Introduction
Travel in a wheelchair can be a stressful experience. Making your flight on time, maneuvering through the airport, and wrestling your luggage is hard for anyone.But like anything in life, most of your potential problems can be avoided by planning ahead.
Typically for travelers, the flight to get to where you are going is the least favorite part of any journey. However, for people that have limited or no mobility and are flying with mobility equipment, it can be a nightmare.
Take a look at these 13 tips that can save you stress when traveling in a wheelchair by plane.
1. Booking Your Flight
Find nonstop or direct flights to your destination. If no direct flights are available, include in your planning the time needed to deplane and travel to a new gate at your layover airport. If you’re traveling to a faraway destination, consider breaking travel up into more than one day to allow your body to rest.
2. Requesting Reasonable Accommodations
Accommodation requests can be made online or by calling the airline directly. You can request assistance with getting through the airport, preboarding, sitting near a companion in a seat that suits your needs, flying with a service dog, etc.
Choose a seat that works best for what you need. The aircraft has designated aisle seats with removable armrests to allow easier transfers to and from an aisle chair. Bulkhead seats usually make up the first row of seats in each class cabin. They don’t have removable armrests but offer more legroom and are favorable for traveling with a service animal.
3. Arrive early
All travelers are encouraged to get to the airport about three hours ahead of an international flight and two hours ahead of a domestic flight. But when traveling in a wheelchair, you should get there even earlier. A metal chair can take more time to get through security. Arrive at the airport well in advance to allow extra time for check-in, security screening, and boarding. Airlines typically recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
4. Take your seat cushion with you on the plane
Before your wheelchair is stored for the flight, take your cushion off the seat. You can sit on it during the flight. This will help you with positioning and comfort, something that is especially important for people who are at risk for pressure sores. It will also lower the risk of your cushion getting lost or damaged in the cargo area.
5. Preparing and Protecting Your Assistive Device
Be familiar with the dimensions and weight of your wheelchair, as airlines have different policies regarding the transportation of mobility devices.If you have a battery-powered wheelchair or a power-assisted device that is attached to your wheelchair, make sure to check that it complies with the specific airline regulations.
6. Double check the information on your tags
Request a gate check label for your wheelchair, then make sure the information on your tag matches the information for your destination. You certainly don’t want you and your chair to end your journey on different sides of the country!
7. Label your chair
Although it’s not likely your wheelchair will get lost or separated from its tags, it’s always good to have a backup plan. Find a secure place on your chair where the label won’t be torn off. Then put another tag, sticker, or piece of tape on that area. Include your name and phone number in the information. If the tag is easily removable, you could also add your destination here as well.
8. Take off your side guards
If your chair has side guards, you will want to remove them and take them with you on the plane. Side guards may get lost or damaged in the cargo area. This also goes for any other pieces of your chair that could get caught on things or detached.
9. Take a photo
documenting your device’s condition before handing it over to airline personnel. If your device arrives damaged after the flight, you’ll have proof of what went wrong. Document any damages, injuries or other issues incurred during the flight, and report them to the airline immediately. Follow up with the DOT within six months of the incident.
10. Ask if you have the option to pre-board
Some airlines offer this service for people who may need extra time to find their seat and get settled. It never hurts to ask if this is available to you. You will appreciate not feeling rushed, and the attendants will appreciate having more time to get your chair situated in the cargo area.
11. If you have a power chair, provide extra information about storing and parking
Write a note that can be attached to the chair. Explain how to properly use the brakes for storing and parking. Include information on how to disengage the brakes to put the chair in “freewheel” mode, so that the attendants will be able to push it.
12. Getting back your mobility device
When you get the chair back from the handlers, be sure to examine it closely and ensure that all functions work properly. If you notice any damage, notify the people at baggage claim immediately. They can’t do anything at the gate, but it can be helpful to mention the damage to the people around at the time.
13. Use a specialist travel agents
Some travel agents, like Travel Counsellors, specialize in accessible travel experiences. If you’re unsure where to start, these agencies can manage everything, including hotel transfers, swimming pool accessibility, and identifying wheelchair-friendly spas.
Conclusion
Traveling in a wheelchair is possible and can be enjoyable with experience. The more you travel, the better you can refine your plans for smooth transitions. Use these tips as a starting point and note your own observations for future trips, as each situation and location are unique.