Guides › Flights › Wheelchair or Mobility Aid Damaged on a Flight
Wheelchair or Mobility Aid Damaged on a Flight
Airlines are liable for damage to mobility equipment, but the CAA says compensation is often limited to around £1,300. If your equipment is damaged, the airport must provide a temporary alternative, though it may not be like-for-like. Consider extra insurance for valuable equipment.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Rights
Damage to Mobility Equipment
Airlines are liable for damage to mobility equipment, but compensation is often limited to around £1,300. Consider extra insurance for valuable items. If your equipment is damaged, the airport must provide a temporary alternative, but it may not be like-for-like. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksAirline should reply to your complaintWithin 8 weeks, then you can escalate to ADR or the CAA
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Report the damage at the airport before you leave.
Step 2 of 5
Ask the airport for a temporary replacement.
Step 3 of 5
Photograph the damage and get repair quotes.
Step 4 of 5
Claim from the airline in writing.
Step 5 of 5
Check your own insurance for the rest.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Airline's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider
You are unhappy with the airline's final response, or it has taken more than 8 weeks to reply, and the airline belongs to an ADR scheme.
Civil Aviation Authority: Passenger Advice and Complaints Team
The airline is not in an ADR scheme, after you have complained to the airline first.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Tell the airline about your equipment when you book.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- caa.co.uk/air-passengers/about-your-trip/health-and-medical/travelling-with-medicines-mobility-and-medical-equipment Checked 13 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/how-to-claim-compensation Checked 12 October 2026