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Secrets of Wheelchair Airline Travel
By Craig Kennedy When most people think about traveling on an airplane, they think of getting up way too early, long lines at security, lost baggage, and inevitable delays. When most wheelchair users think about traveling by airplane, they cringe and say “can’t we just drive there?” In addition to all of the airline hassles that most people worry about, wheelchair users have to get up even earlier to arrive at the gate for early boarding, pack twice as much baggage with medical supplies and equipment, and worry about the safety of their equipment. But even with all of these things to worry about, traveling by airplane for wheelchair users is actually easier than ever if one is prepared and knows their rights as a passenger according to Disaboom, the largest online community for people with disabilities. There are many tips for traveling with a wheelchair, but above all it’s important to know your rights. The travel process starts at home when booking the tickets. First, book a ticket that allows plenty of time between flights. Be prepared for the possibility of the plane not arriving on time and gate attendants not showing up with the aisle chair in a timely fashion. It’s a good idea to inform the air carrier of any special needs ahead of time. Most online reservations systems have a check box for special requests, but double-check by calling the airline after you have made your reservation and make sure all special needs are listed in the reservation profile. Special requests may include assistance getting to the gate, an aisle chair to get on and off the plane, service animal, and any special seating requests or needs.
What to consider before traveling: 1. Make sure to print boarding passes at home. This will save time even if you have to check in your bags. 2. Check bags at the airline ticket counter, as more than 75 percent of all lost baggage is a result of checking luggage at curbside. While at the counter checking bags, double check that the airline is aware of any special needs. If changes need to be made to the seating assignment, this is the place to do it. 3. Look for a security side entrance. No matter where you are in the continental United States, travelers with disabilities are allowed to bypass the long lines that are typical of airport security. Security personnel will escort the traveler to the front of the line, where they will be directed through a separate entrance. Wheelchair users are assigned a same-sex security agent who will check the body with a metal detecting wand and pat-down the wheelchair for dangerous materials. 4. When traveling alone, always take apart the wheelchair for the airline attendees before boarding or instruct them on how to do so. Politely tell the people handling the wheelchair to be careful with it because although it looks tough, it is breakable. 5. Another regulation that is often overlooked has to do with carry-on luggage. Travelers with disabilities are allowed an extra carry-on bag for durable medical equipment and medical supplies? Remember the new 3-1-1 carry-on rule; it states that you must check anything larger than three ounces of fluid, and must put anything smaller than three ounces of fluid in a one-quart sized, clear, zip-top bag in your carry-on luggage. This applies to medical supplies for travelers with disabilities as well. 6. Upon arrival to the destination, travelers with disabilities will be asked to wait until the plane empties to get off. Once the plane is empty, be sure that you instruct the crew on how to reassemble your chair if you are traveling alone. If the wheelchair is lost or destroyed, the airlines are required to purchase an exact replacement. Airlines are also required by law to have a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO), who is educated in requirements for travelers with disabilities, at every airport that they service. This should be the first person sought out if any problems should arise. Disability should not interfere with the exhilaration and experience of travel. Since its launch in 2007, Disaboom has been dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. To learn more about accessible travel tips and locations, visit disaboom.com.
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Disaboom
Wheelchair Travel
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This intel was contributed by eskcsg
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May, 2012
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