For example, Ginger Lane, who became quadriplegic at age 44, says, “Any time that I have a chance to travel, I either go to the west, in the US, or travel abroad, which has been phenomenal. I’ve been to Africa on safari; I’ve been to Indonesia; I have been to Europe a number of times; I’ve taken a cruise to Alaska and I took my kids on a cruise to the Mediterranean, where they had to haul me up 900,000-steps in Santorini. But, it’s something I’ve never said, “No.” If the opportunity, either I create the opportunity, or the opportunity is presented to me, I just say, ‘Let’s go.’”

Vic, who became paraplegic at age 41, still visits his secluded family lake house.  “We have a place that we love to go to, so we will do that…I’d like to get at least a few years living on the lake, have a boat, and just go out and do what I can on a boat.  Because we’ve rented pontoon boats, I can get through and work those pretty well.  I participate in bass fishing tournaments and such, which is kind of cool.” 

James, who became quadriplegic at age 27, started a new tradition with his wife after his spinal cord injury.  “One of the things my wife and I got into years ago—we were taking a trip, I think, around Lake Michigan, and we noticed all these lighthouses.  They’re all so beautiful; they’re in beautiful locations by the waterside.  And we thought, ‘Man, let’s see how many we can see.’ So, we started kind of building our trips around where the lighthouses were.  So we’d drive around the coast, ‘Okay, we went all the way around Lake Michigan.  Well then, there’s Lake Superior, that’s a pretty big lake.’  So then we drove on the state side of Lake Superior.  Well, as of today, we’ve probably visited 150 lighthouses in about 15 different states all down the east coast from Maine to Florida, and it’s been fun.”  Follow the link to watch other FacingDisability SCI stories.

Sometimes it helps to hear from people like you.  In the “People” section, videos can also be filtered by individuals with SCI, parents, spouses, sibling and children.  Searches can also be refined by level of injury (paraplegic or quadriplegic), gender of person injured and age at injury.

FacingDisability has more in the “Expert” section, is which is made up of over 200 videos of top spinal cord injury professionals answering questions on their field of SCI medicine.  The expert topics cover information on all the things people want to know right away, such as “Spinal Cord Injury 101”, “Transition from Hospital to Home” and “Sex and Fertility after SCI.”  There is also “Adjusting to Social Life in a Wheelchair” which covers answers to questions such as “What factors make adjusting to a wheelchair so difficult at first?” and “What are the initial fears about going out in public with a wheelchair?”

The website also has a “Peer Counseling” section, where people can anonymously connect with others who have “been there,” through an internal email system.  People can also use the FacingDisability “Forums” as another connection point, to discuss topics such as “What are some tips for traveling by plane with someone with a spinal cord injury?” or “What do you do for fun?”

Finally, FacingDisability.com has a “Resources” section made up of over 300 of the best spinal cord injury resources.   Each one has a description and information on “Where to Start.”  Under Active Lifestyle, you can find resources on traveling and adaptive sports programs in your area.

FacingDisability.com was founded by the Hill Foundation of Chicago, by Robert Hill and Thea Flaum.  Their mission is to provide Internet-based information and support for people with spinal cord injuries and the members of their families. Connecting with the life experiences of others who have been there before helps people find the strength and support to face their new lives ahead.

During his most recent trip around New Zealand, John shipped an adapted van from his home in the United Kingdom and traveled 7,000 miles across the beautiful landscape featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He slept in his van at campsites and spent many evenings in backpacker’s hotels where he could be found chatting with the locals and travelers from around the world.

The backpacker’s hotel where I met him had already been “kicked into shape” by this practical no nonsense adventurer, but it took time. John worked for his accommodation. When he first arrived in Wellington, he “had to go to the swimming pool for a shower.” He found the people in New Zealand were friendly and helpful and the changes he proposed went well. Being a charismatic and confident person, he wasn’t afraid to ask for what he needed and the hotel eventually built disabled access showers. While the Wellington backpacker’s was the first establishment he worked on, he said he liked “kicking arse.” Travelers can now enjoy the ramps, disabled access showers and other features the hotel has to offer. Another New Zealand hotel manager and friend of John, now consults him whenever he opens a new backpackers. With a little diligence and ingenuity, John’s been able to not only travel a beautiful country, but also leave his mark on it.

