Tips for a Comfortable Flying Experience With a Wheelchair

Quick Summary:

This blog goes over tips and important information you should know before traveling by plane with a wheelchair. Making the right accommodations beforehand can save you a lot of time and stress, and we are here to help.

Introduction

Traveling with a wheelchair can be complicated as it requires careful planning and consideration. As of today, air travel is the only form of transportation where you travel separately from your wheelchair. The good news is that airline assistance is available, and with the right preparation, airline travel doesn't have to be so stressful. This blog is a guide on how to prepare for the smoothest flying experience possible.

1. Preparing Before the Flight

Call Your Airline in Advance

Though it is not required, it is generally a good idea to call ahead and arrange for any accommodations. Share all the relevant information about your wheelchair, including size, weight, and battery type, so they are prepared to handle your particular wheelchair properly.

A carrier may require 48 hours' advance notice for the following services:

  • Packaging for a wheelchair battery that may consist of hazardous materials
  • Electric wheelchair transportation on a flight with fewer than 60 seats
  • Providing an onboard wheelchair for a plane without an accessible bathroom

NOTE: If you don't call ahead or meet check-in requirements, airlines are required to make a reasonable effort to accommodate you, IF it doesn't delay the flight.

Airlines are required to help passengers with disabilities through the airport, and this includes the following areas:

  • From the terminal entrance (or vehicle drop-off point) to airport security
  • To the gate location and onto the aircraft to your seat
  • From your aircraft seat to the baggage claim area, terminal entrance, or vehicle pickup point
  • From your aircraft seat to the gate location of your connecting flight (if applicable)

 

What to Consider When Flying with Battery-Equipped (Electric) Wheelchairs

Before your flight, determine what type of battery your wheelchair uses if you are not already aware. Contact the manufacturer with information about your specific model, and they can provide more details about the battery used in your wheelchair.

  • Spillable batteries: Airlines only allow wheelchairs with spillable batteries if the battery is securely attached to the device AND if the wheelchair can be stored in an upright position. If storing the chair upright isn't possible, the airline may require you to check in earlier than usual to remove the battery and package it separately.
  • Lithium metal batteries: Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) wheelchair batteries are forbidden on passenger flights.
  • Lithium-ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries have to be removed from the chair and transported in a protective pouch in your carry-on luggage.

2. Choosing the Right Flight and Seating Arrangement

When speaking to the airline about traveling with your wheelchair, you can request accommodations for flight seating, including:

  • Seating with a movable aisle armrest
  • Assistance getting to your seat
  • Seating next to a companion traveling with you
  • Early boarding
  • Extra space
  • Seating close to a restroom

 

Seating Arrangements

Aisle seats are the most convenient choice for wheelchair users, as they simplify transfer from aisle to chair when boarding the airplane and from chair to aisle when deplaning.

If you cannot walk or stand independently, try not to choose a bulkhead seat (a seat in the first row of any service class), as the armrests are immovable and will make transfers more difficult, and you will have to be lifted up and over the armrest.

 

Connecting Flights

If possible, always opt for direct flights. Transfers between connecting flights can take more time than you think, making it more difficult to catch your next flight with enough time to help you board with airline assistance.

If your trip requires connecting flights, book flights with plenty of layover time, especially if flying to a larger airport with longer distances to cover and security re-checks.

3. Navigating Airport Security and Boarding

Try to get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight (3 hours for an international flight). When you get there, you must self-identify as a passenger needing wheelchair assistance. Even when you call beforehand and have the airline note in your reservation that you require assistance, they won't know you are that passenger until you self-identify.

At Airport Security

When you arrive at the security checkpoint, inform the TSA officer of your accommodation needs and whether you have trouble walking or standing independently. You may request to be screened while sitting in your chair if you are unable to stand during screening. If you can stand and/or walk, TSA officers will screen you and the wheelchair separately.

