luggage with a prescription and move around regularly on long flights.
Checked on 10 October 2026 against UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidance on accessibility rights, how to get help and travelling with medicines and mobility equipment, GOV.UK guidance on hand luggage and taking medicine abroad, and NHS guidance on DVT. Airline policies vary, so check with yours before you fly.
Airports involve long walks, queues, heavy bags, security checks and hours of sitting still, which can be hard on painful joints. But in the UK you have a legal right to free help, and a little preparation can make flying much more comfortable. This guide explains your rights to assistance, how to book it, what to do about medicines and mobility aids, and how to look after your joints in the air.
Your right to free assistance
The CAA says that if you have a disability or reduced mobility, you are legally entitled to assistance, free of charge, when:
- flying from a UK airport on any airline, or
- flying to a UK airport on a UK or EU airline.
This includes people with physical disabilities and reduced mobility, as well as hidden disabilities. You do not need to use a wheelchair to qualify. If arthritis makes long walks, standing in queues, stairs or lifting bags difficult, you can ask for help.
Help is available from arriving at the airport to reaching your destination, including moving through the departure airport, boarding, support during the flight, getting off the plane, transfers and getting through the arrival airport. The CAA notes that similar rights apply in the EU and the US, but not all countries offer assisted travel, and some may charge or not provide support at all. Check before you book if you are flying elsewhere.
Before you book: choosing flights that suit your joints
- Direct flights avoid the walking, queues and rushing involved in connections. If you must connect, allow plenty of time and make sure assistance is booked for every leg.
- Flight times matter. If you are stiffest in the morning, an early departure may be hardest. A midday flight can give your medicines time to work.
- Airport parking and drop-off: check the airport website for accessible parking and the nearest assistance point. Blue Badge concessions at airports are set by each airport and are not the same as on-street parking, so check before you go.
- An overnight stay near the airport before an early flight can reduce the strain of a long day.
- Luggage: consider paying for a hold bag so you are not lifting a heavy case into the overhead locker.
How to book assistance
- Request it when you book, or at least 48 hours before departure, through your airline, travel agent or tour operator. The CAA says that without advance notice you may face delays or not get the support you need.
- Look for the assistance option in online booking, or call. The CAA says airlines, travel agents and tour operators must offer a free way to request assistance. Some offer free call-back services.
- Be specific about your needs, for example help from the car park or drop-off point to the terminal, a wheelchair to the gate, help with bags, boarding and seating.
- Get written confirmation and keep it with your travel documents.
- Book again for the return journey if it is a separate booking, and for any connecting flights.
Questions to ask before you travel
The CAA suggests asking:
- How far is the walk to the departure gates?
- Does the airport use air bridges or steps to board?
- Does the airline have an onboard wheelchair for getting to the toilet?
- Are there accessible toilets at the airport and on the aircraft?
- What are the airline's and airport security's rules on medicines and mobility aids?
You might also ask whether you can choose a seat with more legroom or near the toilet, and how early to arrive if you have booked assistance.
At the airport
On arrival, go to an assistance point. The CAA says these are usually at drop-off points, car parks, train stations and bus terminals, and have a disability logo and a buzzer or phone. Inside, signs point to the special assistance desk.
Assistance staff can help you get to check-in and bag drop, through security, into the departure lounge and to the gate. A companion can escort you instead if you prefer. If you use your own mobility aid, you should usually be able to use it to the gate before it goes in the hold.
The CAA says airport assisted travel desks can provide optional lanyards or badges for people with hidden disabilities. These signal to staff that you may need extra time or help, for example at security.
The CAA also assesses and ranks UK airports each year on how well they support passengers needing assistance. You can read the reports on the CAA website if you have a choice of airport.
Security with arthritis and joint replacements
- Tell security staff if you cannot stand for long, raise your arms, or remove shoes easily. Ask for help or a seat.
- Joint replacements may set off metal detectors. Let staff know before you go through. You may be asked to have a hand search or use a body scanner.
- Ask for a private search if you would prefer, and for help putting items back in trays.
- Wear easy clothes and shoes that you can remove and put on without bending too much.
On the plane
Assistance staff can help you board using lifts, ramps or transfer wheelchairs, reach your seat and stow bags. The CAA says the airline should help you move to the toilet if needed, and most airlines have onboard wheelchairs. Airline staff are not expected to help with eating, drinking or taking medicines, so if you need that support you may need to travel with someone who can help.
Your wheelchair or mobility aid should be returned to you at the arrival gate unless there are exceptional reasons.
Medicines in your hand luggage
- Keep essential medicines in your hand luggage, in original packaging, with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
- Liquids over 100ml: the CAA says you may still be allowed to carry essential medicines in larger containers, but you should contact your airline in advance, check the rules for each airport you are flying from and through, and carry supporting evidence such as a letter from your doctor or a prescription. Extra security checks may be needed.
- Needles and syringes for injectable medicines can be carried in hand luggage with supporting documentation.