At times, John has been met with resistance. Nearly missing flights, airline attendants have refused to help him unto the plane claiming it posed a liability. He needs a lift. In the same way that many able bodied travelers occasionally need assistance loading and unloading from the plane, his request during his flight to New Zealand was easily met, but by a willing passenger rather than someone employed by the airline. John’s approach to these situations seems to work. Whenever he encounters travel and hospitality staff that might better be employed as roadblocks, he sidesteps them.

It’s good he does. Even the major cities in New Zealand are often lacking in wheel chair accessibility features, especially within the trains and buses, but John found that help was often available. The joke about Kiwis, the residents of New Zealand, is that they can do anything with an 8-inch wire as was true in the pioneer days. In John’s case, the wire wasn’t necessary. He was able to board trains and travel the land simply because there are people willing to lend a hand and he was willing to ask.

I learned a lot about the spirit of adventure from John. It’s not just a pleasant feeling we get while on vacation. It’s an approach to life. Though I travel with a disability, I’ve been discouraged more times than I care to admit and not only on the road, but when managing my health care, employment and education, too. However, adventure isn’t about what we can’t do. It’s about what we can. Whether we follow trailblazers like John or make our own path, go down the street or to the other side of the world, we can always travel in the spirit of adventure. And, of course, skydiving is completely optional.

OVERVIEW

Carbondale is a city in Jackson County, in the state of Illinois.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

CARBONDALE : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

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CARBONDALE : Accommodations

HOTELS

Hampton Inn (Marion, IL.): “The hotel is truly accessible. It had all the typical accessibility features and the hand-held showerhead was placed in a lower position rather than the higher position like most hotels do.” Carolee, 6/26/11

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CARBONDALE : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

17th St. BBQ (in nearby Murfeesburrough): “The restaurant has a separate accessible entrance all the way in the back of the building. You have to ring the doorbell to use it because there is no door handle on the outside. Also, the restrooms are inaccessible to the point that not even a normal sized wheelchair can squeeze through the hallway to get to the restrooms.” Carolee, 6/26/11

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CARBONDALE : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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CARBONDALE : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

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ADDITIONAL LINKS

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OVERVIEW

“Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL is a typical beach resort town with plenty of fresh seafood available and great access to the beach. I would definitely suggest having a car with you to get around.” Carolee, 6/26/11

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

GULF SHORES : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

“Bring a car or rent one. You’ll need it!” Carolee, 6/26/11

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GULF SHORES : Accommodations

RESORTS

Escape to the Shore: “All five of the condo units on the fifth floor are wheelchair accessible and each unit has a roll-in shower.

They have games and activities for the entire family, including weekly scavenger hunts and Bingo. The activities are free for property owners and only $3/person for rental guests.

The property also has ramps to an exercise room (no accessible equipment), an indoor pool and several outdoor pools. A wheelchair user has access to all of the pool areas. The outdoor pools have shallow steps that lead directly into the pool (none of the pool areas have lifts).

The doors for the property and the units can be very heavy to open independently.” Carolee, 6/26/11

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GULF SHORES : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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GULF SHORES : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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GULF SHORES : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

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ADDITIONAL LINKS

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OVERVIEW

The City of New Orleans is a mix of old and new. The streets are narrow and not all of them have appropriate curb cuts. For such an old city a number of shops are accessible, but the majority still isn’t unless you can get past a small step up into the shops.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

NEW ORLEANS : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

“The city of New Orleans has a small public transportation system. I saw only a few taxis while there and the ones I did see were either an SUV or a mini-van (non-accessible). I saw only one or two sedan taxis the entire time. I believe the city does have a bus system although I can’t say for sure if it is accessible or not. It’s also not very big. While there, I rode on the streetcar. The Red line streetcar is accessible; but the green line is not. The Red line takes you to Greenwood Cemetery.” Carolee, 6/26/11

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NEW ORLEANS : Accommodations

HOTELS

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NEW ORLEANS : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Café Du Monde: “The Cafe Du Monde has an accessible entrance, but I don’t know how the bathrooms are as we weren’t there very long. They only have coffee items and beignets (square donuts).” Carolee, 6/26/11

