Travelling with a powerchair doesn't have to be complicated. With the right preparation, your ANVIA powerchair can go where you go — on domestic hops or international adventures. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step.

— Step 1

Which Anvia Product can fly?

Three ANVIA products are approved for air travel, provided the correct battery is used. Always confirm with your airline before booking, as aircraft hold dimensions vary between aircraft types.

R-300

Full Powerchair

⚠ Use 10Ah battery only. 20Ah exceeds airline limits.

R-300 Lite

Compact travel Powerchair

Dual 10Ah batteries within limits.

— Step 3

F-100

Ultra light foldable scooter

Dual 6Ah batteries within limits.

✓ Battery certification

ANVIA's approved batteries are LiFePO4 with full BMS protection, compliant with UN38.3 and IEC62133. This means they meet the safety standards airlines require for lithium batteries in the hold.

— Step 2

Before you book your flight

A little preparation before booking saves a lot of stress at the airport. Here is what to sort in advance:

1 Confirm you have the right battery

For the R-300, ensure you are using the 10Ah battery, not the 20Ah. The 20Ah exceeds the 300Wh airline limit. Contact ANVIA at customerservice@anvia.co.nz if you need to swap yours.

2 Check your chair's dimensions against the aircraft

Hold sizes vary. Smaller aircraft like the ATR72 and Q300 have strict size limits. Confirm with your airline that your model fits before purchasing your ticket.

3 Assess your evacuation capability

Airlines ask whether you can assist in your own emergency evacuation. If you are unable to do so, you will need a safety assistant aged 16 or older to travel with you.

4 Know your battery's Watt-hour (Wh) rating

This is printed on the battery label. To calculate: Volts × Amp-hours = Wh. You will need this at check-in. Batteries with no clear Wh marking will not be accepted by the airline.

5 Connecting flights on other airlines

If your journey involves more than one airline, contact each carrier separately. Policies on battery type, chair dimensions, and assistance services differ between airlines.

Adding your power chair to your booking

When booking with Air New Zealand through online or via the app — add a Special Service Request (SSR) to your reservation. This tells the airline exactly what level of assistance you need. Choose the code that best reflects your situation:

WCHR

Can walk short distances and use stairs — needs assistance to and from the aircraft.

WCHS

Can walk short distances but cannot use stairs — needs assistance getting to the aircraft.

WCHC

Fully reliant on wheelchair — requires assistance transferring to and from the aircraft seat.

ℹ Seating note

Adding an SSR temporarily disables online seat selection. Air New Zealand will assign you an appropriate seat and seat your travel companions or safety assistant alongside you.

— Step 4

Understanding the battery rules

Lithium batteries are subject to strict aviation regulations. There are few additional rules to keep in mind regardless of model:

Removable batteries must travel in the cabin
If your battery can be detached, it must be removed before check-in and carried with you — not in the hold. Protect the terminals from short circuit.
Non-removable batteries stay on the chair
If the battery cannot be removed, it must be securely attached and the terminals protected. You must also be able to show staff how to fully deactivate the chair.
Remove and carry the joystick
Wherever possible, detach your joystick/controller and carry it with you in the cabin. This reduces the risk of damage in the hold.

— Step 3

Request early boarding

Ask the gate agent for early boarding. This gives you extra time for a private, unhurried transfer into your seat before other passengers board.

During the flight, an onboarding aisle chair is available on international Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 aircraft to help you access the toilets. On short domestic sectors, you will need to remain in your seat for the duration of the flight.

— Step 6

On arrival

Staff will meet you on the jetbridge or at the gate
Upon landing, airline staff will bring an airport wheelchair or your own chair to meet you. Your chair is retrieved from the hold and returned to you as quickly as possible.
International arrivals — assisted through customs
For international flights, staff can assist you through Customs, Immigration, and baggage retrieval in the arrivals hall.
Check your chair on collection
Inspect your chair when you receive it. If you notice any damage, report it to airline staff before leaving the airport. The written instructions you attached at check-in will have helped staff reassemble it correctly.

Important note: Verify your Wh before flying

The Wh figures in the table above are approximate. Always check the exact Wh printed on your battery label before traveling. The airline may ask for this at check-in, and batteries with unclear or missing markings will be refused carriage.

— Step 5

At the airport on the day

Arrive early and got to a staffed counter
Check in at least 60 minutes before departure for domestic NZ flight, or 90 minutes for international. Do not use an automated kiosk — airline staff need to discuss and confirm your assistance requirements in person.
Declare your battery type at check-in
Tell the check-in agent that your chair has a lithium (LiFePO4) battery. Have the Wh rating ready. Also advise whether you need a lifting divide or aisle chair for boarding.
Your chair travels free of charge (Check with your airline)
Your power chair and one additional mobility device (e.g. shower chair) are carried in the cargo hold at no extra cost. Excess baggage charges may apply for further equipment. Kindly check with your airline for more information.
Label your chair and attach instructions
Ensure your name and address are on the chair. Attach a clear written note showing staff how to fold the seat back, disconnect the battery, release the wheels to spin freely, and remove the joystick (if possible). This protects your chair and speed up handling.
You may stay in your chair until the aircraft door
If an air-badge is available, you can remain in your own chair all the way to the aircraft entrance. Your chair will be tagged at check-in and transported to the hold from the gate.