47 Wheelchair Travel Essentials to Make Accessible Travel Easier

One of the challenges of traveling in a wheelchair is managing your luggage. I prefer luggage that has 4 wheels, so it gives me the most options for maneuvering.

Likewise, having wheeled luggage that fits in between your wheelchair handles allows for attaching it to your chair. Just make sure it doesn’t tip your chair backward.

If you prefer not to attach your bag to your chair, a duffel bag that you can place on your lap also works.

This item goes along with the wheeled suitcase I mentioned above. Using stroller clips or carabiners allows you to attach your suitcase to your wheelchair (as shown in the video below).

A lap stacker is a strap that is attached to your wheelchair that you pull and connect over your lap in order to secure items like suitcases (as well as anything else you may need to carry).

It comes in really handy no matter if you self-propel in a manual chair or need your arms to navigate in a power chair.

Let’s face it, accessible bathrooms are not always available. Especially if you are flying to your destination.

This sealable urinal pouch allows you to relieve yourself without the worry of spills or smells as the liquid turns to gel.

It can be handy on a plane for men or for people who catheterize.

It can be easy to get pressure sores when flying or if you are going to be traveling over bumpy surfaces (like those dreaded cobblestones). Help protect your bum from sores with a dressing like this one.

They can also be used if you start noticing any skin breakdown in the hopes of reversing the damage.

Typically used in addition to the dressing I mentioned above, this cream can help treat and prevent pressure sores on your bottom.

Although travel isn’t guaranteed to cause pressure sores, it can increase your chances depending on your abilities, the length of the flight, etc. Having it on hand, just in case problems develop can be a lifesaver.

Whenever I travel, I try to not let the weather stop me from exploring. And, destinations such as London and Ireland are known for their drizzly days.

To help me get the most out of my travels, no matter what the weather, I always pack rain gear like a poncho. I love this one because it’s designed specifically for wheelchairs so it won’t get caught in your wheels.

Although I love my rain poncho, my feet still have a tendency to get wet while I’m in my wheelchair. That’s why when a friend showed me these waterproof shoe covers, I instantly fell in love.

They are easy to get on and off and protect your feet (and shoes) from getting wet. Problem solved!

Traveling in the dark has always made me nervous. I mean, people don’t always notice me in broad daylight, not alone when it gets dark.

Then I discovered these cool lights that you can put on your wheelchair tires. They instantly increase your visibility making it safer to go out in the dark.

As you may know, it’s hard for wheelchair users to regulate their body temperature. So, we can often get overheated (not good).

This small battery-operated fan mounts right on your wheelchair to help keep you cool. It’s a great hands-free way to help manage your temperature while you’re traveling.

If you’re like me, I have several things I need throughout the day when I travel. And, not all of them easily fit in a purse.

Having a bag that fits your wheelchair is perfect for storing the essential items you need with you (although I don’t recommend putting valuables in there).

If you have a poor grip and want to access your phone more easily, this mount is a lifesaver. Additionally, if you want to be able to take photographs with your phone, this mounted phone holder has a longer positionable arm to help you get the right shot.

I don’t have a lot of core strength and tend to lean to one side. As a result, I can easily get pressure sores on my arm from my wheelchair.

That’s why I love these memory foam armrest covers. They help prevent sores and make my wheelchair more comfortable.

When you use a manual wheelchair, it can get tiring pushing yourself. Having a detachable power attachment can help save you some energy as well as make navigating uneven terrain (like cobblestones) easier.

The Firefly is airline-approved so no need to worry about traveling with it.

A freewheel attachment is another alternative for manual wheelchair users to help with rough terrain. It easily attaches to the front of your chair and lifts the caster wheels up so they don’t get caught.

While I no longer use a manual chair, a friend of mine who has this attachment absolutely loves hers and says it’s been a game changer.

I get cold very easily and then my muscles become temporarily paralyzed. So, when I was planning my cruise to Antarctica, I was worried how my body would cope.

Luckily, I found this wheelchair cozy and it worked perfectly to help me keep more comfortable. As a bonus, it’s also waterproof!

One of the travel hacks I learned on my recent safari in Africa is to use a gel cushion on the shower seat to prevent you from slipping.

Simply, take the gel cushion out from its cover and place it on the bench or seat. It will help keep you more stable so you don’t slide off. It’s great for people who are short like me or who don’t have a lot of strength.

