Accessible Travel : Part 1 Airlines

It is challenging enough when you do not need Assistive Mobility Equipment; here are some tips on how to make Air Travel less stressful.

Flying will get you to your destination the quickest and Airline and airport personnel are fully equipped and trained to assist you as needed. Take the time to be an informed customer and to allow the Airline and Airport Staff to help you with the process.

Review the airlines Contract of Carriage before booking your flight. Read the disability section carefully which informs of the airlines obligation to you upon purchasing a ticket.  This includes any responsibility on repairing your equipment if it were to become damaged.

 

Visit seatguru.com for plane seat maps. Use this website to determine the best seat to reserve before booking your flight. You may find bulk head or first class to be your best choices for restroom access and being closest to the exit door.

 

Always try to get direct flights. It can be stressful with transfers as your equipment will need to be switched to a different plane which increases the risk of damage.  Be sure to have your Mobility Equipment checked as "gate checked"  luggage so it will be delivered to you upon your arrival.

 

Inform the airline that you will need special assistance. When making reservations, make sure the service personnel know exactly what kind of assistance you will need. The more they know, the more they will be able to help you.  Additionally since Air carriers are transporting more cargo to offset costs, they need to prepare for the weight of your equipment, as they many not accept a heavy powered wheelchair if the plane is overweight.

 

Airport accessibility. Call the airport ahead of time to determine which services are available to you.

 

Boarding. You may want to request a bulkhead seat or first class, which allows more legroom.  For easier transferring, request a seat with folding arms or removable armrests. Try and breakdown your equipment if possible, taking off expensive or sensitive components. Bring your cushion! Many wheelchair users have a special cushion to reduce pressure and protect skin, bring it on the plane with you and use it.

 

Transportation of batteries. Non-spillable, sealed batteries are approved for commercial airline travel by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) or FAA. It is required that you take lithium batteries/battery-pack onboard as carry-on luggage.

 

Write Down your Itinerary. You should have a list of all your travel information.  Having the Airline Flight numbers, the hotel information and ground transportation information, if delayed you will be able to stay in touch and ensure that everything is in place.

 

Destination Transportation. To reduce stress, you may want to arrange transportation in advance. Traveling with Assistive and Rehab equipment is heavy and bulky and requires a vehicle than can accommodate this. 

 

Special handling tags. If you travel frequently, it would be helpful to have a special handling tag that states special handling is required.

 

Navigating Airport Security

Security screening is required for all airline passengers. Your Equipment will be inspected first -- a mirror is often used to inspect underneath -- followed by a series of questions regarding any recent maintenance (within the past 48 hours) of your Equipment. A TSA representative will then use a hand-wand and perform a security pat down. Upon passing the security screenings, drive through the metal detectors on your Equipment and you're on your way! If you are uncomfortable with these public screenings, feel free to request a private screening area.

Inspect and Report any Damage on Arrival

It is critical to inspect your equipment on arrival. The airlines will cover damage caused by traveling but it needs to be reported immediately to be considered.  In the event you find your equipment damaged, find the baggage department with your airline and report/document any problems so these will repaired at no cost to you.  Airlines will be happy to rent you equipment while yours is being repaired.

Helpful Links

Air Carrier Access Act
US Department of Transportation
    Filing a Complaint with DOT
TSA Cares- Department for Special Needs

 I am confident that this information can reduce the stress and increase the speed at which you get through the airport and on your way to your destination. This Article was written by Carey J. Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS with Active Mobility Center and can be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.comcbritton@wheelchairguys.com or (800) 326-4463.