Airline travel by wheelchair can be a daunting and anxiety fuelled prospect for someone who has never done this before. There are lots of things to consider such as how do I get on the plane? Will my wheelchair arrive at my destination? How will I use the toilet on the plane?
I have travelled both independently and with others on planes on domestic, international and long haul flights. Overall my experiences have been positive however there have been many awful stories in the media about travelling as a disabled person.
I've put together some tips along with insights of my own experiences of airline travel by wheelchair.
1. Pre-book your assistance
The number one rule for airline travel by wheelchair is to pre-book your assistance as soon as you book your trip. This gives you the best chance to have a smooth and successful journey. Some airlines allow you to book assistance whilst making your online booking which is a lot easier.
You will also need to contact the airline as well to give them details of your wheelchair such as if it is manual or electric, it's weight and the dimensions of the chair. This contact also gives you the opportunity to discuss any additional requirements you may have.
2. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before travelling
I have found in the last 5 years or so that airport assistance has become increasingly more used. Unfortunately this means that there are occasions where assistance staff are stretched and it can take more time to get you from the assistance desk, through security and to the boarding gate. With this in mind allow at least 2 hours before your departure time to book yourself in at the assistance desk. This will reduce the stress for both yourself and for the assistance staff.
3. Report to the Assistance Desk as soon as you arrive at the airport
The first place to go to when you arrive at the airport is the assistance desk. Here they will check your assistance requirements and ensure they have your correct details on the computer system.
Once this has been checked the assistance staff will take you to the front of the queue to check in your luggage. If you are travelling in a wheelchair you will also need a baggage claim tag for it. Make sure the tag is put on a secure part of your wheelchair and not put somewhere where it can fall off!
4. The importance of your wheelchair baggage claim tag
Your wheelchair tag shows details of your flight, you surname and a flight reference number. I always photograph this tag just incase my chair was to get lost.
This tag also has small stickers on it. Usually one of these stickers is stuck on your boarding pass and one is sometimes taken at the departure gate by the staff. I always ask at the departure gate if they need to take one of the stickers as these register the journey of your wheelchair. I think another sticker is also taken when your wheelchair has been put in the hold.
This system does seem quite archaic in a technology focused world...
5. If you can, take a different wheelchair from your primary one
I use two different wheelchairs depending on my transport method. I have a solid frame wheelchair which I use daily and a folding wheelchair I use for flying by plane and taxi travel. My solid frame RGK wheelchair has more custom modifications to it and so I would be devastated if anything happened to it. My folding wheelchair is older and has no modifications but is much better for travelling. We always fold it up before it is put into the airplane hold to try and reduce the possibility of any damage being made to it. Don't forget to take any parts of your chair which may become disconnected in the hold onto the plane with you such as your cushion, removable side guards or walking aids.
6. Take out wheelchair insurance
There are companies which specialise in wheelchair insurance such as Fish Insurance and some specialist holiday insurance companies offer cover for your wheelchair as well. I have taken out wheelchair insurance for long haul flights and would also recommend having it if you chair is particularly specialist to you.
7. How to get on the plane
If you are using a wheelchair you will usually arrive at the plane by the Ambulift or Passenger Boarding Bridge. The assistance staff will be able to get you to the plane door but from there you will either need to walk or use the aisle chair to reach your plane seat. I hate using the aisle seat but find that this is the easiest way to get me onto the plane. In the past I have been carried onto planes and been bumped down stairs! Both awful experiences I hope to never have again!
8. The plane toilet
Plane toilets are not made for disabled people, they are quite frankly dreadful. Some airlines do have an aisle chair on-board the plane to get you to the toilet however you still have to navigate the miniscule space to use the facilities. I have never used an on-board aisle chair but it is worth asking if one is available when you book your assistance.
When travelling long haul I have found that bathrooms are bigger and a little easier to use. I am able to walk with crutches for short distances and when travelling alone I have had an air hostess walk with me to get to the bathroom.
Because of the inaccessibility of plane toilets I don't use them, which is crazy. It's a basic human right to be able to use a toilet yet in 2024 this is still not possible for disabled people flying with some airlines.
9. Book your seat before you travel
When booking wheelchair assistance it is usually possible to also book a seat for no extra charge in the allocated areas for disabled travellers. Try and choose a seat position which works best for you for example, avoid the seats next to the aisle if you will struggle to move for others sat on your row.
10. Be patient!
Travelling by plane requires patience as there can be a lot of waiting! The biggest wait is usually when leaving the plane as people who require assistance are last off the plane. I've held planes up because of delayed assistance but have luckily never been sent on another journey!
Final thoughts on airline travel by wheelchair
There is a campaign called Rights on Flights launched by Sophie Morgan which aims to improve the accessibility of plane travel for disabled people and eradicate the awful treatment of mobility aids on flights. Some actions include planes designed to allow disabled people to travel in their wheelchair and fining negligent airlines.
I shouldn't have to worry that my wheelchair might not arrive at my destination or when it does arrive it hasn't been damaged. Unfortunately many people do not understand that mobility aids are an extension of a person and many are very expensive and cannot be easily replaced.
I also shouldn't have to damage my health due to the lack of toilet facilities on planes. Why should these be available for able bodied people but not disabled people?
I really hope that now that travel is becoming open to more people that airlines and airports will make improvements to encourage disabled people to fly. The Rights on Flights is a great campaign so please support it!
If my tips have given you some reassurance to take the leap and fly, visit our blog to discover some travel inspiration!
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