Air Travel Tips & Tricks for Wheelchair Users

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TRAVEL & RECREATION — The confined area, size of journey, lack of privateness, and storage points are all deterrents for wheelchair makes use of, to not point out merely getting by way of the airport. Nevertheless, these deterrents shouldn’t cease wheelchair customers from flying and benefitting from travelling the world.

Please take into account the next ideas to assist make the expertise a lot simpler:

Picture by Steve Buissinne.

Plan forward. It could be apparent, however one of the best ways to scale back stress is to plan forward in order that you recognize what to anticipate at every stage. It’s best to name the airline and journey agent properly upfront to allow them to know your scenario and what help you’ll require. It will permit them to make the required preparations, plus they are going to be capable of reply any further questions you might need.

Go to the airport earlier than your journey. This isn’t all the time possible, however a go to by you or your caregiver earlier than the journey may uncover some surprising snags or bottlenecks. Even only a drive by way of the parking tons or passenger unloading areas may show insightful; you won’t even should get out of your automobile.

Picture by moritz320.

Make enquiries. While chatting with the airline, ask in the event you can take your personal wheelchair to the airport door. If not, discover out when you’ll have to change chairs.

You must also ask whether or not there might be a typical or accessible lavatory – the latter is often solely out there on lengthy haul flights. If there may be solely a typical lavatory on board, make certain that there’s a privateness curtain so {that a} companion can help you.

Guide an aisle seat. An aisle seat will provide you with much more area and can make journeys to the lavatory a lot simpler (that is notably necessary for lengthy flights).

It would additionally make it simpler to maneuver into the onboard wheelchair. Some folks suggest limiting your fluid consumption to scale back the necessity to use the lavatory, however after all you will need to additionally keep sufficiently hydrated.

Name the airline once more. Name the airline a number of days earlier than your flight and get them to verify your necessities. It will make sure that they’re ready – and provide you with peace of thoughts.

Apply taking your chair aside. That is particularly necessary if it’s a energy chair with batteries – There may be all the time a sense of being rushed on the airport. Apply, or get your caregiver to follow, dismantling the chair in order that it may be performed rapidly and effectively on the day.

Arrive on the airport not less than 2.5 hours early. Arriving early is essential if you’re to have a stress-free expertise. By arriving 2.5 hours early, you should have loads of time to get your chair by way of safety and onto the aircraft, go to the restroom and get to your gate. Keep in mind, your gate might be an extended distance and it’s possible you’ll require a wheelchair or buggy.

Costume appropriately. Put on garments which might be snug and easy (no equipment). It will make the journey extra fulfilling and in addition enable you to to move by way of safety faster. You might also wish to put on footwear that may rapidly be eliminated as some airport safety officers implement this.

Be assertive and courageous when boarding. Boarding the aircraft will most probably be essentially the most annoying side of flying. Don’t really feel responsible about boarding the aircraft first and don’t draw back from asking for help from the employees. That’s what they’re there for and they’re going to know learn how to assist.

Picture by Michael Gaida.

Remind the flight attendant of your scenario. Shortly earlier than touchdown, it’s value reminding the flight attendant that you just want your gear on the gate and never at baggage reclaim. They will radio this in and pace up the method.

Do not forget that, upon arrival, you’ll in all probability be the final to go away the plane.

Keep constructive and affected person. All through the expertise, it is very important keep constructive and keep in mind that it’s only a small a part of your journey. Flying is usually annoying and it’s possible that you’ll encounter a number of obstacles.

Nevertheless, with a constructive mindset and by not being afraid to ask for assist, these can simply be overcome. Workers on the airport and onboard are sometimes skilled in serving to disabled vacationers and will do all the things they’ll to assist.

Bonus Tip! If you’re 100% wheelchair-bound, this won’t work, however many airports have therapeutic massage chairs for hire within the ready space. They’re often about one greenback for 5 minutes ($12 per hour). Convey alongside some rolls of quarters and spend your time ready in considered one of these chairs. It may be the very best $12 per hour you’ve ever spent!

For extra info on touring with a incapacity, please go to the Department of Transportation.