Court of the Two Sisters: “Court of the Two Sisters is a very upscale restaurant with a very casual feel to it. While there I saw people dressed in anything from shorts and t-shirts to their “Sunday Best”. It has indoor and outdoor dining. As you walk into the restaurant there is a charm gate on either side of you. According to the sign on the gate, if you touch the gate you will be blessed with charm. The average entrée is about $15-20 per item. They have an accessible restroom that is all the way in the back near the cooking and prep area of the restaurant, the good news is that it’s a one-seater with plenty of room inside to maneuver.” Carolee, 6/26/11

Gator Me Crazy: “With a name like “Gator-Me Crazy” It’s not hard to guess that Gator is the specialty of the house in this establishment. They serve anything from Gator Swamp Rolls to Gator Jambalaya and fried Gator. If you’re not quite ready to taste gator they do have other options like fried shrimp and hamburgers and cheeseburgers. The entrance to the restaurant is accessible, but I would suggest going to the restroom ahead of time as the restrooms are inaccessible.” Carolee, 6/26/11

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NEW ORLEANS : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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NEW ORLEANS : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Since New Orleans is in the south, you can expect temperatures to be in the 100’s. Bring plenty of light clothing and water!

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ADDITIONAL LINKS

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There is a significant knowledge gap across the globe today on the needs of the physically challenged traveler. The fact that the pilot did not come out to assess the situation demonstrates the lack of understanding and awareness of the acute issues travelers face.

It is disappointing to see these stories continually brought to light and the lack of understanding and enforcement of basic ADA practices meant to defend individuals rights.

How many of you have faced similar challenges?

What do you think can be done?

Flying is a fantastic mode of travel. It can’t be beat in terms of safety, performance, or convenience. However, for the traveler with a disability, flying can be a daunting proposition. Even the most seasoned individual can expect a fair share of surprises and challenges when dealing with air travel. However, careful planning and proactive management can help minimize the impact of unplanned hiccups.

BOOKING

There are several considerations to make when booking a flight.

• Destination. It is very important to research whether or not there are wheelchair accessible transportation options, particularly internationally. Sometimes accessible transportation needs to be arranged well in advance. Doing so will guarantee you will see more than the inside of the terminal on the other end!
• Flight duration. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin (if you are prone to pressure sores) and trouble shifting your weight in your seat or getting up to use the bathroom. Some airplanes do have very small chairs on board to get a person to the airplane lavatory, but I personally never felt comfortable trying it because it would be hard to get proper help into the chair and the lavatory is so small. I always try to avoid flights longer than eight hours for these reasons.
• Nonstop versus indirect. Sometimes a journey with a connection or two will cost less, but these often have short windows between landing and takeoff. It always takes extra time to get off an airplane when using the help of assistance, and it takes extra time for the ground crew to offload my wheelchair. To avoid missing a connection and unnecessary stress, I always try to book nonstop flights whenever possible, even if it costs more.
• Airplane type. Investigating the type of airplane that is scheduled, particularly if you have large pieces of equipment like a scooter or motorized wheelchair, is especially important if your equipment does not break down or fold up. All equipment is stored in the cargo hold of the airplane and must be able to fit through the cargo door. On a couple of my early adventures, I had my motorized wheelchair brought to me partially dismantled, and on another, I wasn’t able to take a flight because the commuter airplane was too small for my wheelchair. Therefore, I always try to fly on larger airplanes like Airbus 319s or 320s or Boeing 737s or higher.
• Seat location. If possible when booking, try to select an aisle seat toward the front of the plane, and place your companion next to you in the middle. It is much easier to get on and off, and sometimes there is more leg room toward the front of the plane. This adjustment can usually be made at the airport, but it’s one less thing to think about if you can do it in advance.

AT THE AIRPORT

On the day of the flight, be sure to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the scheduled departure for domestic flights, and 3 hours ahead for international.