A portable ramp comes in handy for shops that have a step to enter or for places that don’t have good curb cuts. Having one on hand helps to make environments that aren’t as accessible a little easier for a wheelchair user.

Ramps come in different weights and sizes, so make sure you get one that best fits your needs.

One of my pet peeves is when I’m given an ADA tub room that has no shower seat. For me, getting in and out of a tub is impossible if it doesn’t have a seat.

Well, now there is a solution! This portable seat attaches to either side of the tub (as long there is a lip on both sides) and is a great option for people who can transfer from their wheelchair to a seat and slide their legs over the tub.

It’s small (but big enough to sit on) and lightweight so it’s perfect for traveling.

I hate having nowhere to put a drink when I’m trying to drive my small power chair. This cup holder that is designed to attach to a wheelchair completely solves that issue.

It’s sturdy enough for most drinks and allows me to keep my hands free when I’m not drinking.

One of my biggest travel tips is if you need help transferring from the aisle wheelchair to the plane seat (or with positioning), use a transfer pad. This allows others to help you without directly touching you and can be an easier method.

This pad is large enough to work for people who may be broader or larger and can be used on the plane or for someone to help you position in bed. It also has no seams that may be annoying or cause discomfort.

For people who have difficulty reaching themselves to wipe after using the toilet, an assistive device like a butt wiper is really helpful. However, up until now, I’ve never seen one that folds.

Having the option of one that folds allows you to discretely carry it in a bag for whenever you are out and about.

Back when I had limited mobility, one of the things I had the most difficulty with was getting out of a car. A family member gave me this handle that provided me with another place to grab and push up from and it was so helpful.

It easily attaches to almost any vehicle and is sturdy so you don’t feel like it’s going to move and throw you off balance.

Ever try to balance a carry-on bag on top of your suitcase with limited mobility? It sucks.

I love using a luggage strap to keep your carry-on from falling off the top of your suitcase. It makes getting through the airport just a little easier.

Walking when you have limited mobility can be tiring and there aren’t always benches to sit and rest. So, having a cane with a built-in seat can be a lifesaver.

They come in handy whether you’re exploring on your own, as part of a walking tour, or any time you need a few minutes to rest.

My Muscular Dystrophy affects my overall strength making it difficult to do things like lift my legs when I get in a car or into bed. This leg lifter strap is really useful when I need just a little extra help.

My disability affects my core strength and as a result, getting in and out of bed (or even turning in bed) is a real challenge. I love my bed rail at home as it makes these tasks so much easier.

Unfortunately, it’s too big and bulky to bring when I travel. So, I found this option that easily comes apart so it takes up less room. I can’t wait to try it out on my next trip.

Since it’s hard for me to bend over (even when seated), sometimes getting dressed can be a challenge. When I’m not exploring the world, I use a dressing stick at home to assist me with this process.

But, unfortunately, the stick I use doesn’t always fit very well in a suitcase. So, when I stumbled upon this folding option, I was thrilled. It makes getting dressed when traveling so much easier.

At home, I use a scrubber or loofah that is on a handle so that I can bathe independently. However, it’s such a pain to take when I travel as it’s an awkward size.

Then I found this collapsible one! It allows me to maintain my independence when traveling and doesn’t take up a lot of room.

I personally own the grey pair and love them. They are so lightweight and easy to put on. No need to travel with a shoehorn, just slip your feet right in.

My travel companion especially loves that I have them at airport security because they are so easy to get on and off without damaging the shoe.

These compact tools are easy to carry and can be especially useful for people with ADHD, autism, or anxiety disorders who benefit from having something to keep their hands busy.

Plus, they are discreet, so you can use them without drawing much attention, making them a handy companion for flights, road trips, or even waiting in lines.

While having a medical tag for your luggage doesn’t guarantee it won’t get mishandled or damaged, it can help alert airport personnel of its importance.

I always carry my respiratory equipment with me when I fly (and a few medical supplies) to ensure it doesn’t get damaged. Even if you do a similar process, having the medical tag can let the crew know that it’s necessary for you to carry these items with you so they don’t get checked.

Additionally, most airlines allow you to carry medical equipment with you without it counting against your carry-on limit.

Due to using a ventilator, I have to sleep at a slight incline. However, packing extra pillows or a wedge pillow isn’t usually an option for me.

