Nowadays, it is common and possible to take your wheelchair with you while airplane flying. Of course, there a few things that you may need to consider specially checking on the type and size of wheelchair since airplanes has limited spaces to take things on board. For instance, electric wheelchairs will must be gate checked.
Tips before you book your flight
- Look for a seat at the front of the airplane and near the toilet preferably.
- If you decide to take your own wheelchair, then ensure having detailed information on the battery such as the model, type, etc. to inform the airline.
- Ask for an assistance service if necessary, some airlines provide companion from the gate and others from the check in desk.
- It is also recommendable to look for direct flights, that way you may avoid las minute hassles and boarding twice or more into the airplane for a conection.
- You may also want to take a photo of your wheelchair before check in it.
Getting Ready for Departure
We recommend that 2 prior days to your flight (48hrs), you contact the airline and also the airports to check on your booking and verify if everything is alright with your special requirements. Moving on to the check in that can be done easily online. Also we strongly advised you to be 3 hrs. before your flight at the airport for international flights and 2 hrs for domestic ones, as you will need extra time to check in your wheelchair if that’s the case.
Sometimes, airport security may ask you to check the power on your wheelchair if electric, so you may need to consider some time to go through that as well. On these cases there is normally an accessible terminal and you might even find a flight attendant to guide you through it. Always make sure to emptied completely your wheelchair and avoid losing any belonging.
Afterwards, make sure to organize your pre boarding with the airline, and just wait to be transfer to the wheelchair they will provided according to the aisle size. Lastly, do not forget to bring with you your cushion during the flight.
Very important “The toilet”
Unfortunately, due to the reduce space on the aircrafts, the options are limited. Most airlines offer an aisle wheelchair to transport the passengers from their seat to the bathroom, especially on bodied airplanes. And of course this is one of the reason we strongly suggest you to book an aisle seat, to facilitate your mobilization, this on long hour flights. On the other hand, during shorter flights, it is advisable to use accessible bathroom at the airport before departure.
Many people prefer not to drink much water to avoid using the bathroom but that is not definitely an option as dehydration can incur into some other issues. As specialist agreed that flight itself are very drying.
Connections
If connections are inevitable on your flight, before you book them then we recommend you to give it an ample time in between of at least 90 min, as you may want to consider that takes about 25 min for the passenger to leave the airplane and the wheelchair users leave last. Although you might find beneficial the waiting time to use the restroom on the process.
Nowadays, it is common and possible to take your wheelchair with you while airplane flying. Of course, there a few things that you may need to consider specially checking on the type and size of wheelchair since airplanes has limited spaces to take things on board. For instance, electric wheelchairs will must be gate checked.