Can a Hoyer Lift Be Taken on a Plane? — Revealing the Real Transfer Solutions for Air Travel

For passengers with complete mobility impairments who cannot walk independently, flying is not just a matter of itinerary arrangement, but also a test of dignity and safety. Many families ask: "Can we bring our own Hoyer lift on the plane to facilitate transfers at the airport and inside the cabin?" The answer, though disappointing, is clear: standard Hoyer lifts cannot be brought into the passenger cabin, nor are they allowed to be used at the boarding gate or inside the cabin.

However, this does not mean helplessness. The global civil aviation system has established a set of transfer support mechanisms for passengers with mobility barriers. This article will reveal the real transfer process during air travel, your legal rights, and how to plan a safe and dignified flying experience in advance.

I. Why Can’t You Bring Your Own Hoyer Lift on a Plane?

1. Size and Weight Restrictions

The main unit of a household Hoyer lift weighs 30–50 kg, and its base, when fully extended, exceeds 80 cm in width—far exceeding the standard size limits for carry-on or checked luggage;Even if disassembled, it cannot pass through the security conveyor belt or fit into the standard container of the cargo hold.

2. Extremely Limited Cabin Space

The aisle width of narrow-body airliners is only about 45–50 cm, while operating a Hoyer lift requires a radius of at least 1 meter;The seat pitch is narrow, making it impossible to extend the lift’s boom—there is simply no space for operation.

3. Prohibited by Safety Regulations

Regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national aviation authorities stipulate that any uncertified mechanical equipment is not allowed to be used in boarding areas or passenger cabins;Batteries for electric equipment (especially lead-acid batteries) are classified as dangerous goods and are prohibited from being checked or carried on board.

✅ Conclusion: Whether manual or electric, household Hoyer lifts cannot be used in air travel scenarios.

II. What Must Airlines Provide? — Your Legal Rights

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the European Union’s Regulation (EC) 1107/2006, and China’s Measures for the Air Transport of Persons with Disabilities, airlines have a mandatory obligation to assist passengers who cannot walk, including:

1. Full-Service Wheelchair Transfers Within the Airport

From the check-in counter → priority security lane → boarding gate → aircraft cabin door;Airport-specific narrow "aisle chairs" are used, which can pass through the cabin aisle.

2. Boarding/Deplaning Transfer Services

At the jet bridge or passenger stairs, two or more trained ground staff will use on-board transfer boards or manual assistance to move the passenger from the wheelchair to the seat;For passengers with complete mobility impairments, some large hub airports are equipped with dedicated boarding lift vehicles (such as Ambulifts), which can lift the entire wheelchair to the height of the cabin door.

3. In-Flight Toilet Assistance (Subject to Aircraft Type and Policy)

Some wide-body airliners (e.g., Boeing 777, Airbus A350) are equipped with on-board accessible toilets and provide transfer assistance using sliding boards;Narrow-body aircraft usually cannot provide toilet assistance, so it is recommended to make preparations before the flight.

⚠️ Important Note: These services are provided free of charge, but must be reserved 48–72 hours in advance!

III. What Is an "Aisle Chair"? — The Real "In-Flight Hoyer"

Although Hoyer lifts cannot be used, the "aisle chair" used by airlines is a transfer tool specifically designed for the cabin:

Features:

Ultra-narrow body (<40 cm), allowing it to be pushed along the cabin aisle;

Small casters + reclined design, making it easy to go up and down steps;

No armrests or detachable armrests, facilitating lateral transfers;

Operated by ground staff, not for self-use by passengers.

Limitations:

Relies on manual lifting, which may be unsuitable for severely obese passengers or those with spasms;

No sling support, so it cannot replace mechanical lifting.