Travelers with wheelchairs often find air travel more inaccessible than other modes of transportation. However, you don’t have to restrict yourself to domestic travel in a wheelchair van. This article explains how.
Traveling in a wheelchair with minimal discomfort is achievable. Most potential challenges can be avoided by preparing ahead, requesting assistance, and taking advantage of transportation laws that persons with disabilities.
Because flying is difficult for some wheelchair users, they travel great distances utilizing alternative modes of transportation. However, these are more time consuming and probably more risky. For wheelchair users, here are some suggestions on how to travel with a Wheelchair. Applying these tips will make your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
How to Travel with A Wheelchair
Flying can be so intimidating for disabled travelers that many wheelchair users believe they won’t be able to go by air. So instead, they opt for road excursions in a wheelchair van. If you’re looking instead to travel by commercial airline, the tips below can help.
Before You Book, Call the Airline
Before booking your ticket, always phone the airline to inquire about their accessibility choices and how they can meet your specific needs for boarding and departing the plane and throughout the journey.
Also, call your airline and airports the day before your journey to double-check your reservation. You might want to work with a travel agency specializing in travel with individuals with disabilities.
When Feasible, Book a Direct Flight
Consider taking a direct journey rather than connecting flights if you have the option. Even if it costs a bit more, the convenience of not having to exit and board a plane twice may be worth it. In addition, you can avoid the wear and tear of moving your wheelchair from airline to plane.
Arrive Early
If you’re traveling with a wheelchair, arrive at the airport at least three hours before your departure. Then, you’ll have ample time to clear security, check your wheelchair or other equipment, and navigate the airport.
Know Your Rights
Knowing your rights as a disabled person is crucial before flying. The Air Carrier Access Act outlaws discrimination against people with impairments in air travel. There are numerous parts to the act, but it’s essential to research thoroughly before flying. You can even print it out to use as a reference if necessary.
Request Bulkhead Seating
Consider what type of seating would be ideal for your needs before booking your flight. Because it is the first row of seats in economy class, bulkhead seating is suitable for wheelchair users. Bulkhead seats typically provide extra legroom and transfer space and prevent being wheeled farther back in the cabin
On-Board Bathroom Options
Your bathroom choices may be limited while flying. An aisle wheelchair may be available on some flights to transfer you to the restroom. Conversely, some wheelchair riders have used catheters or adult incontinence products to avoid using airline restrooms.
Safeguard Your Wheelchair from Damage
Your wheelchair may get damaged while transporting it in the cargo hold. If your wheelchair is collapsible, inform your airline and offer instructions on constructing and disassembling it. If any problems occur while loading your equipment into the cargo space, the instructions will help.
How Hard is it to Travel with a Wheelchair
Air travel may be stressful, inconvenient, and painful for many people who use wheelchairs. Here are some of the challenges of flying with a wheelchair.
Stressful
It might be stressful to travel in a wheelchair. Making your trip on schedule, navigating the airport, and wrangling your bags are all difficult tasks for anyone. Plus, moving from a wheelchair to an airline seat poses a substantial danger of serious injury.
Uncomfortable Seating
A standard aisle chair on a plane is roughly 18 inches wide. Although the narrow chairs are uncomfortable for most people, they are the only means for many to get to a seat or, during the flight, to the restroom.
Lack of Accessible Restrooms
Small lavatories are challenging for non-disabled passengers and nearly impossible for persons with mobility issues.
Inability to Use Wheelchairs On Board
Currently, passengers cannot use their wheelchair as a seat on board , as they do on numerous trains, buses, and vans. Inability to use wheelchairs on board makes flying very difficult or impossible for those who cannot sit comfortably in a plane seat.
Damage to Wheelchairs
Some people avoid travelling entirely for fear of losing or damaging their wheelchairs. However, according to Transportation Department statistics, airlines only mishandle 1% to 2% of all wheelchairs and scooters, causing damage or delays.
How to Travel with a Power Wheelchair
Traveling in a power wheelchair necessitates planning and preparation ahead of time. For example, you should notify the airline ahead of time that you will be flying in a power wheelchair and will want support getting to and from your seat. Here are some ideas to make the procedure more pleasant.
● Bring the user’s manual with you. The manual might be helpful in safely loading and stowing the wheelchair
● Check with the airline prior to booking to see if there are any equipment restrictions. Also, confirm that your wheelchair will fit in the plane’s cargo hold
● Practice disassembling and reassembling the wheelchair or teach someone. Pack the tools you’ll need to disassemble your wheelchair in a convenient location.
● Ensure that you have gel batteries and alert the agent. Disconnect batteries or instruct airline workers on how to do so.
● Carry all of the wheelchair’s removable pieces (side guards, cushion, armrests, headrests, laptrays, and footrests) in a duffle bag on the plane.
● Do not hand over your wheelchair until you are on the Jetway, at the plane’s door, and have an aisle chair ready.
● Ask that your wheelchair be delivered to you via Jetway rather than baggage claim.
What to do if your Wheelchair is Damaged
Even when you have taken necessary precautions, a wheelchair can be damaged during a flight. Any damage to mobility equipment is the responsibility of the airlines. If this occurs, contact the airline before leaving the airport. But, once you leave the airport, they may no longer responsible.
Then, the airport must provide a temporary replacement while yours is repaired or replaced. You should register a complaint with the Department of Transportation in addition to reporting the incident to the specific airline.
How to Travel with Someone in a Wheelchair
Traveling with a companion who requires a wheelchair is not so tough if you plan and are prepared. You can assist in the following ways:
● Make sure to notify your airline, hotel, and others ahead of time that you will require accessible accommodations.
● To avoid misunderstandings, thoroughly disclose the extent of the disability while making calls to arrange for your trip. Make it clear what kind of impairment your companion has and what adjustments they will need.
● You can research wheelchair accessibility at your destination and learn ahead of time about any potential roadblocks you may encounter.
● It’s critical to remain alert when dealing with workers wherever you go and to continue to explain your companion’s condition as much as possible so that you may find a solution.
● Assisting someone travel can be physically taxing, so prepare your body for the journey. For example, when transporting the chair up and down stairs, wear non-slip shoes and proceed with caution.
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