• Checking in. This step is pretty much standard. Typically, there is no “front of the line” shortcut for individuals with disabilities. At the counter, they will sometimes tag medical equipment , other times they prefer to do it at the gate. Wherever and whenever they tag medical equipment, if it is battery-operated, they will ask what kind of battery it has. If it is dry or gel, no problem. If it is wet, they will want to remove the battery and store it in a sealed container for the flight. Make sure you know; check your manual or with the manufacturer in advance. They will also want to know if the equipment will be “gate checked”, meaning you will be using it until moments before the flight.
• Security. The next stop once checked in. Individuals that cannot independently walk through the scanner will need to be searched. Jackets must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine; shoes can stay on if a search is going to take place. I don’t know what the official rules are for searches, but here is what typically takes place during my search: After removing my jacket and backpack from my wheelchair and placing it on the belt for x-ray, I drive up to the metal detector and park in front. The TSA agent in charge of the scanner will then yell, “male assist.” After 1-5 minutes, a male TSA agent will come to take me for examination. He will navigate me through the scanner and tell me where to park. Typically, he will ask about my items on the x-ray machine. Because I travel with a companion, I tell him not to worry about my things because my companion is taking care of it. After being offered a private screening and instructed about the process, he will pat down my chest and arms, and then my back. Because I cannot lean forward, he must undo my chest strap and lean me forward on his forearm to check my back. After that, my legs and groin are thoroughly checked. After my body is cleared, the TSA agent will use a small swab to take samples from various parts of my body as well as the wheelchair for testing. The testing takes about 2 minutes.

PRE-FIGHT

After security, it’s best to find the gate and see if an airline agent is present. I usually hang out until one shows up (unless I’m really early). Once one arrives, it’s important to talk to them right away.

• Seating. Again, seating can typically be moved to optimize for your situation. For example, it is much easier to transfer to the seat if the seat has an armrest that folds up. If a folding armrest doesn’t matter, the bulkhead is a great alternative; the armrest does not fold up, but there is a lot of additional leg room. It’s also easier to have a seat near the front of the plane, and companions can be moved as well.
• Tagging. Equipment will be tagged if it hasn’t been already.
• Assistance. The agent will ask if assistance boarding will be needed. These helpers can do everything from push an individual in a manual chair to transfer a person to an “aisle chair,” a small wheelchair that can fit on the plane and get an individual to their seat (the aisle chair is sometimes called a “straight back”). YOU cannot ride in the airplane in your wheelchair, no matter if it is motorized or manual!

After I take care of all of my arrangements, I then ask what time I need to be back at the gate for boarding (typically 35-45 minutes before departure). From there I calculate my bathroom break… I like to go 10 minutes before I need to board. Note that all airports do not have “family style” companion bathrooms. If you need the help of a companion (if your companion isn’t the same gender), it is best to approach a security offer and explain that you will need your companion to accompany you in the bathroom. Typically, they will secure the bathroom so that you can have your companion assist you.

BOARDING

When the agents are ready for passengers to board, they like to move fast. Be near the jetway and be ready to go when they say. The assistants will escort you down the jetway where the transfer to the aisle chair, if necessary, takes place. My companion always handles my transfer from my front side and we use one of the assistants on my back side. Once I am out of my chair and into the aisle chair, my companion quickly readies my wheelchair for the flight. If traveling with a motorized wheelchair, make sure you secure all items on it that can vibrate loose. I pack my headrest and side supports into a small bag and carry them on. I also take my Rojo cushion on board and sit on it for the duration of the flight because otherwise I would risk skin breakdown. Sitting on my cushion is a bit awkward, because then I sit too high for the headrest. But it is better than the alternative, because the seat is somewhat firm. Most important to note is that I keep all medical related supplies and prescriptions with me in my carry-on luggage. Airlines are known to lose luggage! Also, before boarding, my companion instructs a member of the ground crew on the nuances of my wheelchair (how to disable power, engage/disengage the clutch). This is where taking the time to provide explicit instructions is invaluable, and can help prevent damage to the chair. I hang laminated instructions on the wheelchair detailing how to handle my chair and I include my cell phone number in case they get stuck. However, unfortunately, I find that not many members of the ground crew stop to read the instructions.

