RSSAug|10|2007
Flying with a Wheelchair: Choosing an Airline
Posted by Hannah Grace as Air Travel, Tips, Transport
Choosing an Airline
Call the airline you want to use and ask to talk to someone who is in charge of handling special needs. If they don’t have a person in-charge to do that ask for anyone who has the authority to deal with special requests. When you get in touch with the person you need to talk to ask the following questions:
- Do they allow wheelchairs on the plane?
- If yes. Do they have a way of securing your wheelchair?
- If no. Will they allow you to bring your wheelchair as baggage?
- Are they experienced in handling wheelchairs as baggage?
- Will they allow you or a representative to watch them load your wheelchair?
If your travelling companion can’t carry you to your seat you can ask the following questions too.
- Do they have lifts for your easy access to the airplane?
- If they do not. Will they allow someone (who won’t be going on the plane with you) to accompany you to the plane and assist you to your seat?
- If the answer is no. Do they have personnel who can help carry you to your seat?
I know that some people do not want strangers to assist them but realize that you might have to compromise with some things.
For those who are uncomfortable about being carried in front of all the other passnegers you can also ask the following questions.
- Will it be ok if they assist you to the plane before other passengers are called to board?
- Will it be ok if they assist you out of the plane after all the passengers have left?
You need not ask all these questions but only those that concern you. Remember that clarifying things with the airline representative will ensure that you only choose to book with an airline that will be able to cater to your needs.
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2 Responses
Flying in a Wheelchair: Booking Reminders by Travelogger
14|Aug|2007[...] you have chosen an airline it is time to book your flight. As always the number one tip when booking a flight is to book it [...]
Kim
19|May|2008I’m a wheelchair user who has traveled quite a bit. It is against FAA regulations to allow someone to stay in their wheelchair and have it secured on a flight. It woudl just be too unsafe. There is one compnay that has that option but you have to pay for a private plane. Wheelchairs are loaded like regular luggage, and I’ve never had an issue with this. Also, if there is room and you request it your wheelchair can be kept in the cabin’s closet if it can break down small enough to fit.
If the plane isn’t connected by a bridge to the airport, most airports have AirBridges (lifts) to get you onto the plane. You transfer onto an asile chair just like you would to get on the plane before you are put onto the lift and a worker operates it while another stays on it with you and gets you to your seat. NO staff will carry you. There are rules against this in case they are injured, or they injure you. They will help you out if you need it, but not with lifting.
Persons with disabilities are pre-boarded ahead of everyone else. This way it’s easier for everyone involved because there is more roomon the plane to move around and tings run more smoothly. You are also the last off the plane for the same reason. People are waiting for you when you land with an asile chair and your wheelchair is waiting outside the plane.
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