Airport procedures with mobility issues?

[JessetheCowgirl]

I hope I am posting in the right place. We are taking my mother to WDW and will rent a scooter (off-site) for the duration of the trip.

I am unsure about the airport. When we curbside check out luggage, can we get a wheelchair for her? She is able to walk short distances/transfer. Can we "borrow" the wheelchair until we board the plane?

Likewise, when the plane lands, can we borrow a wheelchair to go to baggage claim and then to our towncar at MCO?

Thank you!

 

[tarkus]

I hope I am posting in the right place. We are taking my mother to WDW and will rent a scooter (off-site) for the duration of the trip.

I am unsure about the airport. When we curbside check out luggage, can we get a wheelchair for her? She is able to walk short distances/transfer. Can we "borrow" the wheelchair until we board the plane?

Likewise, when the plane lands, can we borrow a wheelchair to go to baggage claim and then to our towncar at MCO?

Thank you!

Call your airline and request a wheelchair, They will note the reservation and should bring one upon your checking in.

They will also have a chair at the plane when you land to use for baggage claim etc.

Don't forget if you use their staff to push to "tip the driver", or you can do the pushing.

More info and links:
http://www.adaportal.org/Other_Legislation/ACAA/Air_Carrier_Access_Act_TOC.html

Have a nice trip.

Be Big,
Alan

 

[Bob_P]

Most airline will allow you to drive right down the entrance ramp up to the plane. They will then take the cart and place it in baggage. You wait until everyone deplanes when you arrive and the cart will be at the door.

This is from Delta:

You can check your wheelchair at the ticket counter or the gate. We appreciate your checking powered equipment that may require disassembly at the ticket counter so we can arrange for proper handling. You may use our wheelchair equipment after checking your personal wheelchair. Detachable items such as seat cushions and footrests can be carried onboard or checked with the wheelchair in the cargo compartment.

IF it is a wet gel or dry cell you should have no problem. Best to check though.

 

[kaytieeldr]

As tarkus suggests, call your airline now and let them know you'll need a wheelchair. You may have to walk to the counter (hundred feet or so, depending on your airport, or you may be able to check in with the SkyCap and he or she can call for it for you. As long as the airline has it on your reservation, one should be prearranged for your arrival.

Most airports will let you keep the wheelchair until the plane boards - LAX doesn't, but they're supposed to come back with one in time for you to board.

Most airlines will not let you wheel yourself down the jetway - which makes sense, since it is a downward slope. Somebody else has to push.