ARRIVAL

Once the plane lands, individuals requiring assistance must wait for help to arrive, and which takes place after everyone else is off the airplane). Heavy medical equipment typically takes additional time to bring to the gate because an elevator is needed, so be prepared to wait. Sometimes the airline will try to take my motorized chair to baggage claim, but I insist that they bring it to me at the terminal. I then transfer to the aisle chair and wait on the jetway for my chair to arrive. The aisle chair is not comfortable, so I try to minimize the amount of time I have to sit in it. Once my chair arrives, my companion does a quick inspection. If there is any damage, I go to baggage claim straight after transferring back to my chair and report the damage. Damage has ranged from cosmetic to structural. So far, when damage has occurred, the airlines have been good about repairs. They have let me use my local repair shop and they reimburse them.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

US air travelers who want information about the rights of persons with disabilities in air travel or who experience disability-related air travel service problems may call the Hotline to obtain assistance at:

1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY).

Air travelers who want DOT to investigate a complaint about a disability-related issue still must submit their complaint in writing via e-mail at airconsumer@ost.dot.gov or postal mail to:

Aviation Consumer Protection Division
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590

However, attendants are available to bring meals to passengers with mobility related needs. The wheelchair specific cabins also feature divided bathroom areas. The handrails, bed netting, and chair securing features combine to make the wheelchair specific compartment an accommodating ride. Unfortunately, where Amtrak has excelled in physical accommodation, they have also a deserved reputation for miscommunication among their undertrained and overworked staff. When traveling with Amtrak, take nothing for granted in regards to the services they claim to provide. Do not assume that vital information will be given and take precaution against unanticipated events, because regardless of the level of assistance you may require, in all likelihood you will be facing those complications alone.

Yet with careful planning and a flexible schedule, a railway enthusiast can enjoy the journey and the railway cuisine offers one major advantage: its not airline food.

Consider

• Arrive at the train station well in advance. Depending on the length of your journey, consider allowing for the same preparation and adjustment time required for airline travel.
• Amtrak travelers, take advantage of the Red Cap service. For people with mobility related needs, this early boarding service must be requested or sought out at least a week prior to travel for the best possible experience, but be aware that no mention may be made that it is available if the passenger has an invisible disability. The Red Cap service is only available at certain locations and information is available by contacting the specific station.
• Be self-reliant. Confusion seems to typify the communication channels between Amtrak staff. Be prepared for misinformation and misdirection.
• Limit bruising and bodily damage by waiting for the many numerous stops to move about the train whenever possible.
• Have all your most important items in your carry on bag. Larger luggage will be checked and potentially, though not always, be inaccessible during travel.
• Be prepared to cross the large gap when boarding between the platform and the train. For many travelers, this will require assistance.

International rail travel in some countries exceeds the services provided by Amtrak. In many areas, trains are frequented by the local population and unlike Amtrak, with empty seats to even the most popular destinations, international trains may be overbooked.

However, international rail travel varies widely between countries as well as protocol. In New Zealand, for example, the magnificently stunning journey between Auckland and Wellington, the Overlander, offers ticket sales up to the last minute and while boarding and baggage checking may be significantly less formal than Amtrak, the simplified process and accommodating staff make the experience convenient as well as painless.

Amtrak is a nationally owned railway service and the name is derived from “America” and “Track.” Inside the United States, Amtrak carries passengers along 21,000 miles of track.

There are several considerations to take when booking a flight. The first thing to think about is the duration. This is especially important if you have trouble shifting your weight in your seat or getting up to use the bathroom. Some airplanes do have very small chairs on board to get a person to the airplane lavatory, but I personally never felt comfortable trying it. I always try to avoid flights longer than eight hours for these reasons. The second thing to investigate is direct versus indirect options. Sometimes a journey with a connection or two will cost less, but these often have short windows between landing and takeoff. It always takes extra time to get off an airplane when using the help of assistance. To avoid missing a connection and unnecessary stress, I always try to book direct flights whenever possible, even if it costs more. The third thing to think about is the type of airplane, particularly if you have large pieces of equipment like a scooter or motorized wheelchair. This is especially important if your equipment does not break down or fold up. All equipment is stored in the cargo hold of the airplane and must be able to fit through the cargo door. On a couple of my early adventures, I had my motorized wheelchair brought to me partially dismantled, and on another, I wasn’t able to take a flight because the commuter airplane was too small for my wheelchair. Therefore, I always try to fly on larger airplanes like Airbus 319s or 320s or Boeing 737s or higher. The final thing to think about is the seat location on the airplane. If possible when booking, try to select an aisle seat, and place your companion next to you in the middle. This adjustment can be made at the airport, but it’s one less thing to think about if you can do it in advance.

