Last updated: 31 October 2026.
British Airways helps passengers with disabilities, expectant mothers and young people travelling alone. The rules cover flights flown by British Airways, its Euroflyer and its CityFlyer; partner airlines may have their own.
48 hourshow early to request assistance
28 weekspregnancy form or doctor's letter needed from this week
14minimum age to fly alone on British Airways
36 / 32 weekslast week to fly with one baby / more than one baby
Wheelchairs and disability help
- After booking, ask for assistance in Manage My Booking no later than two days before the flight. You choose from three services: help to the aircraft, help to the aircraft door including stairs, or help all the way to your seat using the cabin wheelchair.
- All services include boarding first and help storing and retrieving hand baggage. On board, crew will show you to your seat, assist between the seat and the toilets, and unwrap your meal and describe what it is.
- You look after your own personal care, eating, medication, toilet needs and any assistance dog. Bring a companion if you are unable to lift yourself, reach an emergency exit, communicate with crew on safety, unfasten your belt, or fit a life jacket or oxygen mask.
- Crew are unable to transfer you into the aisle chair. Third-party airlines flying for British Airways do not offer the cabin wheelchair; if that affects you, you may switch to a BA-operated flight at no charge, if space allows.
- Seat: a disability-related seat need may be met with a free reservation, once your assistance request is in.
- Your own chair: depending on the airport, you may surrender it at check-in or keep it until the gate. Room for one folding manual chair in the cabin goes to whoever asks first. Attach a label with your contact details.
- Maximum size: to and from the UK and Europe, 140 x 85 x 106 cm (BA CityFlyer 74 x 94 x 82 cm upright); to and from the rest of the world, 140 x 85 x 152 cm. Wheelchairs over 250 kg need contact with the Accessibility Team.
- Battery wheelchairs and scooters need details of type, dimensions, weight and batteries, and proof that power is disconnected or isolated. Lithium batteries fitted to the device must stay in it.
Pregnancy
- Before week 28
- No paperwork
- From week 28
- The airline's pregnancy form, or an official letter, filled in and stamped by your doctor or midwife and dated near your travel date; one document covers both directions if you need no medical care; hand it over at check-in
- One baby
- No flying after the end of week 36
- More than one baby
- No flying after the end of week 32
- Some countries require medical documents before you may travel from them.
- Clearance from the Passenger Medical Clearance Unit (paperwork sent a week or more ahead) applies to recent illness, surgery or injury, unstable conditions, and the use of oxygen or medical devices in flight.
Young people travelling alone
- Under 14
- Not allowed to fly alone; an adult of 16 or more must travel on the same booking or one linked to it
- 14 and 15
- May fly alone as Young Persons Travelling Alone, booked by a parent or guardian by contacting the airline (not online), with a signed consent form, a copy of the parent's photo ID with signature, and travel documents
- 16 and over
- Travel on their own
- Be at the airport two hours or more before departure. Fourteen and fifteen year olds have no online check-in; they use the kiosk and see an agent.
- The airline does not take parental responsibility for them. They must find their way through airports unaided, and carry medication, a payment method that works abroad and a charged phone.
- Friends and family can accompany them only to the security gate; gate passes are not offered. Some countries have entry rules for under-18s travelling alone.
Questions travellers ask us
How soon must I request help?
Two days before the flight at the latest.
Until which week can I fly pregnant?
The end of week 36 for one baby, week 32 for more than one, with paperwork from week 28.
At what age can my child fly alone?
From 14.
Baggage Allowance is an independent information site and is not part of British Airways. Check the airline's own pages before you travel.
7 questions and answers
Yes, you can take the wheelchair to the hold but please get in touch with the airline for this The dimensions have to be taken note of. Length shall be 140 cm, Width 85 cm and Height 152 cm.
Most of the time the mobility aids are allowed inside the check-in hold or the cabin, depending on its size and your requirement. So, in general, we can say that this would be allowed since we do not know the size and type of walker you would be carrying there. If walker can be permitted in cabin, it is better to take it there. We suggest you check this with the local office of airline.
If you need it during the flight and can not move without it or have difficulty in moving without it, you can take it in cabin. Airlines allow walking sticks, crutches etc for moving.
The only thing is that you shall inform the airline about it.
Please visit the airline website to find the local contact number.
How can I book assistance for my mother. She's 82 years old and have problem to walk. She need an assistant that take her to the aeroplane and the same at her destination, an assistant that pick her up at the aeroplane to take her to the bagage and after to the exit door were we can meet her.
How can I proceed to do this?
Best Regards
Maria Ameline
Yes, British Airways will be able to help you with this requirement. You need to contact the airline local office or use the airline website (Use Manage My Booking section) Please check this link with the details: https://www.britishairways.com/en-us/information/disability-assistance/assistance-available
Peter, what is it that you want to ask?
No special service for women as such but please contact the airline if there is any special requirement.