Flying with a wheelchair: Your guide to a turbulence free journey
With borders starting to open and international travel finally returning, the opportunity to explore somewhere outside of your own state is finally becoming a reality.
But, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to travelling, as a wheelchair user, a lot of extra thought, planning and preparation is required when taking to the skies.
With that in mind, we’ve put together some helpful tips and advice on air travel with mobility restrictions so you can enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled journey, minus any unnecessary turbulence.
Plan ahead
Air travel can cause a great deal of apprehension for both seasoned and novice travellers. If you’re taking that flight with a wheelchair — that’s an added level of stress
Luckily, the vast majority of airline companies offer specialised seats for people with mobility restrictions. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all with several differences between airlines so it’s important you always do your due diligence on each airline and their policies before booking.
You can find most guidelines regarding travelling with a wheelchair available online, with links from the following major airlines:
Prior to your flight, preparation is key so in the weeks and days leading up to your departure, be sure to contact your airline directly and clarify your physical needs and requirements. The size of the aircraft used for your flight will determine the conditions for travelling with a wheelchair, so make sure you check with the airline right up to the day you travel. Always have the correct specifications such as overall width and weight of your wheelchair ready, in case the airlines need further information.
Some things to consider include:
Boarding and check-in procedures
Security checks
Assistance requirements
Where and if your wheelchair can be stowed
Extra cost and availability of any other relevant service
By calling ahead you can also request assistance with things like getting to your gate on time, boarding the plane and/or grabbing your luggage off the carousel once you arrive at your destination.
First on. Last off
Did you know that Australian airline policy specifies that any passengers with limited or reduced mobility should be the first to board but also the last to depart an aircraft?
Getting to board before everybody else is definitely a benefit. Having to wait for everyone before you can depart, not so much. With that in mind, if you’re booking a connecting flight, always consider the deplaning process which can easily take 25 minutes or more. A missed connection might result in you getting stuck in an airport and that’s definitely not the way you want to start or end your vacation.
Arriving at the airport
To make traveling easier for people with a disability or mobility limitation, Australian airlines and airports have developed an extensive network of Meet and Assist services.
The services are usually free and can be selected during the booking process. Working in conjunction with airport Disability Access Facilitation Plans, airline personnel will meet you at the airport and escort you through everything from check-in, right through to security and boarding.
Give your airline a call to help determine the locations of any special assistance access points at the arrival and departure airports.
Checking in your wheelchair
The mere thought of travelling with your wheelchair can seem like a nightmare. Thankfully, the available airline support services can make the process surprisingly smooth and simple.
Once entering an Australian airport, you can use your wheelchair to travel through the check-in area and security terminal. However, when you reach the boarding area, airline staff will request that you be transferred to an aisle chair if you are unable to board the plane without assistance.
Tips for checking in your wheelchair at the airport:
Always tag your wheelchair with your address and phone number
Remove loose components, including the footplates, headrest and armrests to avoid delays when loading
If your wheelchair is powered, consult the airline’s policy on travelling with lithium-ion, liquid-based, or dry-cell batteries. Some batteries aren’t allowed underneath the hold but need to be carried as hand-luggage and need to be appropriately sealed. Some airlines also require you to fill in paperwork prior to arriving at the airport if travelling with a battery, such as Lithium and Nickle Metal Hydrate batteries
Attach written instructions on how to power on, power off and release the brakes so it can be manually operated
Boarding and flying with a wheelchair
Prior to boarding, make sure all your medication and catheter supplies are in your carry-on. You don’t want them in your checked luggage in case your bags get lost or delayed.
For long flights wear compression stockings to help prevent swelling and blood clots. You can also take your seat cushion off your wheelchair and sit on it during the flight for added comfort.
When your plane lands, do not leave your seat immediately. Wait until an airline personnel confirms that your wheelchair is waiting at the aircraft doors before you move.
Insurance and wheelchair damage
Unfortunately, damage to luggage and personal property seems to occur frequently when travelling by plane.
For this reason, it’s important to double-check that your travel insurance package does cover accidental damage to any mobility equipment or devices you are taking with you. Insurance packages may require you to purchase additional coverage or sign secondary declaration forms.
If your wheelchair is damaged upon arrival, the airline responsible for transporting the equipment must accept responsibility and reimburse you for any and all damages. It’s smart to take a photo of your wheelchair before boarding. If your wheelchair is damaged by the airlines, take photos and file a report at the airport immediately. Do not wait until you get home.
There are some things you can do to help prevent wheelchair damage. This includes:
Attaching written instructions explaining how to operate your chair, as well as how it folds or may be lifted for ease of transport.
Removing parts such as the seat cushion, removable wheels and footrests. These items may be carried on the plane and do not count as baggage.
The tips for travelling with a wheelchair are endless. The key to a safe and successful trip lies in your planning. By doing the prep work early, you can enjoy the fun and relaxing holiday you deserve.
At Glide, we’re available to answer any questions you may have about traveling with your chair. Contact our team for any help or information you may need for your next holiday.
