Accessibility and special requirements

We answer all your questions about special accessibility requirements or special assistance when you fly with us: travelling with a cast, taking a wheelchair or service dog, or carrying a CPAP machine or dialysis equipment.

Can I request assistance at the airport if I'm travelling alone?

You can request free assistance if you are unable to get around the airport without help due to any physical, cognitive or sensory accessibility requirements, either temporarily (e.g. pregnancy or broken leg) or permanently.

You can book it online when you purchase your ticket; after your purchase, through Manage your booking; or at any time through our Customer Service Centre. In any case, we recommend that you request it at least 48 hours before your flight, and that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. We can only guarantee you the best service if you follow these recommendations.

For more detailed information, please go to How to book assistance.

Wheelchairs and mobility aids

Passengers with reduced mobility can take 2 additional pieces of mobility equipment (wheelchairs, walking frames or other orthopaedic equipment) at no additional cost.

  • If your wheelchair is manual, you can travel with it without the need for any technical check.

  • If your wheelchair is electric, you can travel with it provided it meets the safety requirements related to the chair batteries.

Please refer to the specific section on our wheelchairs and other mobility equipment page for full information.

To ensure that everything is ready when you arrive at the airport, we recommend that you request special assistance at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight. For more detailed information, please go to How to book assistance.

Can I take an oxygen concentrator (CPAP), apnoea breathing device or similar on board?

In addition to your hand luggage, you can bring oxygen concentrators (CPAP) and similar respiratory devices free of charge. You will not need medical clearance to transport them, but you must indicate on a label their authorisation by the FAA or accompany your device with the supporting documentation.

These devices cannot use the electrical sockets on aircraft, so you therefore bring a supply of charged batteries to cover at least 150% of the total duration of your journey: the flight time and the time on the ground (waiting at the departure, transit and destination airports, extras for any unexpected delays, etc.).
The extra batteries must be carried in your hand luggage, individually packed and protected, and placed under the seat in front of you on the aircraft. For more information, please see the battery regulations.

For safety reasons, CPAP machines may have to be disconnected during the journey and will therefore only be accepted if this disconnection does not interfere with the sick person's health.

If you have an individual condition that you think we need to know about, or if you have any questions, you can contact us through this form..

When do I need medical clearance to fly?

The Iberia Medical Service is responsible for evaluating and authorising the transportation of passengers who may require special attention during the flight, and for determining whether such passengers need to travel with a companion.
If you need specialised care on the ground or on board, or if there is a risk of your health deteriorating during, or as a result of, the flight, please see our Medical Clearance to Fly page for more information.

If you are suffering from a condition that you think we should know about, or if you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service Centre.

Can I travel alone even if I need assistance?

In general, airlines will accept any person with reduced mobility (PRM) who can understand and carry out the safety instructions by themselves, and who doesn't interfere with the in-flight safety or the activities of the crew.
Otherwise, the passenger may need a companion and, on specific occasions, health personnel with the capacity to apply the care needed.

Travelling with a companion is mandatory if you need assistance to:

  • Get to an emergency exit.

  • Communicate in any way with the crew about safety matters.

  • Unfasten and fasten your safety belt.

  • Carry out basic physiological needs.

  • Access the life jacket or oxygen mask and put them on.

Except in special cases, your companion must be at least 18 years old and in full possession of their faculties.

Can I travel with an assistance dog?

An assistance dog is one that has been individually trained to perform tasks for a person with physical, sensory or cognitive accessibility requirements.
You can take your trained dog as a service animal on board any of our flights free of charge and in the case of flights from or to the USA you can take as many as two.
The admission documents required for the dog (veterinary certificate, liability waiver, etc.) are the same as for any other pet.

People with reduced mobility may not be charged for transporting basic items to facilitate their mobility or any other essential aids in the case of disability.

Organise your journey with Iberia: physical, visual, hearing and cognitive accessibility

With the collaboration of the airport managers in each country, Iberia adapts to your physical accessibility requirements On these pages you will find all the information you need to plan your journey:

If you want to request the assistance service, you must book it at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight. For more detailed information, please go to How to book assistance.

Can I fly with a plaster cast?

There are no restrictions on travelling with a plaster cast, but for flights lasting more than 2 hours it must have been fitted at least 48 hours before departure or it must be split lengthwise. You don't need clearance from our Medical Service.
It is important that you do not block the aisle or invade the space of another seat. If you require more space you will have to book an additional seat.

If necessary, you will be able to change your booking, free of charge, to fly on another date in the seven days following the date of the flight you originally booked. You can change your booking and request an additional seat through our Call Centre or your travel agency.

What is the non-visible disabilities badge for Spanish airports?

Aena has created a badge for people with non-visible disabilities who may be overwhelmed in stressful environments with intense sensory stimuli, such as airports.

The personnel at Spanish airports can offer support and assistance with any activity at the airport to minimise stress and anxiety during the departure and arrival processes.

For more information, please check the AENA website (available in Spanish and English).

Can I bring dialysis equipment?

You can also travel with dialysis equipment free of charge and without the need for medical clearance, provided it does not exceed 50 kg in weight. We recommend that you pack your equipment securely to avoid damage when handling.
You can also bring 2 days' worth of dialysis medication with you.

If you have an individual condition that you think we need to know about, or if you have any questions, you can contact us through this form..

What is the FREMEC card and how do I request it?

The Frequent Traveller Medical Card (FREMEC) offers temporary medical clearance to travel with any airline. This card can only be issued by the medical services of airlines that are members of IATA. It is issued at your request and based on a report from the medical service in question.

Although the FREMEC card may be used in place of medical reports and clearance certificates, please keep in mind that if you need special assistance these documents must be completed by the medical service of the airline you are flying with.

Discover the app to communicate without barriers: Háblalo

Iberia is joining forces with Háblalo to create a new communication experience, allowing you to express yourself independently, wherever you are and without the need for an internet connection throughout the journey. This app improves communication for people with hearing disabilities, language barriers or other communication difficulties.
Find out how to get the Háblalo app and download the user manual.

Large passengers or passengers who require more space

For extra comfort during the flight, Iberia lets you purchase an extra seat, which will always be the seat next to you. Iberia can never guarantee or reserve the front seat. You can book it through the Call Centre and purchase an extra seat at the same price as your fare.

If you made your booking through a travel agency, please contact them directly.

What is the INCAD report?

The INCAD (Incapacitated Passengers Handling Advice) is a document that ticket offices and agencies, etc. have to fill in when they sell a ticket to an incapacitated passenger who needs additional means (stretcher or oxygen, ambulance at origin or destination, etc.) or whose health could be affected during the flight, seriously affect the other passengers, or put the security of the flight at risk. This document contains relevant information about the passenger's condition and is the document the Iberia Medical Service uses to issue clearance to fly. It states the passenger's requirements (such as whether the presence of a companion or healthcare professional is required).

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