Airplanes and wheelchairs are a notoriously bad combo. The seats are stiff, the space is tight, and all the little comforts of my power chair (tilt, recline, proper support) disappear the moment I transfer into an airplane seat. My longest flight so far was 15 hours to Australia, and by hour 7 I was ready to get the heck out of there.
In my wheelchair, I sit at a tilted angle because of the way my back and hips are. On a plane, you’re stuck in a seat that wasn’t designed for us, but over the years, I’ve figured out some hacks that make it bearable. Here’s what works for me and might work for you, too.
Create a Seat That Actually Works for Your Body
This one changed everything for me. My dad literally built me a custom “airplane seat” wedge out of Styrofoam, Tempur-pedic foam, duct tape, and a pillowcase. It recreates the tilted position of my wheelchair so I can sit more naturally. Recently, I even had someone sew a washable cover with a zipper and handle, which makes carrying it way easier.
If you can’t build something custom, one hack is to bring your wheelchair cushion to sit on. Everyone’s body is different, but the main takeaway is: don’t rely on airplane seats as-is. Adapt them to you.
And don’t be afraid to experiment. For example, we once brought a beanbag on a flight to Japan. Someone suggested it as a seat cushion, but it didn’t work for me. That said, what fails for me might be perfect for you. Try different pillows, wedges, and supports until you find what fits.
Cozy Up: Socks, Blankets, and Pillows
Airplanes are basically flying refrigerators, and my feet are the first to freeze. One of my non-negotiables is a pair of cozy socks. I’ll usually slip off my shoes and pull them on for the flight — it feels more relaxed, and it keeps me from shivering. Sometimes I even throw a couple of hand warmers or foot warmers in my bag, just in case. I consider myself a hand warmer expert of sorts. Of all the brands, these specific ones work they best. They'll still be hot 14 hours later!
If we have the space, I’ll bring a travel blanket. It doubles as warmth and extra support if I need to fold it for positioning. For my flight to Australia, I splurged on an infinity pillow. It’s a pain to pack, but once I curled up with it, I was so glad I brought it. Sometimes those small bits of softness are the difference between surviving a flight and actually feeling halfway human.
Leg & Foot Support Hacks
Airplane hammocks don’t work for me because my legs are too short, but I know others swear by them. Instead, I’ll put a carry-on bag under my feet to raise them up a bit. A friend once brought a mini step stool onboard, and that worked surprisingly well. Even a small lift for your legs can make a long flight more tolerable.
Neck & Head Support
I’ll be honest: I don’t have a great system for this. Sometimes, if we can afford it, I’ll book an extra seat so I can lay down on long-haul flights. Otherwise, I rely on airplane pillows or whatever I can stack around me. Neck support is tricky, but if you have a favorite pillow at home...bring it.
Eating & Drinking on Planes
Eating on planes is actually one of my favorite distractions. Hydration, on the other hand, is tough. I’ll sip water if I get really thirsty, especially since planes are so dry, but I usually limit how much I drink since going to the bathroom mid-flight is such a huge challenge.
Bathroom Realities: What You Should Know
This is the least glamorous part of flying, but it’s important to talk about. On a flight to Italy, I couldn’t avoid the bathroom. Most international planes have an “accessible” setup where two bathrooms connect and a middle door opens for more space. It's a fairly unknown hack – even the flight attendants didn’t know this trick.
It still wasn’t easy. My mom carried me down the aisle, and then the three of us (me, mom, dad) crammed into the tiniest space you can imagine. It worked, but just barely. If you can't be carried, airlines usually have an onboard aisle chair, but be warned: it’s probably the tiniest bathroom you’ll ever be in.
Extra Tips That Made a Big Difference
- Bathroom backup plans: My brother uses condom catheters on flights, which work well for him. For me, period underwear is a must-have in case of leaks. Not glamorous, but practical.
- Warmth hacks: Hand warmers and foot warmers are small but mighty lifesavers on freezing flights.
- Carry-on allowance: Your extra seating supports (pillows, wedges, cushions) don’t count as carry-ons. Don’t be afraid to bring what you need.
Final Thoughts
Flying as a wheelchair user is never going to be perfectly comfortable. Not until wheelchairs are allowed inside the cabin. But with the right hacks, it is possible to survive long-haul flights and still get to where you want to go.
Psst, FYI – this post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission (at absolutely no extra cost to you). This helps keep Roamable running and supports more accessible travel guides like this!
Just a reminder: I'm sharing my personal experience as a wheelchair user, and accessibility can change. Always confirm details directly with venues before visiting. Thanks for supporting accessible travel! ✨