That’s why I love this inflatable option that you can position to get the incline and support you need. Since you can deflate it after use, it saves you a ton of space in your suitcase.

Travel anxiety is a real thing. Especially when you have a disability and are worried about your equipment getting lost or broken.

Weighted blankets have been shown to help reduce anxiety and help you to relax but they are often so large that they aren’t ideal for travel. So, instead, get a small version that perfectly fits on your lap and is more easily managed.

They can help you stay calmer, are great for a little extra warmth when flying, and can fold up to put in your carry-on.

I have to do daily breathing treatments to prevent me from getting a respiratory illness. But, I quickly discovered that the nebulizer I use at home isn’t dual voltage and a regular converter isn’t powerful enough to support it.

A quick internet search allowed me to find a travel nebulizer that I could use both at home and when I travel to countries with different electrical currencies.

Having one that works no matter where I go is critical to me staying healthy. If you’re like me and need breathing treatments, I highly recommend you invest in a dual-voltage nebulizer that you can take with you on your travels.

Long flights can increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (aka blood clots). And, since I can’t move around on flights, I can’t do the recommended exercise to reduce this risk.

Instead, I use compression socks. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can help you reduce the risk of blood clots when you fly.

Whether you get cold easily (like me) or use heat therapy to help manage pain, I love these heated seat cushions for when you’re traveling in a vehicle.

They can really help increase your overall comfort on long drives or in the winter.

Some countries, like Peru, do not allow you to enter with controlled substances (even if prescribed by a doctor). If you’re using medicine for pain, this can be really concerning.

Lidocaine patches can be a tool to alleviate some of your pain when you aren’t able to use your normal methods. While they won’t compare to your prescribed medications, they may be able to offer some minor relief.

For people with diabetes, it is crucial to travel with your insulin. However, many wonder about the best methods to keep it cold during travel days.

Having this TSA-approved case with ice packs you freeze before travel is an effective way to ensure your medication stays at the correct temperature.

While many people enjoy and benefit from noise-canceling headphones, they can be especially useful for people on the Autism spectrum or people with ADHD who want to travel.

There are so many stimuli and sounds when in new places, that it can often be overwhelming. Having a set of headphones that can help reduce the noise can make it easier to cope at airports, on planes, or in busy areas.

I never travel without my dual voltage extension cord. It allows me to plug in multiple devices (like my ventilator, wheelchair, and other equipment) while only needing one adapter.

Additionally, it’s perfect for when there is no outlet next to the bed (like on many cruise ships). It’s one of my #1 must-have travel accessories.

If you are traveling internationally, you will most likely need an outlet adapter in order to plug in any device.

While I have an adapter cube that has outlets for the most popular countries, there are times (like when I was in Africa) when I needed adapters that were less common. That’s when I purchased this set.

I love it because it has the right adapter no matter where I travel, so I’ll never be in a pinch.

There are so many things we use our phones for nowadays (like navigation, photos, translation, etc.). This means that our batteries may not last the whole day.

Don’t run out of battery when you really need it by always carrying a power bank with you. This will help you charge your phone on the go so you can use it throughout the day.

Let’s face it, getting scrapes and cuts is easy to do. So, having a portable first aid kit can come in really handy when you travel.

It allows you to take care of minor injuries on the go without having to worry about finding a pharmacy for supplies.

I hate using disposable plastic bottles when traveling because I never know if they’re going to be recycled or end up in the river or ocean. I love this beautiful planet and don’t want to contribute to its demise.

As a result, reusable water bottles are my go-to option. I particularly like this one because it collapses so it takes up less room in my suitcase.

One of my biggest fears is having the airline lose my wheelchair and/or luggage. So instead of allowing my anxiety to take over, I got luggage trackers.

I use the Apple Air Tags to keep track of my belongings during travel. Although they won’t guarantee that your stuff will make it to your destination, they do make finding it so it can be returned to you smoother and easier.

I put one in my wheelchair, and one in my luggage (as well as any other important bag like my purse).

If you don’t have an Apple phone, I recommend the Tile brand of luggage trackers for Android phones.

Since airplanes don’t have truly accessible bathrooms, I tend to dehydrate myself before and during the flights to decrease the likelihood of having to use the facilities.

However, this isn’t the healthiest option. So once, I get to my destination, I need to rehydrate quickly. Having these packs that I can add to any bottle of water or liquid can help speed up that process.