Tips on Travelling by Airplane

[greaterexp]

The last trip I took about a month ago didn't go any better than usual, but I thank God my husband was with me. Even if I ask for wheelchair assistance, and even when I ask the flight attendant to check before landing that one will be there, they practically never are. So I'm often left to decide if I should try waiting (even waiting 1/2 hour or more doesn't mean that a wheelchair will get there) and risk missing my connection, or if I think I can make it to the next gate which may be in another terminal. If I can even make it, I may be unable to walk for the rest of the day. I hear horror stories about airline-approved scooters being damaged beyond repair, though I'm willing to get one if it would help.

Any ideas? I'm traveling at the end of the month again.

[erash]

we are going by train this summer but they have strict limits/fees on wheeled assistive devices :((

[Humbrd]

I don't think there's an easy answer to that unfortunately. The same thing happened to me a couple weeks ago. Myself and my friend were supposed to have wheelchairs. Got off the plane and there were none. Saw other people get in wheelchairs and go and I believe that when they are waiting with a wheelchair and someone else decides to get in it pretending it's for them. After wandering around the area for a bit I saw a woman working with the airport with a wheelchair and she said she was not waiting for anyone but she said she would take me. My friend had to walk. Finally we found an empty wheelchair and the employee actually was pushing us both! She took us to where we had to switch our luggage to a different carousel for the connecting flight and through customs and then on the tram to get to the other side of the airport and when we got there they were boarding and we just made it. If it weren't for that woman we would have never made it. Gave her a huge tip. Was so grateful. I wish you the best of luck on your travel that it goes smoothly for you.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

I know that it’s a problem, greaterexp , and I thankfully travel with my husband. We always choose a direct flight whenever possible. It’s probably not the most economical way to travel, but it gives us peace of mind. The airport personnel have been so accommodating to us. We have been traveling by vehicle the past couple of years due to COVID concerns, and this year we will probably travel by plane. I am curious what others in this forum recommend. Safe travels, my friend.

[greaterexp in reply to carolek572]

I wish I could fly to my destination without a connection, but, alas, that isn't possible.

[Tazmanian]

Good luck!

[Robsmom]

Sadly, I've just seen a news report that said the airlines ability to assit people with disabilities has become HORRIBLE! I suggest contacting the airline before your trip, they're supposed have people in place to assist you. With Delta they're called Red Coats.

[Humbrd in reply to Robsmom]

I didn't know that. I just flew Delta. Thanks

[Robsmom in reply to Humbrd]

And if you travel with a folding mobility device( walker or scooter) they are required to store it on the plane instead of under, if it fits in the closet.

[greaterexp in reply to Robsmom]

I ask for wheelchair assistance when I book, again when I check in my bag, and once again with the flight attendant when getting close to landing. I get a wheelchair only about 20% of the time. It's never mattered what airline I've used.

[Robsmom in reply to greaterexp]

That's terrible.

[hairbrain4]

Sometimes you can get a later connecting flight so can have more time to get to the next gate. It's worth using a travel agent to set things up for you.

[greaterexp in reply to hairbrain4]

I always book it myself, but I may have to see about that. Thank you!

[hairbrain4 in reply to greaterexp]

You will pay a fee for their service but sometimes it's worth it cuz they know all the ins & outs & ups & downs about airlines.

[twooldcrows]

so sorry ...love and much happiness...

[DIsneyQueen]

I always fly Southwest and they are extremely helpful. I have an airline approved scotter(Luggie) . They board me first and let me drive my scooter right into the plane. Then we pop the lithium battery out, put it in carryon luggage and break down scooter. They then store it under plane. Once we land they bring scooter right into plane and I reverse process. I usually travel with my husband which makes process easier but have had to travel by myself on occasion. Those times Southwest staff has been amazing. Have even had pilot help get battery in and scooter all set up. I usually fly nonstop which makes it lots less stressful. Never have had damage to scooter either. Good luck to you. I know how stressful it is to travel.

[greaterexp in reply to DIsneyQueen]

Thank you for sharing your good experiences!

[Sandydemop]

wishing you safe travels and easy flights. i have been able to get wheel chairs through the airport last few times. is there a customer service person you could talk to?

[greaterexp in reply to Sandydemop]

I have talked with people in charge with both American and United. Sadly, I have seen no change. I won’t lose hope.

[BlanketTime1]

that stinks. you shouldn't have to deal with that. unfortunately i haven't flown since becoming disabled, so i don't have tips.

[greaterexp in reply to BlanketTime1]

It saddens me because if I’m having problems with it, surely many others are, too.