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