To fly Ryanair with a disability or reduced mobility, request free assistance when you book or online up to 48 hours before the flight; after that, and up to 12 hours before, you can contact the assistance team. At the airport, go to the assistance desk 2 hours before departure. You can take two mobility aids and the medical equipment you need free of charge. Here is how to book, which service to choose and what to do if something goes wrong.
How to request Ryanair assistance
- When you book: this is the recommended moment, choosing the type of assistance for the outbound and return flights.
- After booking: on ryanair.com go to "My Bookings", log in to myRyanair, choose "Manage this booking" and then "Assisted Travel". You will receive an updated itinerary by email.
- Between 48 and 12 hours before: contact Ryanair's assistance team during opening hours. Without 48 hours' notice the service may not be available.
On flights to and from airports in the European Union, assistance for passengers with disabilities is free under Regulation (EC) 1107/2006: the airport provides it, at the airline's request.
Which assistance to choose
| Code | For whom |
|---|---|
| WCHR | Needs help through the airport to the gate |
| WCHS | Also needs help up and down the aircraft steps |
| WCHC | Needs to be lifted to the aircraft seat |
| BLND / BLDP | Blind or visually impaired passengers, with or without an escort at the airport |
| DEAF | Deaf passengers |
| DPNA | Cognitive or non-visible disabilities requiring assistance |
| BDGR / SVAN | Passengers travelling with a guide or assistance dog |
With some types of assistance (for example WCHC, WCHS, DPNA or with a guide dog) Ryanair allocates a suitable seat free of charge, together with one travel companion. Ryanair does not pre-board passengers: to be among the first on board you need to buy Priority Boarding, but the boarding support included in the service you requested is still provided.
Wheelchairs and mobility aids
- you can take two pieces of mobility equipment and the medical equipment you need, free of charge;
- a maximum of two electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters is accepted per flight: add yours when you book;
- when collapsed, the wheelchair must not exceed 81 cm high, 119 cm wide and 119 cm deep; anything over 150 kg needs pre-authorisation;
- the 32 kg single item limit does not apply to mobility equipment;
- bring the operating instructions for an electric wheelchair to the airport.
The airline's liability for mobility aids is limited by the Montreal Convention to about €1,800: for valuable equipment consider insurance or Ryanair's special declaration of value.
On board: what to know
Every aircraft has an aisle wheelchair that the crew use to take you to the toilet door, but for safety reasons they cannot lift you from your seat or give you medication. Passengers who are not self-reliant (fastening the seatbelt, putting on the oxygen mask and life jacket, understanding the safety briefing, eating, using the toilet, taking medication) must travel with an accompanying adult. Ryanair recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, available at participating airports.
If your wheelchair is damaged or your flight goes wrong
If your mobility aid is lost, delayed or damaged, report it straight away at the baggage desk of your arrival airport and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR): its 10-character reference is needed for the claim. See our guide to lost luggage.
If your Ryanair flight arrives 3 hours or more late, is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice or you are denied boarding, you are entitled to €250, €400 or €600 per passenger like anyone else, and your companion has the same rights. Everything is on our Ryanair delays and compensation page. With DelayFlight24 you can check for free in 2 minutes: you pay nothing upfront and our fee is 25% + VAT only if you get compensated.
Frequently asked questions about Ryanair assistance
Do you have to pay for Ryanair assistance for disabled passengers?
No, on flights to and from EU airports assistance is free under Regulation (EC) 1107/2006.
How late can I request assistance?
Ideally when you book; online up to 48 hours before the flight, then up to 12 hours before by contacting the assistance team.
How early do I need to be at the airport?
Go to the airport assistance desk 2 hours before departure.
Can I take my electric wheelchair?
Yes, free of charge, by adding it when you book. Collapsed it must not exceed 81 Ă— 119 Ă— 119 cm, and over 150 kg it needs authorisation.
With assistance, do I board first?
Ryanair does not pre-board: you get the boarding support of the service you requested, but to board among the first you need Priority Boarding.
Work out your compensation now
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Find out more
- Air passenger rights
- Delayed flight: when you can claim compensation
- Cancelled flight: refund and compensation
- Overbooking: what you are owed
- What our service costs
Article updated on 22/10/2026 by the DelayFlight24 editorial team.