On the day of the flight, be sure to arrive at the airport between 1.5 – 2 hours before the scheduled departure for domestic flights, and 3 hours for international. Checking in is pretty much standard. Typically, there is no “front of the line” shortcut for individuals with disabilities. Sometimes they will tag medical equipment at check-in, other times they prefer to do it at the gate. Whenever they tag medical equipment, if it is motorized, they will ask what kind of battery it has. If it is dry or gel, no problem. If it is wet, they will want to remove the battery and store it in a sealed container for the flight. They will also want to know if the equipment will be “gate checked”, meaning using it until moments before the flight. Security is the next stop once checked in. Individuals that cannot stand and walk through the scanner will need to be searched. Jackets must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine; shoes can stay on if a search is going to take place. I don’t know what the official rules are for searches, but here is what typically takes place during my search: After removing my jacket and backpack from my wheelchair, I drive up to the metal detector and park in front. The TSA agent in charge of the scanner will then yell, “male assist.” After 1-5 min., a male TSA agent will come for me. He will navigate me through the scanner and tell me where to park. Typically, he will ask about my items on the x-ray machine. Because I travel with a companion, I tell him not to worry about my stuff because my companion is taking care of it. After being offered a private screening and instructed about the process, he will pat down my chest and arms, and then my back. Because I cannot lean forward, he must undo my chest strap and lean me forward on his forearm to check my back. After that, my legs and groin are thoroughly checked. After my body is cleared, the TSA agent will use a small swab to take samples from various parts of my body as well as the wheelchair for testing. The testing takes about 2 min.

After security, it’s best to find the gate and see if an agent is present. I usually hang out until one shows up (unless I’m really early). Once they arrive, it’s important to talk to them. First, seating can be moved to optimize for the situation. For example, it is much easier to transfer to the seat if the seat has an armrest that folds up. If that doesn’t matter, the bulkhead is a great alternative; the armrest does not fold up, but there is a lot of additional leg room. It’s also easier to have a seat near the front of the plane, and companions can be moved as well. Second, equipment will be tagged if it hasn’t been already. Third, the agent will ask if assistance will be needed. These helpers can do everything from push an individual in a manual chair to transfers to an “aisle chair,” a small wheelchair that can fit on the plane and get an individual to their seat. YOU cannot ride in the airplane in your wheelchair! After I take care of all of my arrangements, I then ask what time I need to be back at the gate for boarding (typically 35-45 min. before departure). From there I calculate my bathroom break… I like to go right before I need to board.

When the agents are ready to board, they like to move fast. Be ready to go when they say. The assistants will escort you down the jetway where the transfer to the aisle chair, if necessary, takes place. My companion always handles my transfer from the front and we use one of the assistants on the back. Once I am out of my chair, my companion quickly reassembles my chair and instructs a member of the ground crew on the nuances of my wheelchair (how to disable power, engage/disengage the clutch). This is where taking the time to provide explicit instructions is invaluable, and can help prevent damage. I also take my cushion on board and sit on it for the flight because otherwise I would risk breakdown.

Once landed, individuals requiring assistance must wait for help to arrive (which takes place after everyone else is off the airplane). And heavy medical equipment typically takes time to bring to the gate because an elevator is needed, so be prepared to wait. Sometimes the airline will try to take my motorized chair to baggage claim, but I insist that they bring it to me at the terminal. I then transfer to the aisle chair and wait on the jetway for my chair to arrive. The aisle chair is not comfortable, so I try to minimize the amount of time I have to sit in it. Once my chair arrives, my companion does a quick inspection. If there is any damage, I go to baggage claim and report the damage. Damage has ranged from cosmetic to structural. So far, when damage has occurred, the airlines have been good about repairs. They have let me use my local repair shop and they reimburse them.

So there you have it! I hope this helps remove some of the mysteries around flying and encourages you to travel by air.

Not only did Delta not help its passengers, it was also found guilty of failing to adequately respond to written complaints.  It is good to see the company is being held accountable to the regulations that ensure safe travel.

I personally have not had any challenges with Delta, but have had my fair share of travel mishaps with other carriers, from broken wheelchairs to missed connections.

Read more details on Delta’s fine here.