Wheelchairs & airplanes About This Page:

[All Ears]

My brother requires the use of a wheelchair for mobility. He can often transfer himself -- if the "situation" is right (right height, right width, etc.). He has not flown anywhere since he has been in a wheelchair. And he is very nervous about doing so. He does not think he would be able to transfer to a seat -- due to the space limitations on a typical plane.
How accomodating are airlines with individuals requiring wheelchairs? What kind of arrangements need to be made when booking a ticket? And is there anything else he might need to know?
Thanks sooo much for any assistance anyone can provide.
Michelle

[loobyoxlip]

hi Michelle
All airlines are extremely accomodating to passengers with disabilities. In most situations, they will board him first and take the time needed to make his transfer onto the plane and into the seat as smooth and comfortable as possible. If he does require help transferring from wheelchair to seat, there will be someone to help. I think if you're flying a larger plane that has a jetbridge you won't have many problems.

Our planes are so small (19 seats) and our airport doesn't have a wheelchair lift. We have to transfer the passenger into what we call a straightback, then manually carry the passenger up the plane steps and then transfer the passenger from the straightback into the seat. It is a long process, and it does give us delays most of the time. But our #1 concern is the passenger is safe and comfortable.

When you make reservations, tell the agent you will be needing assistance as that your brother is not sure if he will be able to transfer himself. Then remind them again when you check in at the airport. All agents are trained in handling situations just like this. I wouldn't worry about a thing.

[swall918]

Michelle,

I will be going to WDW with my family in November and I am wheelchair bound. We are flying Delta(song)out of LaGuardia NY. The agent was very helpful with my flight arrangements. Anyone in a wheelchair is boarded first in the first row of the coach section. The arms on the aisle seat are removal and there is extra room to help in the transfer. Your wheelcair is stored below and you use an airline wheelchair at the airport which also fits in the aisle on the plane. There is also a handicap accessible bathroom on the plane if necessary.

Don't worry. The major airlines at the major airports are very helpful.

Enjoy your trip.
Sue [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

[Grumpygal]

Sue is right, you do get to pre-board and can get the first row of the plane. However, make sure you ask for the first row or the bulkhead seating. If you don't ask, they do not automatically put you there. That way they know that is what you want and being in a wheelchair you should get it. The only time my father didn't get it was when there were a number of wheelchair passengers flying on the same flight, but I do know he was seating toward the front of the plane.

[All Ears]

Thank you all sooo much for your responses. I will pass them on to my brother. It is great to hear that the airlines and agents are very helpful and accomodating. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Michelle

[Jennifer Fisher]

If you have to make any connecting flights anywhere, it is a good idea to let the gate agents know before boarding the first leg of your flight. They will often make arrangements to get help for you to make your connecting flight by sending a message ahead to the next airport so that you are already set up with help when you arrive. The Continental people did this for us on our trip back home. We found that we were going to have to switch terminals in ten minutes with two handicapped children (that would be asleep) and the orlando gate team was awesome!

Happy flying!

[cocoa]

Hi,
My wife and and i have gone to WDW and she wheelchair bound.
They do put the people with disabilities on first.
We even brought her own personal w/c on board.
You will have a great time.
My wife can pivit from her w/c to seat with no trouble.
Hope this help.
Jerry