Travelling in a wheelchair can be stressful. Making your flight on time, navigating the airport, and handling luggage is tough for anyone.
Adding essential medical equipment makes it even harder. But with some planning, you can avoid most problems.
What Is a Travel Wheelchair?
Transport wheel chairs are lightweight and narrow, combining the functions of a wheelchair and a rollator or walker. Usually made of a lightweight aluminium frame, they are designed to be pushed by a caregiver, as their small wheels prevent self-propulsion by the user.
These chairs are often bought for travel, vacations, or outings. While they’re not usually the primary mobility device, a lightweight transportable scooter or portable powerchair can fulfil that role.
Air Travel Basics to Make Your Trip as Easy as Possible
Plan Ahead with Your Airline or Travel Agent
When travelling with a wheelchair, plan. Contact your airline or travel agent early to arrange accommodations. Request wheelchair assistance, verify accessibility features, and understand boarding and deplaning requirements.
Booking the Ticket with Conditions
When booking your ticket, specify your needs. Inform the airline about your wheelchair type, manual or electric, and other mobility aids. Ensure your seat is accessible and check policies for transporting your wheelchair.
Asking the Attendant for Options
Upon arrival at the airport, speak with the check-in counter attendant. They can assist with baggage, security, and getting to your gate. They will ensure you’re accommodated every step of the way.
Assistance Service at the Departure Airport
Use the assistance services at the departure airport. They help with check-in, security, and boarding. The staff handles wheelchairs, making your airport experience smoother and less stressful.
Arriving Nice and Early with Quick Release
Arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays or wheelchair assistance. Early arrival gives you enough time to go through security and reach your gate without rushing.
Finding the Gate and Checking in with the Airline Staff
After passing security, go to your gate and check in with the airline staff. They know your needs and can help with transfers to an airport wheelchair or arranging aisle chairs if needed.
Priority Boarding
Use priority boarding to board first if you have a disability. This gives you extra time to settle comfortably and allows crew members to assist with any specific needs before general boarding.
Tips When Traveling in a Folding Transit Wheelchair by Plane
Arrive Early
Travellers should arrive at the airport three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight. When travelling in a wheelchair, arrive even earlier. Bring comfort items like a wheelchair blanket to make waiting at the gate or in transit areas more comfortable.
A metal chair takes more time at security, and bags of medical supplies or medications can add more time.
Take Your Seat Cushion with You on the Plane
Remove the cushion before your wheelchair is stored for the flight. Sit on it during the flight for better positioning and comfort, especially if you’re at risk for pressure ulcers. This also reduces the risk of losing or damaging your cushion in cargo.
Additionally, bringing a waterproof wheelchair blanket can also add comfort during long flights, keeping you warm and protecting your seat from spills or moisture.
Double Check the Information on Your Tags
Request a gate check label for your wheelchair. Verify that the information on your tag matches your destination.
Label Your Chair
While it’s unlikely your wheelchair will get lost, it’s wise to have a backup plan. Find a secure spot on your chair for a label that won’t be torn off. Attach a tag, sticker, or tape there.
Include your name and phone number. If the tag is easily removable, add your destination too.
Take Off Your Side Guards
Remove your chair’s side guards and take them to the plane. They can get lost or damaged in cargo. Do the same for any other parts that could get caught or detached.
Find Wheelchair Resources Located in the Area Where you are Traveling
Before you leave, inform your local provider. They can give you a contact for assistance if your wheelchair is lost or broken during travel.
Ask if you Have the Option to Pre-Board
Some airlines offer extra time for passengers to come and settle in. Ask if this service is available. You won’t feel rushed, and attendants will have more time to secure your chair in the cargo area.
If you Have a Power Chair, Provide Extra Information about Storing and Parking
To use the brakes for storing and parking:
- Push the brake lever down to lock.
- Ensure the brakes are fully engaged.
To disengage the brakes for “freewheel” mode:
- Pull the brake lever up.
- Confirm the brakes are fully released.
This allows attendants to push the chair quickly.
Advice for Checking in Your Mobility Aid
Travelling by Aeroplane with a Manual Folding Wheelchair
When flying with a manual folding wheelchair, notify the airline in advance. At check-in, request a gate check to keep your wheelchair until boarding. Attach clear labels with your contact information to avoid mix-ups.
Travelling by Aeroplane with an Electric Transport Wheelchair
For electric wheelchairs, inform the airline about your mobility aid’s battery type and dimensions. At check-in, discuss the wheelchair handling procedure.
It will usually need to be stored in the cargo hold. Always remove and carry the battery separately if required by airline regulations.
Travelling by Aeroplane with a Scooter
When flying with a scooter, notify the airline in advance. Provide details about its size, weight, and battery type. At check-in, arrange for the scooter to be securely stored in the cargo hold.
Label the scooter with your contact information. If required, detach the battery and carry it according to airline guidelines.
FAQs
Where do wheelchair users sit on planes?
Wheelchair users can sit in any available seat on the plane, depending on the airline’s policies and the assistance they need. Bulkhead seats are often recommended for extra legroom and easier access.
Notify the airline in advance about special seating needs for appropriate arrangements. Some airlines may offer specific seating for passengers with reduced mobility for better accessibility and comfort.
How to pack a wheelchair for a flight international?
When packing a wheelchair for an international flight, remove detachable parts like cushions, side guards, and leg rests. Carry these in the cabin to prevent loss or damage. Tag your wheelchair with detailed contact information: name, phone number, and destination address.
Attach a note with special handling instructions, especially for electric models. Use bubble wrap or protective padding for fragile parts, and consider a sturdy travel bag designed for wheelchairs.
Notify the airline about your mobility aid and request a gate check to keep your wheelchair with you until boarding. Proper labelling and preparation will help ensure your wheelchair arrives safely.
How do wheelchair users go to the toilet on a plane?
For wheelchair users, using the toilet on a plane requires planning and assistance. Modern aircraft usually have accessible lavatories near the front or rear.
These larger lavatories accommodate a wheelchair user and an attendant if needed. Notify the airline of your needs before the flight to ensure arrangements are made.
Onboard, flight attendants can provide an onboard wheelchair for navigating narrow aisles. Communicate your needs to the cabin crew early to avoid last-minute issues.
On longer flights, schedule regular intervals to use the toilet for comfort. If you need more assistance, ask the flight attendants for help.
How to protect your wheelchair when flying?
Protecting your wheelchair when flying requires planning and preparation. Clean and inspect your wheelchair for any damage. Remove and pack detachable parts like cushions, side guards, and leg rests.
Label your wheelchair with your contact details. Use protective padding or bubble wrap for fragile components. Consider a sturdy travel bag or a protective case for your wheelchair. Inform the airline about your mobility aid in advance.
Request a gate check to keep your wheelchair with you until boarding. Provide written instructions for handling your wheelchair, especially if it’s electric. These steps will help keep your wheelchair safe and intact during your flight.
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