 

Standard Lane vs TSA Pre-Check Screening

Keep in mind that if you are unable to walk through the metal detector and require screening while in your wheelchair, TSA officers will conduct a pat-down. Here's what to know about the procedure:

  • A TSA officer of the same gender will conduct the patdown. You might have to wait if an officer of the same gender isn't immediately available.
  • You can request a private screening at any time, and the officer should offer you a private screening if the screening requires a patdown of sensitive areas. During the private screening, you may have a companion of your choice accompany you, and a second TSA officer will be present.
  • If you have any difficulty raising your arms or experience pain in certain areas of your body, please inform the TSA officer before the pat-down begins.
  • You will not be asked to lift any article of clothing to reveal sensitive body areas.
  • TSA may also test for traces of explosive materials in addition to the pat-down.

If you qualify for TSA Pre-Check, you can skip the pat-down procedure. TSA will only examine your wheelchair and swab your hands for traces of explosives. Regardless of the type of screening you receive, TSA officers will still fully examine your wheelchair.

 

Boarding the Airplane

Airline personnel will assist you to the gate and allow you to preboard before other passengers without disabilities. At that point, your wheelchair will be taken from you to be packed on the aircraft. If you are unable to walk, you will be taken to your seat using an aisle chair. Your wheelchair will be returned to you upon arriving at the airport gate at your destination.

4. In-Flight Comfort and Accessibility

Restroom Use

While accessible restrooms are becoming more available on airplanes, you should not count on having an accessible bathroom available on your flight. When you call to make arrangements before your flight, make sure to ask if your flight will have an accessible lavatory. If not, plan on using the restroom before the flight. Airline personnel can assist you with this on the way to your gate.

There are other ways to plan for bathroom use on the airplane. Some choose to limit fluid intake and hold it (especially if it's a shorter flight), while others may catheterize and use an attached leg bag for longer flights without accessible bathrooms.

Wear Breathable Clothing

Light, breathable clothing that you can move easily in will make your flight much more comfortable. Try to avoid oversized clothing that might snag during transfers.

5. Protecting Wheelchairs During Transport

Where your wheelchair is stowed during the flight depends on the type of wheelchair. Manual, foldable wheelchairs are often stored in a cargo closet onboard. Power wheelchairs are large and usually unfoldable, and they are usually checked for free and stored in the cargo hold with other checked baggage. Unfortunately, it is much more likely for wheelchairs stored in the cargo hold to be damaged during the flight. Here are some tips on protecting your wheelchair from damage during your flight:

  • Take Photos of Your Chair Before Check-In: Document the current condition of your chair by taking detailed photos of all angles. This protects you if, in the worst-case scenario, your chair becomes damaged during the flight and you need to report it for compensation.
  • Remove Loose Objects and Attachments: If you use a non-collapsible power wheelchair, pack attachments and loose accessories in your carry-on bag to take with you on the plane. These accessories and attachments may include the seat cushion, foot and armrests, storage bags, cupholders, tray tables and baskets, and more.
  • Attach Instructions to Your Wheelchair: If the wheelchair needs to be disassembled for transport, attach clear disassembly and assembly instructions to the wheelchair to assist airline personnel in safely packing and unpacking it. Label your wheelchair with your name and contact information.

When you get your wheelchair back at the end of the flight, immediately check your wheelchair for any damage. If you notice any signs of damage, report it as soon as possible. Airlines are required by law to provide compensation for any needed repairs.

Keep in mind that the airline can be exempt from providing compensation if it can prove the following:

  • Pre-Existing Damage: If they can prove the wheelchair was damaged before they received it, or there's a lack of evidence that proves they caused the damage, they don't have to compensate you. Be sure to take detailed photos of your wheelchair before your flight.
  • Passenger Negligence: If the airline can prove negligence on your part (e.g., improper labeling or instructions), they may not have to compensate you.
  • False Allegations: If the airline can prove the allegations are false, they do not have to compensate you.

6. Essential Travel Accessories

There are many accessories available to simplify traveling with a wheelchair, including:

Conclusion

With the right preparation and planning, wheelchair air travel can be simple and stress-free, allowing you to go wherever life takes you. Vitality Medical has a wide range of travel products, wheelchair accessories, and more to simplify your travel experience and improve your everyday life.

 

References