Our Story

Founder Michele Erwin created All Wheels Up in 2011 when flying with her son Greyson who has SMA. After experiencing the difficulties of traveling with a Wheelchair, she knew something needed to be done and embarked on the journey of getting wheelchairs crash tested for Accessible commercial flight.

We ultimately found out existing wheelchair restraints from Q’Straint used in Accessible Cars and Buses can exceed the FAA requirement of 16 G’s and started testing them and working with regulators such as the FAA, Airlines, Airplane Manufacturers, and Congress to see how we can make Airplanes Accessible.

Being able to fly on Airplanes from the safety of your Wheelchair is something the disability community has wanted for years. Air Travel currently is a nightmare for us and many don’t even fly because of bad experiences; Wheelchairs get damaged constantly and even sent to the wrong airport and Airlines spend millions every year repairing them.

Wheelchairs have actually flown on Airplanes before and the first time was on Air Force One when FDR flew on a modified military plane called “The Sacred Crow” to join Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin at the Yalta Conference in 1945. The plane featured an elevator that could accommodate FDR and his Wheelchair.

Military Cargo Planes like the C-130 and C-5 feature tracking that has been used to transport wheelchairs in emergency situations.

Federal Research Concludes A Wheelchair Spot on Airplanes is Feasible

“No other form of transportation- trains, buses, boats- requires you to give up your mobility device when you board. The same ought to be true of airlines. So, in the months and years ahead, we plan to record a new rule that will allow passengers to stay in them wheelchairs when they fly. We know this won’t happen overnight, but it is a goal we have to work to fulfill”

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

Accessible Airplanes will allow Airlines to reach an untapped market of millions of customers

There are currently 5.5 million wheelchair users in the USA and growing according to the latest census

Adults with Disabilities spend $17 billion on travel annually. There are another 4 million in the EU and millions more in the developing world.

The FAA projects US airline passenger growth to average 2% every year and US air travel demand to go from 756.3 million passengers in 2014 and nearly double by 2035 reaching 1.14 billion passengers.

The IATA projects world airline passenger growth to average 3.8% ever year and world air travel demand to double from 3.5 billion passengers in 2015 to 7 billion by 2034.

Taking a power wheelchair on a plane can be made easier with a bit of planning. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience:

1. Contact the Airline in Advance • Call the airline’s special assistance or accessibility department at least 48 hours before your flight. Let them know you’ll be traveling with a power wheelchair so they can prepare for it.
   • Provide details about the wheelchair’s weight, dimensions, and battery type (e.g., lithium-ion, gel cell), as airlines have specific rules for certain types of batteries.
2. Understand Battery Regulations • Lithium-ion batteries typically have restrictions on size and quantity, so check with the airline if the battery will need to be removed and transported separately.
   • Gel cell and dry cell batteries are generally safer and often don’t need removal.
3. Arrive Early at the Airport • Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This extra time allows for any necessary inspection and coordination with airline staff to handle your wheelchair safely.
4. Bring Key Information and Tools • Bring an information card with instructions on how to operate, disassemble, and reassemble your wheelchair, as ground crews may not be familiar with it.
   • Consider carrying essential tools or quick-release parts (like detachable joystick or leg rests) if they’re easy to remove and could help avoid damage.
5. Label and Protect Fragile Parts • Label fragile areas of the wheelchair (e.g., joystick) with “Fragile” stickers.
   • Some travelers use bubble wrap or foam to protect key components, especially if the chair will be stored in the cargo hold.
6. Ask for an “Aisle Chair” if Needed • Airlines offer aisle chairs for boarding. These narrow wheelchairs help you get to your seat if you cannot walk.
7. Know Your Rights and File a Complaint if Needed • The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) protects the rights of travelers with disabilities in the U.S. If you encounter issues, know that you have the right to request assistance or, if needed, file a complaint with the airline or the Department of Transportation.
8. Consider Insurance • While rare, wheelchairs can get damaged in transit. Check with your insurance to make sure any damage during travel is covered, or inquire with the airline about their liability for mobility devices.

With these preparations, you should have a smoother experience. Let me know if you want specific information on a certain airline or additional tips for a particular type of wheelchair.

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