Traveling with a wheelchair.

                                         

Being in a wheelchair for the past 6 years has been challenging in so many different aspects. One of them is traveling by plane. When I had to take my first plane trip being wheelchair-bound, I was very excited to see one of my best friends in Texas. However, I never thought about the difficulties of traveling with a wheelchair until that moment. That’s when I started researching on how to travel with your wheelchair by plane.

Soon after booking my ticket, I contacted the disability office of the airline I was flying with. They assigned me an ADA seat, which usually is in the front of the plane, or near the exit doors where there is more legroom. I was surprised by how easy and helpful they were to accommodate me.

Secondly, you should let them know if you need assistance. Airlines provide you with an agent to help you from the check-in area to your seat. Because I am independent and I like browsing the stores before getting into the plane, I do not like to request this service. You have two options to check in your wheelchair. One is to check it in at the check-in and they provide you with an airport wheelchair, or you use your wheelchair until you get into the gate, and once you arrive at the bridge you transfer into the aisle wheelchair.
 

I prefer the second option. There are usually two people that help you transfer from your wheelchair to the aisle wheelchair and push the wheelchair inside the plane to your seat. Meanwhile, another agent puts a tag on your wheelchair and brings it down to the cargo. Always remember to save the tag they give you in case something happens to the wheelchair!

Once you get into your seat, they remove the isle wheelchair from the plane, but there will be one waiting for you in the bridge once you arrive at your destination. Usually, when I travel, I keep my ROHO cushion with me and use it on the seat for long flights or when the seats are not very comfortable. I would also suggest you keep on the overhead bin all parts of the wheelchair that are removable and might get lost. I had to learn it the hard way.

Once you arrive at your destination, an agent will bring your wheelchair in the bridge and once you get out of the plane with the isle wheelchair, you can use your own.
If the airline loses some part of your wheelchair, make sure to file a claim and they will contact you as soon as possible. They will either send you the missing part or refund for the damage.

Have a safe flight!