How likely are UK Airlines to Damage Your Mobility Equipment !!
Taking to the skies should be the start of a wonderful adventure, shouldn't it? Whether it’s a sunny getaway to the Mediterranean or a short hop across the UK to visit loved ones, the journey is just as important as the destination. However, for many of our fellow travellers who rely on mobility equipment, that pre-flight excitement can sometimes be tinged with a little bit of worry. "Will my wheelchair be okay in the hold?" is a question we hear often at Altogether Travel.
This is perfectly normal; many people feel a bit anxious about handing over their independence to the airline crew. To help you feel more informed and prepared, we’ve taken a deep dive into the latest findings from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We want you to feel seen and supported, so let’s look at the numbers together and see what they really mean for your next trip.
The Big Picture: How Often Does Damage Happen?
According to the most recent data released by the CAA, which looked at 13 major airlines serving the UK, the vast majority of mobility equipment arrives safely. In 2023, these airlines carried a staggering 283,000 wheelchairs. To put that in perspective, that’s hundreds of thousands of journeys where independence was supported!
Out of those 283,000 chairs, the reported damage rate was approximately 0.43%. This means that about 1,217 pieces of equipment were reported damaged over the year, which works out to just over 100 per month across the whole of the UK.
While 0.43% sounds like a very small number, we know that for the 100 people every month who are affected, it’s not just a "statistic", it’s a major disruption. We also saw a slight improvement from the 2022 data, where the damage rate sat at 0.44% from 230,000 chairs. It’s a small step in the right direction, and it shows that the industry is slowly becoming more aware of how vital this equipment is.
The Ranking: Why Transparency Matters
You might be wondering, "Which airlines are the best and which are the worst?" Interestingly, the CAA’s research highlighted a bit of a "transparency gap." Out of the 13 major airlines asked for data:
- 10 Airlines were open and provided full details on their damage rates.
- 3 Airlines were unable to provide any data on how many wheelchairs were damaged.
We believe that being open and honest is the first step toward better service. If an airline doesn't even track the damage, it's much harder for them to improve. This is why the CAA has proposed mandatory quarterly reporting (a consultation that closed in late 2025). By making this data public, we can all make more informed choices about who we fly with.
One of the challenges the CAA found was that many airlines couldn't consistently tell the difference between damage to a manual wheelchair, a powerchair, or a mobility scooter. We know these are very different pieces of kit with very different repair needs!
UK vs. US: Are We Doing Better?
It’s often helpful to look at how we compare to other parts of the world. In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) reports a "mishandling" rate of about 1.38%.
At first glance, it looks like UK airlines are doing a much better job than those in the US. However, experts suggest that the US rate might be higher because they have stricter, more established reporting rules. In the UK, some damage might go unreported, or as we saw, some airlines simply aren't counting it yet. This is why we always encourage you to speak up if something isn't right, it helps the whole community in the long run!
The Compensation "Cap": Something to Keep in Mind
We want to be as helpful as possible, so there is one technical bit we should mention. Most international flights are governed by something called the Montreal Convention. Unfortunately, this often treats a high-tech, bespoke powerchair the same way it treats a standard suitcase.
Under these rules, compensation for damage is often capped at around £1,300. For many of our clients, a custom wheelchair or scooter can cost many times that amount. This is why we always suggest checking your travel insurance carefully to ensure your specific equipment is fully covered for its actual value. It may be reassuring to have that extra bit of protection in your back pocket!
5 Practical Tips to Protect Your Equipment
While the airlines work on their reporting, there are things you can do to make the process smoother. Why not try some of these next time you fly?
- Take "Before" Photos: On the day of travel, take clear photos of your equipment from all angles at the airport. If you need to make a claim, having a visual record of its condition just before it went into the hold is incredibly helpful.
- Attach Instructions: Sometimes, the people handling your chair might not be familiar with your specific model. Attaching a simple, laminated "How to Handle" guide (including how to put it into 'freewheel' mode) can prevent accidental damage.
- Remove the "Fiddly bits": Anything that can be easily removed, like cushions, joysticks, or footrests, should ideally stay with you in the cabin. It’s one less thing that can get snagged or lost.
- Label Everything: It sounds simple, but a bright tag with your name and "Fragile: Mobility Equipment" can make a world of difference.
- Check Before You Leave the Airport: Patience is key here. Even if you’re tired and ready to get to your hotel, take five minutes to check your equipment as soon as it’s returned to you. If you spot damage, you must report it at the airport to get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
We’d Love to Hear From You
Most of all, remember to be kind to yourself, travelling is a big undertaking, and it's okay to ask for help. We hope this data has been helpful and encourages you to keep exploring. The world is a beautiful place, and we want to help you see as much of it as possible!
If you’re planning your next adventure and would like a helping hand, please get in touch with us today. We can talk through your requirements and make sure your next flight is as smooth as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
