Just because you need a wheelchair doesn't mean that air travel is out of the question.
Today, many airlines are making air travel with power wheelchairs easier and more convenient than ever before, but there are also things you can do to make traveling easier and less of a hassle.
Most of these things involve a little advanced planning and asking questions.
A few ideas to help make your air travel more enjoyable are provided here...
The first thing you should do when you are purchasing your tickets is let the airline know that you are traveling with a disability or that your travel partner is disabled.
You will need to also let them know that you will be traveling with a power wheelchair.
While the wheelchair cannot go with you onto the plane, you should be able to use it up to the actual plane itself.
Keep a record of the names and positions of the airline personnel that you speak to in case there are any questions later.
If you let the airline know, they can plan for your arrival and ensure that the crew knows that they are to help you from your wheelchair to your plane seat and that your power wheelchair will need checked.
Don't be hesitant to let them know how they can best assist you.
Upon arrival to your destination, the crew will retrieve your wheelchair and help transfer you back into it so that you may continue on your journey.
It's important to know the airline's policies regarding travelers in wheelchairs so that you know what to expect and what information to provide when booking your tickets.
Check with several different airlines to see which one will be the most helpful and ask them for any advice they might have that will make your trip easier.
Ask them if there will be an accessible washroom on board the flight you are thinking of taking, and if not, find out if there are other flights that might be more suitable.
If sitting in one place isn't comfortable for you and you don't mind changing planes, consider booking shorter connecting flights instead of one long flight.
If you request it, the airline might provide you with an escort to accompany you in getting from one plane to the next.
This can be particularly helpful if the time between connecting flights is short.
It's also a good idea to plan your transportation to and from the airport well ahead of time.
If you're planning to take a taxi or shuttle, make sure to book with them in advance so you don't have to worry about it at the last moment.
Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than suggested to give yourself plenty of time to get any assistance you may require.
Another great tip to think of when considering air travel is that in order for the crew to help you and check the wheelchair for you, or even for the airline to allow the power wheelchair at all, the wheelchair must be equipped with batteries that are of the dry cell type.
Any other type of battery may leave you without any alternatives.
If you are traveling internationally, make sure that you purchase a converter or adapter that will suit your wheelchair.
Plug ins for other countries may be very different from your own, therefore, having an adapter or converter is the best way to ensure that you can recharge your battery when needed during your travels.
These are just a few ways you can help to make your travel a success, and every airline and airport will have different policies.
Air travel with a power wheelchair is easier than it used to be and there are many organizations such as miusa (mobility international USA) offering information to help take the stress out of traveling.
The key is to know as much as you can before you start your trip.
Research the airline you intend to take, as well as the places you want to visit and stay at to make sure they are accessible.
Look into transportation options at your travel destination to find out what is available for you to make the most out of your vacation!