I’m planning to fly to Miami to see my sister next year, and I use a manual wheelchair. I have heard such horror stories about wheelchairs being damaged in the baggage compartment, and I’m wondering if I can store my wheelchair in the aircraft cabin? Is this possible and if so, do I need to make advance arrangements to do this.

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), aircraft with 100 or more passenger seats are required to have a priority stowage space for manual wheelchairs. If the stowage space is in the closet, there must be room for one typical adult size folding chair. The dimensions of that space must be at least 13 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches. If the manual wheelchair does not fit in the prescribed area while it is fully assembled, wheels or other components may be removed to make it fit, if the removal does not require any tools. You can then store the removed components in spots reserved for carry-on luggage.

It should be noted that wheelchair stowage takes priority over all other items, including crew luggage; and it’s the crew’s responsibility to move their luggage and clear the space.

The airline can also opt to use the seat strapping method to stow a manual wheelchair in the aircraft cabin. If this method is used, there must be room for two manual wheelchairs.

It should be noted that priority wheelchair stowage space is only guaranteed if you preboard the aircraft. If you board during general boarding, you will have to compete with the other passengers for the onboard storage space, so it’s extremely important that you preboard.

And as always, wheelchairs or any other assistive devices are not counted as carry-on luggage.

If you have any problems when you try to store your wheelchair in the aircraft cabin, don’t hesitate to ask for the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). These airline employees are trained to handle disability-related problems, and they will make sure that the ACAA rules are followed. For more information about the CRO, visit emerginghorizons.com/access-in-the-skies-always-remember-the-cro/