Medical devices

Travelling with medical aids

Medical devices and aids are transported free of charge if you present a letter from a physician confirming that you require them.

Medical devices and aids (e.g. respirators, inhalators, crutches, etc.) are transported free of charge if you present a physician’s letter confirming that you need them. You can also take medications with you without any charge if you present a prescription for them. Only medical devices, aids, and medications prescribed by a physician are exempt from fees; all others are treated as ordinary baggage.

Luggage containing or consisting of medical devices is limited to one bag or item per passenger. It may not weigh more than 23 kg. Medical devices do not count toward the usual baggage allowance.

For safety reasons, all medical aids, medications, and devices must be reported to the airline in advance in writing (by mail, fax, or e-mail). Only passengers who can document that they are severely disabled are exempted from this requirement.

The following types of special medical luggage are transported free of charge under the conditions described above:

  • Respirators, asthma devices, inhalators
  • CPAP devices
  • Catheters
  • Bandaging
  • Walking aids (crutches, walkers, walking frames)
  • Wheelchairs with accessories (subject to the currently applicable restrictions)
  • Hygiene articles (diapers), stomas
  • Shower/toilet seats, sliding boards for wheelchair users
  • Prostheses
  • Emergency kits for physicians
  • Dialysis devices, defibrillators, lymphatic drainage devices, electric stimulation therapy devices
  • Suction devices and irrigators
  • Medications and syringes

Travelling with your own wheelchair

Important information

Please register your wheelchair with your airline before departure, stating the dimensions of the wheelchair (height, width and weight).

Important: If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, please inform yourself about the type of battery used and specify it when booking your flight.
Gel and dry batteries can remain in the wheelchair and do not require any special transport preparation. However, the batteries must be secured, disconnected and the poles insulated by you during check-in.

For safety reasons, special packaging criteria apply to wheelchairs with wet battery operation. Please enquire with your airline in advance.