As is the case for all wheelchair passengers, the prime wheelchair and a shower chair should always be accepted free of charge. However, any additional chair is part of their baggage allowance and excess is payable when this allowance is exceeded.

On-board wheelchair

All 747, 767, 777 and A320 aircraft flying internationally for NZ have a wheelchair stored on board at all times. Usually the airport wheelchairs are used to assist passengers on and off the plane, but there is one on board to be used to get to and from the amenities. Domestic flights do not carry one.

Wheelchair Special Service Request (SSR) Codes
1. SSR WCHR - Unable to walk long distance, can use stairs and walk to seat You are able to walk short distances but require assistance getting to and from the aircraft. you must be able to ascend and descend stairs. If you are not able to ascend and descend stairs please select the "Wheelchair: unable to walk long distance or use stairs, can walk to seat" option.
2. SSR WCHS - Unable to walk long distance or use stairs, can walk to seat You are able to walk short distances but require assistance getting to and from the aircraft and are unable to ascend or descend aircraft steps. You must be able to walk to your seat once onboard.
3. SSR WCHC (See different options below) You use a wheelchair for mobility and may require a manual upper body lift or the use of an onboard aisle chair, to get to or from your seat on the aircraft. There are five options to choose from.
WCHC SELF RELIANT - completely immobile, can self-transfer to seat	You are completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility and are able to self transfer between an aircraft wheelchair and aircraft seat. A lower body lift can be provided by Air New Zealand staff if required.If you require assistance onboard with personal hygiene, eating and/or medical services you will be required to travel with a safety assistant.
WCHC WITH SAFETY ASSISTANT - completely immobile, travelling with own safety assistant to perform lift	You are completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility and are unable to self transfer between an aircraft wheelchair and aircraft seat. A lower body lift can be provided by Air New Zealand if required.Your safety assistant must be able to perform an upper body lift to transfer you to/from your seat and all onboard needs including assisting with personal hygiene, eating and/or medical services.
WCHC NO SAFETY ASSISTANT - (Only available for direct flights to/from/via the USA) - completely immobile, travelling without a safety assistant	You are completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility and are unable to self transfer between an aircraft wheelchair and the aircraft seat. Air New Zealand staff will provide reasonable assistance during your transfer into and out of your seat however you must be able to physically assist in your evacuation in the case of an emergency.
WCHC NON TRAVELLING SAFETY ASSISTANT (Available Domestic only) - completely immobile, providing own safety assistant at each airport to perform lift	As an alternative to having a safety assistant travel with you, you are permitted to arrange your own safety assistant at each domestic airport to perform an upper body lift to transfer to you and from your seat. This option is not available to you if you require assistance inflight with personal hygiene, eating and/or medical services.
WCHC EAGLE LIFTING DEVICE - completely immobile, require lifting device (Available Domestic Jet Services only)	For travel on jet services at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Palmerston North and Queenstown the Eagle lifting device can be requested. All other airports and non jet aircraft require a safety assistant to perform an upper body lift. When using the lifting device, the wearing of shorts or long trousers is recommended for privacy and comfort.

2. Support Person – NZ Domestic flights only

At the suggestion of a disability organisation, our policy now includes the provision for support personnel, arranged by the customer, to board the aircraft and lift the customer at the departure airport and arrival airport. This system allows customers who need lifting assistance to travel without the requirement to pay for an escort to accompany them during the flight.

The support person is escorted by an Air New Zealand staff member to board the aircraft at time of boarding/disembarkation.
The support person performs the lift for the customer. Air New Zealand staff can assist with moving the legs of the customer if this is required.
The support person does not travel on the aircraft with the WCHC customer.
Arranging for the support persons is the responsibility of customer, not Air New Zealand.

This procedure is only applicable for NZ Domestic flights. AVSEC have been informed and have given NZ permission for this new procedure where they screen flights prior to boarding.

For more information please click here

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Mobility scooters
When assessing the need to carry a passenger's mobility scooter, you must first establish whether it is essential for their mobility. If it is, then Air New Zealand will only accept it as checked-in baggage.
Mobility scooters
Disabled passenger lifting policy Disabled passenger lifting policy