During the Christmas season a lot of people travel in and out of town to be with their family and friends.
And because of this, I would like to share some air travel tips for those who are using mobility equipment, especially wheelchairs and scooters.
1. Make your airline reservation as far in advance as possible.
2. Inform the reservations agent that you will be traveling with a wheelchair or scooter.
3. Tell them if you need assistance in boarding.
4. If you will be taking a long flight and you are able to use a standard plane restroom but are unable to walk to the restroom, ask that they make an aisle chair (narrow straight back chair with wheels underneath designed to fit an aisle of an airplane and is used to assist passengers that cannot walk) available for you during the flight. Some airplanes have a privacy curtain that includes the aisle that would allow a companion to assist you. Keep in mind, though, that airplane restrooms are quite small.
5. On newer wide-bodied jets, there is one accessible restroom. It is large enough to fit the aisle chair inside, making it possible to transfer to the toilet. These planes generally carry an aisle chair, but it is best to confirm if one will be on board.
6. Always make sure that they have a record of your requests 48 hours prior to departure.
7. Some planes have lift up arm rests on some of the aisles. You can request to be seated there if they are available. It makes transferring easier. Some passengers prefer to request bulkhead seats that have more legroom, but the arm rests on these seats do not lift up.
8. On the day of your departure, arrive early at the airport.
9. Always check your wheelchair or scooter at the boarding gate and request that it be brought back to you at the gate when you arrive.
10. It is suggested that you use gel- or foam-filled batteries (dry cells) in your scooter or power chair. Standard acid-filled batteries or wet cells will be removed by ground crew and packed in special containers for transport.
11. If you use a fold up manual wheelchair, you can request that it be stowed in the on-board coat closet. Usually, there is only room for one wheelchair and the service is available on a first come first serve basis, so you should arrive early to make your request. (Not all planes, though, have a coat closet.)
12. Make sure your name and address is on your equipment and that it has a gate delivery tag if it is being stowed below.
13. If you have to change planes, request that your own equipment be returned for the layover. This not only gives you independence while in the terminal, it reduces the risk of it getting lost or damaged. Since wheelchair users are usually the last to get off the plane, make sure you allow enough time to make your connection. At least an hour, and at big airports at least an hour and a half.
14. Remove seat cushions and any other parts that could easily become separated from the wheelchair. Take these items into the cabin with you. Attach instructions on scooters or power chairs detailing how and where to disconnect the batteries, including instructions for any other disassembly or prep that might be necessary for transport. If you have a large power chair, be aware that on some planes like the MD80’s or Super 80’s the cargo opening is only 26″ high, therefore some disassembly may be required. Having instructions on your equipment are very important because the crew at the other end didn’t see how it came apart.
15. If you need assistance transferring to the plane seat, take responsibility for yourself, and tell the staff how to help you or pick you up. They should be trained, but it is always safer not to assume anything.
16. Before landing, remind the flight attendant that you will need your equipment brought to the gate so they can radio ahead to make the arrangements. This can help speed things up.
17. If you encounter any problems, ask to speak to the “Complaint Resolution Officer” (CRO). Each air carrier is required to have a CRO available by phone or in person at all times. This person is specially trained in dealing with issues of travelers with disabilities.
18. If you are traveling with a scooter or power chair, make sure you arrange for transportation that will be able to accommodate your equipment upon arrival.
19. You may also opt to rent a mobility equipment at your destination. Many theme parks and other attractions that require a lot of walking have scooters or wheelchairs available for lease.
For more mobility equipment information, check out www.doability.co.uk
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Thank you very much! I really appreciate your feedback.
With many thanks!
Clive
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Thank you very much for your support and interest.
With many thanks,
Clive
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Thank you, I appreciate your comments and interest.
With many thanks,
Clive
December 27th, 2009 at 9:41 AM
[...] from:Â Air Travel Tips for Mobility Equipment Users (Mobility Equipment … By admin | category: equipment | tags: are-full, are-usually, change-planes, equipment, [...]
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January 3rd, 2010 at 8:25 PM
Thank you for your comments,
Clive
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Thank you very much for your comments.
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Sorry to hear this.
I have not heard this problem before.
I will check it.
Kind regards,
Clive
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I am really glad you found it useful.
Kind regards,
Clive
February 11th, 2010 at 12:14 PM
I am glad you liked it.
With many thanks for your comment.
Kind regards,
Clive
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I am glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your comments.
Kind regards,
Clive
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February 26th, 2010 at 10:41 PM
Welcome!
Thanks for the comment.
Kind regards,
Clive
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Thank you.
Good luck with your new endeavor.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 22nd, 2010 at 6:22 AM
Thank you, halloween props.
I’ve been away for quite some time, but you can expect to see more interesting articles here, now that I’m back.
Kind Regards,
Clive
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Kind Regards,
Clive
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May 22nd, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Thank you.
I’m glad you liked it.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Hi, Criselda.
Thank you for adding my web page to your favorites.
I’ll go and check on your site later.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Hi, Mactary.
Thank you.
It is such an honor that I was able to force you to comment..
I hope to see your comments in my future posts.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:38 PM
Thank you, Rosario.
I’m pretty sure you would enjoy our next articles.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Hi, Errol..
Go ahead and bookmark our site.
I’m glad you find my articles informative.
Thank you for your kind words.
Kind Regards,
Clive
Ciao, Errol..
Vai avanti e il nostro sito preferito.
Sono felice che hai trovato i miei articoli informativi.
Grazie per le gentili parole.
Cordiali saluti,
Clive
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:48 PM
Thank you.
I am looking forward to seeing your comments in my future posts.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 22nd, 2010 at 4:18 PM
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May 22nd, 2010 at 10:24 PM
Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:25 PM
Thank you.
Glad to be of help.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:38 AM
Thanks.. very much appreciate your comment.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:22 PM
@ interior design living room:
Yes, sure, thank you.
I’ve been away for a while but I’m back now, so you can look forward to more interesting articles here in the coming days.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Hi, Albertha..
You can subscribe by providing your e-mail address on the right side of the page.
You will then receive updates on new posts on the site.
Kind Regards,
Clive
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:58 PM
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May 23rd, 2010 at 9:00 PM
Please let me know what you disagree with.
Kind regards,
Clive
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:13 PM
Thank you! What do you mean is the blog getting updates?
Kind regards,
Clive
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Welcome back any time.
Thank you for your comment.
Kind regards,
Clive
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May 27th, 2010 at 1:02 PM
i know this is not exactly on topic, but i have a blog using the blogengine platform as well and i’m having issues with my comments displaying. is there a setting i am forgetting? maybe you could help me out? thank you.
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