Firstly, arriving at the airport means dealing with anxiety because of how much is going on there, according to travelers who shared their experiences. For instance, the average person puts their bag on the belt to get scanned and you go through the metal detector, while most wheelchair passengers have to wait for someone who assists you to do the pat-down and this sometimes takes longer, because the agents are usually checking the wheelchairs as well. Bags are often put aside by an agent. 

Secondly, when getting to the gate passengers must double check that the airline has an aisle chair and explain how to lift the wheelchair while kindly asking them to be careful. Yet, wheelchairs get broken quite often or are even lost on the way. This is what every wheelchair passenger is afraid of! 

During the flight a person usually has to be careful not to consume too many snacks and beverages in order to avoid going to the likely very uncomfortable toilet. It is also common that the doors might not be closable during the act. On longer flights the aisle chair can sometimes be used to access the bathroom but most wheelchair passengers choose to rather become dehydrated than going to the bathroom. 

After landing, getting off the plane means hoping that your wheelchair is safe and intact, a pretty nervous experience from beginning to end.