Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs at the airport

Copa Airlines has wheelchairs available for use at each of its locations. The standard width of these wheelchairs is 48 centimeters (19 inches).

On-board wheelchairs

All Copa Airlines aircraft have an onboard wheelchair. These wheelchairs are specially designed to fit the aisle of our aircraft and may be used by semi-ambulatory customers to access the bathroom. Our in-flight personnel are trained in the use of this wheelchair and will assist you. This wheelchair is not designed to be used outside the aircraft.

Requesting a wheelchair

To request a wheelchair, you can:

• Contact our Reservation Center at least 24 hours prior to departure.
• You may also request a wheelchair online by accessing your reservation on My trips.
• If you are not able to request a wheelchair in advance, you may also request one upon arrival at the airport.

Travelling with wheelchairs

If you are traveling with personal assistance items, wheelchairs or any wheelchair components, you have the option of either taking your wheelchair onboard or checking it in the cargo hold.

If you choose to take the personal assistance item onboard, it may be stored in one of the overhead compartments or underneath the seat in front of you, in accordance with transportation guidelines for onboard items. At Copa Airlines, we give priority to the storage of passenger wheelchairs over carry-on luggage, coats, jackets, etc.

If you are traveling with a personal assistance item, you will be asked to board early to have time store your wheelchair or items in the closet, if they fit. If the wheelchair does not fit in any of the cabin storage spaces, it will be checked in the cargo hold. Air traffic control will coordinate priority boarding with the Copa Airlines crew members.

If you choose to check your wheelchair, you may obtain a checked-bag receipt at the door of the aircraft or in the baggage drop-off area. Wheelchairs and other travel assistance items have priority over baggage and cargo.

If you have an electric wheelchair, Copa Airlines policies require you to remove the batteries from the wheelchair and store the batteries in an upright position. If the wheelchair has a battery that may leak fluid, the captain will be notified using the appropriate form and a tag will be attached to the battery that includes a description of the battery type.