- Medicines that need to be kept cool: the CAA says aircraft fridges are generally for food and most airlines will not store medicines in them. Ask your pharmacist or specialist team how to store biologics or other temperature-sensitive medicines on your journey.
- Controlled drugs: GOV.UK says medicines containing controlled drugs must be carried in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK, and you should check the rules for your destination with its embassy.
Our guide to travelling with arthritis medicines has a full checklist.
Mobility aids and equipment
- The CAA says you can bring up to two mobility items free of charge, and reasonable amounts of medical equipment and supplies.
- For electric wheelchairs and scooters, give the airline full details in advance, including the make, model, weight, size and battery, and bring the manual.
- Airlines are liable for damage to mobility equipment, but the CAA notes compensation is often limited to around £1,300, so consider extra insurance for valuable items.
- If your equipment is damaged, the airport must provide a temporary alternative, although it may not be identical.
Label walking sticks and frames clearly, and consider packing a lightweight folding stick in your hand luggage.
Looking after your joints during the flight
- Move regularly. Walk up and down the aisle when it is safe, and do gentle ankle circles, foot pumps, knee lifts and shoulder rolls in your seat.
- Choose your seat thoughtfully. An aisle seat makes it easier to get up. Some people pay for extra legroom.
- Support your back and neck with a small cushion or travel pillow.
- Time your pain relief so it covers the journey, as you normally would, and keep it within reach.
- Keep warm. Cabins can be cool, and a light layer may help stiff joints.
- Pack light, or use wheeled luggage you can push rather than carry. Ask for help lifting bags into the overhead locker.
Reducing the risk of blood clots
The NHS says long journeys of more than 4 hours by plane, car or train increase the chance of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Your risk is also higher if you have had surgery recently. To lower your risk on long journeys, the NHS recommends:
- wearing loose clothing
- drinking plenty of water
- avoiding alcohol
- walking around when possible
If you have had a joint replacement or other surgery, ask your surgical team when it is safe to fly and whether you need any extra precautions. See our guide to preparing for joint replacement if surgery is coming up.
Do I need a medical certificate?
The CAA says people with a stable medical condition do not usually need a medical certificate. If your condition is unstable, a note from your doctor can help the airline decide on fitness to fly. If you are unsure, ask your airline's medical team before you travel, especially if you have heart or lung problems alongside arthritis.
After the flight
Many people feel stiff after a long flight. Plan a gentle first day if you can: a short walk, a warm shower and early night. Avoid heavy lifting with your luggage and use trolleys or porters where available. Our packing list for arthritis travellers includes items that help on arrival.
If something goes wrong
The CAA says airports are responsible for assistance from your arrival at a designated point through to boarding, and the airline is responsible during the flight. If assistance is missing or poor:
- Tell airport or airline staff straight away so they can try to fix it.
- If it is not resolved, use the airline or airport's formal complaints procedure.
- If your complaint is still not resolved, you may be able to escalate it. The CAA's website explains how.
Keep notes of times, names and what happened, and photographs of any damaged equipment.
Insurance
Declare your arthritis and medicines when buying travel insurance. Our travel insurance guide explains what to declare and your rights if you are refused cover.
When to get medical help
Talk to your GP or specialist team before flying if you have recently had surgery, your arthritis is not well controlled, or you have heart or lung problems. Get urgent medical help if, during or after a journey, you develop pain, swelling and warmth in one leg, especially the calf, or sudden breathlessness or chest pain, which can be signs of a blood clot. Call 999 in the UK or 112 in the EU in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get airport assistance if I do not use a wheelchair?
Yes. The CAA says assistance is for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, including hidden disabilities. You do not need to be a wheelchair user.
Is airport assistance free?
Yes, when flying from a UK airport on any airline, or to a UK airport on a UK or EU airline.
How far in advance should I book assistance?
When you book, or at least 48 hours before departure.
Will my hip or knee replacement set off the scanner?
It may. Tell security staff before you go through. You do not usually need a card, but you may have a hand search.
Can I take my injections on the plane?
Yes, essential medicines and needles can go in hand luggage with supporting documents. Check cool storage in advance, as airline fridges are usually not available for medicines.
How many mobility aids can I take?
The CAA says up to two mobility items free of charge.
Can I use my own wheelchair or rollator to the gate?
The CAA says if you use your own mobility aid, you should usually be able to use it up to the departure gate before it is stored in the hold, and it should be returned to you at the arrival gate.
Sources and further reading
- CAA: Your accessibility rights
- CAA: How to access help and support
- CAA: Travelling with medicines, mobility and medical equipment
- CAA: Air travel and your health
- CAA: Accessibility reports
- CAA: Report a problem with assisted travel
- GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports
- GOV.UK: Take medicine in or out of the UK
- NHS: DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom, not personal medical, legal or financial advice. NHS processes, rules and prices change, so check the linked official sources and speak to your GP, specialist team or pharmacist about your own situation. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical review. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Travel insurance with arthritis — what to declare
- Arthritis-friendly holidays — planning a trip
- Travel with arthritis hub — everything in one place
- Driving with arthritis — DVLA rules