Can You Bring Crutches on a Plane?

Yes. Crutches are explicitly permitted on aircraft and receive special legal protections. Unlike carry-on bags — which are subject to size and weight limits — mobility aids including crutches cannot be refused carriage and cannot incur additional fees. Airlines are legally required to accommodate them.

Legal Protections for Mobility Aids

In the United States — ACAA

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits US airlines from discriminating against passengers with disabilities and requires specific accommodations for mobility aids. Under ACAA rules:

• Airlines must accept crutches and other mobility aids at no extra charge
• Airlines must make reasonable efforts to store mobility aids in the cabin
• If a mobility aid cannot be stowed in the cabin, it must be gate-checked and returned at the jet bridge after landing (not at baggage claim)
• Airlines cannot require passengers with disabilities to use airport wheelchairs instead of their own mobility devices

The Department of Transportation enforces ACAA. If an airline violates these rules, passengers can file a complaint directly with the DOT.

In the European Union — EC 1107/2006

The EU Regulation 1107/2006 on the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility applies to all flights departing from EU airports and flights arriving at EU airports from non-EU carriers. It similarly prohibits charges for mobility aids and requires airlines and airports to provide assistance without additional cost.

Other Countries

Canada, Australia, the UK, and most other developed aviation markets have equivalent protections. Airlines operating in these markets generally apply mobility aid policies globally for consistency, even on routes where the local regulation may be less explicit.

Getting Crutches Through Airport Security

Crutches go through security screening like any other item. The process is straightforward but benefits from preparation:

1. Tell the officer before screening. As you approach the checkpoint, let TSA or security staff know you use crutches. They will direct you to the appropriate screening lane and tell you the process.

2. Metal crutches will trigger the detector. Standard aluminum or alloy crutches will set off the metal detector. This is expected and normal — it does not mean there is a problem. You will typically be directed to a body scanner or offered a manual screening process.

3. You may be offered a wheelchair during screening. Accept or decline this as you prefer. Accepting a wheelchair for the brief period of passing through the checkpoint while your crutches are screened separately can make the process easier, but it is not required.

4. Crutches go through the X-ray belt. The security officer will pass your crutches through the X-ray machine separately from you.

5. Allow extra time. Security screening with mobility aids can take longer than standard screening. Arriving at the airport earlier than usual and informing your airline at check-in that you use mobility aids helps the process.

Stowing Crutches on the Plane

Once on board, your options for storing crutches depend on the aircraft:

Overhead bin. Forearm (Lofstrand) crutches and some underarm crutches are short enough to fit in overhead bins. Standard underarm crutches may be too long for most overhead bins on narrow-body aircraft (typically 60–70cm interior depth), but can often be placed at an angle.

Cabin closet. Many aircraft — especially wide-body long-haul aircraft and some regional jets — have a coat closet near the front of the cabin. Flight attendants can often stow crutches here if overhead space is insufficient.

Gate check. If crutches cannot be safely stowed in the cabin, the airline will gate-check them at the jet bridge. This is the last resort option. The crutches are tagged and placed in the hold, but — critically — they must be returned to you at the jet bridge at your destination. You should not have to walk through the terminal without them.

Requesting Assistance at the Airport

If you need help navigating the airport on crutches, you are entitled to request wheelchair assistance from the airline at no charge. Contact the airline when booking or at check-in.

Airports also have staff dedicated to assisting passengers with reduced mobility. In most major airports, you can request assistance at the check-in desk, at a designated accessibility counter, or by calling a posted number.

Mobility aid assistance does not mean surrendering your crutches — it means being accompanied through the airport as needed.

Tips for Flying with Crutches

• Notify the airline at booking. Airlines can note your mobility aid needs in your reservation, which helps ground staff and cabin crew prepare.
• Request priority boarding. Passengers with mobility aids typically board before general boarding. Ask for this when checking in.
• Choose aisle seating. An aisle seat allows you to remain seated until other passengers have deplaned, giving you more time and space to retrieve your crutches and move comfortably.
• Pack crutch accessories carefully. Rubber tips, crutch pads, and similar accessories can be packed in your carry-on or checked bag without any special requirements.