Friendly Flying with Disabilities
Head back to the sky with these tips for flying with disabilities. Learn about flying with your own wheelchair and finding the right travel agent.
Have you grounded yourself because of a disability? Enjoy the freedom of flying again with a little pre-planning and help from some industry experts. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, everyone has the right to take flight. So, follow the tips below and get ready to fly away on your next vacation.
- Start with a knowledgeable travel agent. Many agencies employ travel agents that specialize in helping seniors and others with disabilities. A good travel agent will help you set up all aspects of your air travel including transportation to and from the airport.
- If you are going to be purchasing your own air travel than avoid flights with connections. If you are traveling with a wheelchair you may find that some connections will not provide you with enough time to get your equipment off the first flight and onto the next. Manuevering through a crowded airport is stressful even under the best conditions, so do yourself a favor and take a direct flight whenever possible.
- Give the airline plenty of notice if you require a wheelchair or other transport to and from the plane. A flight attendant can meet you at the gate if you need assistance getting to your baggage or finding your connecting flight no matter the reason.
- If you are bringing a wheelchair or scooter you need to let the carrier know what type of device it is (electric, gel, etc.) A lead or acid battery wheelchair requires special safety precautions which means you will have to arrive at the airport approximately 3 hours before your flight. Ask that your wheelchair be last on/first off to avoid delays and tell the airline if you need help getting to your ground transportation.
- Other mobility devices like canes or walkers can be brought onto the flight as a carry-on as long as they can be collapsed to fit into the overhead bin or under your seat. These devices will not be counted toward your carry-on luggage.
- Sight impaired passengers can request a pre-tour of the airplane to locate the bathrooms, exit doors, and acquaint themselves with the orientation of the plane. This request should be made during the booking of your flight.
Additional Tips for Frequent Flyers
Passengers with certain blood related or cardiovascular issues should be aware of the dangers of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) during long flights. Restricted movement and long periods of sitting can lead to blood clots in the leg. Performing doctor recommended exercises, getting up to stretch whenever allowed, and drinking plenty of water is believed to lower your risk of developing DVT.
Make a point of packing all of your medications and bringing them on board with your carry-on. Also include any important medical documents and emergency phone numbers. If you require medical clearance for a condition than consider obtaining a Frequent Traveler’s Medical Card from your airline’s medical department. You will need a card for every airline that you utilize, but having one will make medical clearance a breeze.
Finally, become an informed air traveler by learning the security rules for travelers with disabilities. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) posts the rules on their website tsa.gov while the Department of Transportation lists the corresponding rights of all disabled air travelers at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov. And, if you need assistance during travel never be afraid to ask.
