Tips for Flying with a Power Wheelchair

Published: August 18, 2014

You may rely on a power wheelchair to get around on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean you should feel limited as to where you can travel. If you plan on taking a vacation, a vacation that will require you to fly, then the following tips may be able to assist you in the process:

Plan Accordingly

Taking a vacation is all about planning. Before you book your ticket, shop around and find an airline that offers the best deal. It will also be important to find the airline that accommodates your personal needs. When calling the different airlines, make sure to detail the weight of your chair and any and all information that could help make the process flow a little smoother.

Booking a Ticket

It will be important to make sure the airline is aware of the fact that you will be using a power wheelchair. When you're booking the ticket, inform the agent. However, it may also be useful to call the airline the day of your trip. This will allow the staff to be prepared to better assist you, ensuring that the procedure is finished in a timely manner.

Protecting Your Chair

Of course, you'll want to do everything you can to ensure that your power wheelchair doesn’t get damaged on your flight. Therefore, it's a good idea to detach all parts that can come off of the chair. Doing so will help keep your chair in better condition, as well as assist in transporting the device more easily.

Be Prepared

You will want to make sure that you are prepared for any layovers. If you speak to the airline ahead of time, you may find that you can get assistance from an employee in finding and reaching your next gate. As airports are usually large and overwhelming, seeking some help may assist with the pressure of flying.

You may also seek assistance after the plane has landed and you've reached your final destination. Again, you will want to seek out this assistance ahead of time, when you're booking your trip.

Enjoying the Trip

If you're completely prepared for traveling, then you'll be more inclined to enjoy your vacation. Though flying with a power wheelchair may seem hectic, it doesn’t have to be. Plan accordingly and you're trip will be everything you want it to be and more!