✈️ Getting to India with a Disability: My Journey and What to Expect

Traveling to another country can be exciting, overwhelming, and a little nerve-wracking — especially when you have a disability. I recently traveled to India, and while the destination was amazing, I realized there’s a lot people don’t talk about when it comes to simply getting there.

From booking flights to navigating airports, the process takes planning, patience, and a few backup plans. If you’re thinking about making the trip yourself, here’s how I did it — and what I learned along the way.

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🧠 Step One: Planning Ahead Is Key

We typically fly with Lufthansa, on the route DTW–FRA–MAA, as there’s only one stop in Frankfurt.

Here are some other disability-friendly airlines to consider when flying to Chennai:

• Emirates: Offers excellent accessibility services and connects through Dubai (DXB).

• Qatar Airways: Known for attentive in-flight support and smooth transfers through Doha (DOH).

• Etihad Airways: Offers mobility assistance and connects through Abu Dhabi (AUH).

• Singapore Airlines: Provides great in-flight accessibility and connects through Singapore (SIN).

• British Airways: Offers support for travelers with disabilities and connects through London (LHR). It makes the trip more manageable, especially when you’re trying to avoid multiple connections and long layovers. Lufthansa has been pretty consistent in offering good assistance and making the transfer process smoother at Frankfurt Airport.

Documentation Tip: In addition to your travel documents, make sure you carry any documentation related to your wheelchair. This includes a letter from your doctor, manufacturer details, and instructions for disassembly if needed — this can be a lifesaver if airport staff need to stow or transport your chair.

We typically fly with Lufthansa, on the route DTW–FRA–MAA, as there’s only one stop in Frankfurt. It makes the trip more manageable, especially when you’re trying to avoid multiple connections and long layovers. Lufthansa has been pretty consistent in offering good assistance and making the transfer process smoother at Frankfurt Airport.

Before I even packed a bag, I started with the basics:

• Choose your airline wisely – Some are better than others when it comes to accessibility. I picked one with a solid reputation for offering in-flight assistance, wheelchair support, and accessible restrooms.

• Request assistance early – I contacted the airline weeks in advance to request wheelchair support at every airport along the route. Even if you note it during booking, follow up with a phone call.

• Travel documents – I made sure my passport was valid, packed my visa paperwork, and had doctor’s notes for any medication or medical devices I was bringing.

🧳 Packing for the Long Haul

A flight to India usually takes at least 15+ hours with layovers. That meant comfort was a top priority for me.

Here’s what I packed in my carry-on:

• Medication (enough for the entire trip + a little extra)

• Noise-canceling headphones

• A travel pillow and blanket

• Snacks I know I can eat

• Medical documents and a list of emergency contacts

And of course, any assistive devices like chargers, grips, or extra straps for my wheelchair.

🛫 At the Airport: Patience and Communication

I travel with my parents, and at the airport, we always ask for help. Whether it's navigating through check-in, getting assistance with luggage, or needing help to reach the gate, it’s important to communicate with airport staff early and clearly. The staff are usually accommodating, especially when you let them know what you need right away.

Airport travel can be exhausting, especially if you're transferring between terminals or flying solo. I made sure to:

• Arrive early – I got to the airport at least 3 hours before my flight, which gave me time to check in, go through security, and get to my gate without stress.

• Speak up – I reminded staff about my assistance request and didn’t hesitate to ask for help with bags, boarding, or getting to the restroom.

Tip: Not all staff are trained equally, so be clear and polite, but don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.

✈️ On the Plane

🧻 Using the Bathroom

One of the biggest challenges on a long-haul flight can be using the bathroom. Not all planes have accessible restrooms, and space is often limited. It’s a good idea to ask in advance if your flight has an accessible lavatory. On Lufthansa’s long-haul flights, there is usually at least one larger bathroom near the middle of the aircraft, though it still may not be spacious.

On my recent flight, I noticed that the door to the accessible lavatory had been removed, effectively increasing the usable space. This modification made it easier to maneuver with the aisle chair, providing a bit more comfort and accessibility during the flight.

If you need help getting to the bathroom, you can ask the flight crew for an aisle chair. Keep in mind, though, that in-flight assistance is limited — flight attendants are not allowed to lift or physically assist passengers inside the restroom, so it’s important to plan ahead.

I try to go before boarding and limit how much I drink during the flight, just to reduce the number of trips needed. It’s not ideal, but with some planning, it’s manageable. on a long-haul flight can be using the bathroom. Not all planes have accessible restrooms, and space is often limited. It’s a good idea to ask in advance if your flight has an accessible lavatory. On Lufthansa’s long-haul flights, there is usually at least one larger bathroom near the middle of the aircraft, though it still may not be spacious.

If you need help getting to the bathroom, you can ask the flight crew for an aisle chair. Keep in mind, though, that in-flight assistance is limited — flight attendants are not allowed to lift or physically assist passengers inside the restroom, so it’s important to plan ahead.

I try to go before boarding and limit how much I drink during the flight, just to reduce the number of trips needed. It’s not ideal, but with some planning, it’s manageable.

Once onboard, the crew was generally helpful. Some airlines provide an aisle chair to get you to your seat if you can’t walk far. For me, the aisle chair is a must — it’s essential to help me board and deplane safely and comfortably. It helps to sit near the front of the plane or request bulkhead seating for extra space.

Long flights are tough — for anyone — so I did my best to stretch, hydrate, and rest when I could. Surprisingly, I don’t feel stressed while on the plane — once I'm settled in, it's actually one of the more relaxing parts of the journey. I don’t really have stress issues in general, which helps me stay calm throughout the trip. — once I'm settled in, it's actually one of the more relaxing parts of the journey.

Food Tip: I ate the food on the plane, but honestly, I didn’t really like it. Airplane meals can be hit or miss, and if you have dietary needs or just want to avoid bland food, it’s smart to pack your own snacks or even a small meal (as long as it follows airline rules). Having something familiar made the long flight more comfortable.

🛬 Arrival in India

Getting off the plane can be hectic. I waited for airport staff to bring a wheelchair and help me through customs and baggage claim. Having someone with me made the process smoother, but solo travelers can still request assistance all the way through.

Each airport in India is a little different. Bigger international hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai have better accessibility than some smaller ones, but you still need to be prepared for possible delays or confusion.

💬 Final Thoughts

Getting to India with a disability isn’t always easy — but it’s doable. With good planning, clear communication, and a little extra time built in, the journey becomes a lot less stressful.

So if you’ve been dreaming about making that trip, don’t let fear stop you. The world is out there, and yes — it’s for all of us.