Air Travel Tips for the
The key to successful air travel is planning, preparation and communication.
When making airline reservations
- Make your reservations well in advance.
- Use a travel agent who is experienced in trip planning for travelers with disabilities. Travel agents can arrange for your air, ground transportation, car/van rental or hotel.
- Communicate your specific needs to your agent:
…..Type of chair (manual or battery)
…..Type of batteries (dry gel or wet acid). If possible, use factory sealed ……….gel-cell..batteries
…..Seat preference such as bulkhead, moveable armrest, aisle, window, ……….near exit or restroom
…..Assistance you need in boarding or deplaning
…..Use of on-board wheelchair
…..Use of oxygen
…..Assistance in changing planes - If you have the option, choose a plane that has more than 30 seats; larger planes offer more accessibility options.
- Seek out routes that have no plane changes. If you must change planes during your trip, ask the airline or your agent to arrange assistance. If possible, allow at least one hour between flights.
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Air carriers are very good at what they do, but they are not miracle workers. When you travel, try to be flexible and wear a smile.
48 hours in advance of traveling
Call to reconfirm your reservations and make sure the carrier has a record of your requests.
Attach name/address/phone tags to all luggage and equipment. Tape instructions on scooters or power chairs on how the batteries are disconnected and reconnected.
When you get to the airport
Arrive extra early! Passengers are asked to arrive at least an hour in advance for domestic flights, international flights even earlier. Have picture I.D., passport if needed, and expect to answer a few security questions when checking your luggage.
Check your luggage and equipment at the ticket counter. Your chair is not counted as a piece of luggage. If you need help, the Skycap or a Special Services person will escort you through security, all the way to the boarding gate.
If you have your ticket in-hand, the Skycap can unload and check your baggage right at curbside. A tip of $1 per bag is customary for this service.
You may usually remain in your own chair until you reach the boarding gate. Request a gate tag on your chair or scooter to have it returned to you at your destination gate. You may wish to tag your own manual chair for use to your connecting plane. Always carry your key, cushion and any easily detachable parts on board with you.
Your fold-up wheelchair can be stowed in the on-board coat closet on some planes. There is usually only room for one wheelchair and that is available on a first-come basis.
Some planes cannot be accommodated by jet-ways. If you cannot climb stairs, a boarding chair or equipment lift may be used to board you.
Some aisle seats have movable armrests that make transfer off and onto an aisle chair much easier. There are no moveable armrests in the bulkhead row.
30 minutes before landing
If your equipment has a gate tag, remind the flight attendant that you will need your chair when you deplane. If you need assistance, you will exit after all other passengers.
If you must change planes to a connecting flight, tell the flight attendant that you will need a wheelchair and attendant to help you make connections.
Upon arrival
Ask a flight attendant to be sure that your chair or transportation is ready for you at the gate before you leave the plane. If connecting with another flight, check the TV monitor or ask the arrival agent for your connecting gate and location. If time is short, ask the arrival agent to alert the boarding gate crew for the connecting flight; they may delay just for you.
If you need some help collecting your baggage and getting out of the airport, request Skycap services. Most airports are full of service minded people.
If you have any problems or damage to your equipment, ask to speak to the “Complaint Resolution Officer.” They are trained to make things right.
More tips
If you do not walk or you fall easily, and need use of a restroom on a long flight, request the use of an on-board chair. If independent transfer from the restroom door is not possible, you may need a personal assistant.
If you need your scooter or wheelchair for distance, you may prefer to rent one at your destination for a day or the entire trip. Many theme parks and other attractions have scooters or wheelchairs available for rent or loan; however, they cannot be reserved in advance.
On domestic flights, carriers’ maximum liability for loss or damage of assistive devices is only $2500.00. If additional coverage is needed, you may wish to check your homeowners insurance or buy Excess Valuation coverage from the airline.
The Air Carrier Access Act was enacted in 1986 to ensure that persons with disabilities will be treated without discrimination. These rules apply only to U.S. airlines. The content is printed in New Horizons, Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability and is available free from the Department of Transportation, Office of Consumer Affairs, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20590
This brochure is brought to you compliments of:
Participating organizations:
Coalition Of Responsible Disabled Governors Committee on Disability and Employment National Multiple Sclerosis Society Client Assistance Program - Polio Outreach of Spokane R. L. Start & Associates - Senior Wellness - Spokane Transit St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute - Projects With Industry Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern WA
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Copyright 1998 © by David E. Graham – All rights reserved.
(509) 255-6131 or E-mail david508@aol.com
For printed copies, contact David E. Graham. (See immediately above.)
Return to ACCESS Spokane home page.
This page is sponsored by: 
Polio Experience Network
Revised: April 08, 1998.