Accessible travel can require a specialist holiday provider, so if you do require special assistance on your holiday, it’s important to discuss this at the time of booking.

If you have already booked a holiday, perhaps it’s been rebooked, and rebooked again and you’ve got a question or concern please get in touch for our free holiday advice service.

Before Covid, it was possible to book airport special assistance up to 48 hours before travel, but currently due to high demands for accessible travel it is taking much longer. Ideally it needs requesting at time of booking, however, I’d recommend at least one month before travel.

The flight:


It is important that you are clear about the type of help that you need. This will help avoid delays and ensure that you receive appropriate support. Many airports also provide additional information tailored specifically to people with hidden disabilities.

This could include:

  • transfer from a designated point, such as car park or bus stop, to the terminal building;
  • the use of an airport/cruise port wheelchair to get to the departure gate;
  • extra help getting through security searches;
  • assistance with boarding the aircraft and getting seated;
  • specific seats on the aircraft.

Airlines will need to know in advance if you are taking an electric mobility aid (e.g. an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter) – it’s essential that you check whether your mobility aid is permitted on the flight before you fly. Airline approved scooters, wheelchairs and other medical equipment commonly use a special type of battery that is very light – lithium-ion batteries – so electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters do not usually present any issues in terms of weight, but it’s essential to double check!

The transfer:

Airport transfers, in general are currently one of the most challenging areas for tour operators, therefore, it’s essential if you require an adapted transfer that you book this as early as possible, as availability is very limited. Once you’ve booked your accessible transfer make sure you know exactly how you will locate your driver. Make sure they have your mobile phone number (and it’s switched on!) and also ensure you have the driver’s emergency contact number easily accessible just in case you cannot locate each other or there’s a delay. I strongly recommend liaising with the transfer company a couple of days before travel to ensure everything is in order.

Your accommodation:

Most resorts and cruise ships have adapted rooms and cabins, however, securing of these can be extremely challenging (unless you book really early) as they are very limited in number. Therefore, you can often find yourself having to book a non-adapted room or cabin and trying to make this work. Things to consider if you’re using a mobility aid are door widths and steps, you should also request the accommodation’s full accessibility statement. We can also request aids to make your stay more comfortable such as shower stools and bed rails. If you’re going on a cruise from the UK check-out the Mobility At Sea website, as they provide a full range of equipment to hire.

We also work with suppliers who specialise in accessible holidays, who are the experts in arranging holidays with clients who have complex needs.

Advice, recommendations and tips are made in good faith at the time of writing, however, things are constantly changing therefore it’s essential that you remain up-to-date with any requirements that may impact your holiday.