Tips for Flying as a Wheelchair User

Traveling for disabled individuals, specifically wheelchair users, is a dream, but is very scary. Personally, I have not had the opportunity to fly, but I have started keeping track of tips and advice so that I am prepared for when I do fly. I have _ tips to keep in mind if you are about to fly as a wheelchair user.

1) Call the Airline Ahead of Time

It is important to call the airline directly and with plenty of advance. You can remind them directly that you are in a wheelchair and will be flying with your chair with them on the specific date. You can let them know what kind of chair (manual or electric) you have, and it's weight and height. You also need to let them know what kind of batteries you have, if you use an electric wheelchair. If you need an isle chair to board and de-board the plane or need assistance transferring, you need to also let them know at that time.

2) Read the Air Carrier Access Act

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is the law that prohibits the airlines from discriminating against disabled passengers. The law applies to all flights from, to, and in the United States and is enforced by the Department of Transportation. It is required for the airline employees to assist the passengers with boarding, de-boarding, and moving between gates.

3) Remove and Keep Removable Parts

When you are ready to board the plane and are about to leave your chair, remove any parts that you can from your chair. Personally, I would remove my headrest, footrests, and calf padding off my chair. You can bring a bag and put the parts in it for safe storage. There are closets on the plane that the flight attendants can store the bag in. Also, many people take their seat cushions and put it in the plane seat for additional comfort.

4) Keep Supplies with You & Reporting Damage

My wheelchair came with a go bag of tools for quick fixes and adjustments. It's important to bring that with you to remove and put back parts. Also, just in case the airline breaks anything, you can hopefully fix it. Bring zip ties, duct tape, masking tape, plastic bags, and bubble wrap. If anything small breaks, you can do temporary fixes on the chair. Use the plastic bag to cover your controller just in case there is rain when the chair is being transported and use the masking tape to secure it. Also, if there is any damage to your chair, report the damage BEFORE leaving the airport. You report it at the gate, go to the baggage claim area and request a Complaint Resolution Official to report the damage, and receive the reference number for your claim. Lastly, go to the Department of Transportation's website and report the damage. It may take an extended amount of time, they should repair the damage.

5) Bring a Sling, if Needed

If you are going to need assistance from the airline workers, bring a sling with you. Personally, I use a Hoyer Lift to transfer in my daily life, so I would probably use my lift sling. This gives a pain-free and safer way from them to pick you up. Many disabled people recommend ableSling and The Perfect Lift slings for air travel. It might be a good idea to have the sling under you before you enter the aisle and keep it under you in the plane seat, if it is comfortable.

Do you have any advice or tips for flying as a wheelchair user?