Airport w Mobility Issues

[katmigordon]

So I'm new to this situation... sort of.
See I've had mobility issues for a while, but they have gotten much much worse in the last few months, and my wife who used to push the wheelchair when I needed one has now developed mobility issues as well.

We're ok with short distances, her with her cane and me with my walker, but longer distances are really, really hard. So I have questions about how the airport can help us.

Can we get one of those cars I see inside the terminal to ferry us from door to gate and where we need to go? Can someone on staff push an old fashioned wheelchair to where we need to go if not? I thought the cart would be a better option as it could carry both the wife and I and wouldn't require two wheel chairs and two staff.

We're going to pay to access AAs Admiral Lounge while in the airport as we thought that would be good for her ADHD and my Aspergers - not to mention allowing for more social distancing. Can they help us get there and then from there to our flight?

What can they do to help us with security? We don't mind waiting - but standing in long lines is out for us, not waiting in them just STANDING and walking in them.
And I know this question is cruise related, but there isn't a disability section over in the cruise area so I didn't know where else to ask and I thought there might be some crossover of those who have done both parks and cruise. Anyway, what can we do to help with easing security at the port? Again don't mind waiting but the standing is an issue.

 

[ttintagel]

You need to call the airline now and ask for wheelchair assistance (and for a future reference, you can generally check this off as an option when you’re making your airline reservations). This will usually be a person pushing you in a manual wheelchair, although depending on circumstances like the size of the airport and the time you have between connecting flights, they may use one of the electric carts. The skycap who pushes your wheelchair through the airport will also help you through the security line and with your luggage.. All my experience with this is pre-pandemic, so there may be details that have changed. You should be prepared to tip the skycap; I usually tip between $10 and $20. My own personal experience with this service has been nothing but positive. Everyone who’s helped me in an airport has just been super friendly and efficient.

 

[mamabunny]

So I'm new to this situation... sort of.
See I've had mobility issues for a while, but they have gotten much much worse in the last few months, and my wife who used to push the wheelchair when I needed one has now developed mobility issues as well.

We're ok with short distances, her with her cane and me with my walker, but longer distances are really, really hard. So I have questions about how the airport can help us.

Can we get one of those cars I see inside the terminal to ferry us from door to gate and where we need to go? Can someone on staff push an old fashioned wheelchair to where we need to go if not? I thought the cart would be a better option as it could carry both the wife and I and wouldn't require two wheel chairs and two staff.

We're going to pay to access AAs Admiral Lounge while in the airport as we thought that would be good for her ADHD and my Aspergers - not to mention allowing for more social distancing. Can they help us get there and then from there to our flight?

What can they do to help us with security? We don't mind waiting - but standing in long lines is out for us, not waiting in them just STANDING and walking in them.
And I know this question is cruise related, but there isn't a disability section over in the cruise area so I didn't know where else to ask and I thought there might be some crossover of those who have done both parks and cruise. Anyway, what can we do to help with easing security at the port? Again don't mind waiting but the standing is an issue.

Also, just a thought... you might want to consider replacing your walker with a Rollator, which is just a fancier walker with a built-in seat (and typically a basket or bag for storage under the seat).

Remember that on all domestic (within the US) airline flights, your personal mobility equipment will fly for free. So, you and your wife can each bring your personal walker, cane, etc. You can even gate-check them, so that you could use your walker all the way to the aircraft door if you wish. Any time you want to gate-check an item like that, it's best to work with the Gate Agent as soon as they arrive to work on that flight, and let them know you would like to gate check your personal mobility equipment. It's much easier for them to arrange that before all the chaos of boarding begins!

Typically, those electric carts you see running around the bigger airports are used at the discretion of the airlines and/or airport. My hubby has worked for a major American Airline ::ahem:: for more than 30 years, and in all our travels, we have gotten to ride in one of those... one time, about 20 years ago, when the driver took pity on me because I had our infant daughter, her stroller, diaper bag, car seat, etc. (I think I must have looked like a pack mule about to melt down LOL)

Do reach out to American, and work with them in advance - our friend @ttintagel is absolutely correct!

 

[SirDuff]

Also, just a thought... you might want to consider replacing your walker with a Rollator, which is just a fancier walker with a built-in seat (and typically a basket or bag for storage under the seat).

Remember that on all domestic (within the US) airline flights, your personal mobility equipment will fly for free. So, you and your wife can each bring your personal walker, cane, etc. You can even gate-check them, so that you could use your walker all the way to the aircraft door if you wish. Any time you want to gate-check an item like that, it's best to work with the Gate Agent as soon as they arrive to work on that flight, and let them know you would like to gate check your personal mobility equipment. It's much easier for them to arrange that before all the chaos of boarding begins!

Typically, those electric carts you see running around the bigger airports are used at the discretion of the airlines and/or airport. My hubby has worked for a major American Airline ::ahem:: for more than 30 years, and in all our travels, we have gotten to ride in one of those... one time, about 20 years ago, when the driver took pity on me because I had our infant daughter, her stroller, diaper bag, car seat, etc. (I think I must have looked like a pack mule about to melt down LOL)

Do reach out to American, and work with them in advance - our friend @ttintagel is absolutely correct!

I've also only seen the electric carts in the gate area (i.e. post-security). I cannot imagine that they can be used "from door to gate" - can you imagine them trying to weave through people can bags to get to the check-in desk?

In my (fairly limited to be fair) experience, if you are waiting in an airline lounge, they will drop you off there and come pick you up (may be a different person). They aren't going to wait in/near the lounge for you (assuming, if you're using a lounge, it's not like you'll be there for 5-10 minutes).

 

[dancergirlsmom]

You need to call the airline now and ask for wheelchair assistance (and for a future reference, you can generally check this off as an option when you’re making your airline reservations). This will usually be a person pushing you in a manual wheelchair, although depending on circumstances like the size of the airport and the time you have between connecting flights, they may use one of the electric carts. The skycap who pushes your wheelchair through the airport will also help you through the security line and with your luggage.. All my experience with this is pre-pandemic, so there may be details that have changed. You should be prepared to tip the skycap; I usually tip between $10 and $20. My own personal experience with this service has been nothing but positive. Everyone who’s helped me in an airport has just been super friendly and efficient.

I second this. I travelled with my elderly parents in December from Detroit to Orlando. Both needed wheelchairs. We travelled on Delta and I was able to request the service for them when I booked my ticket. If your ticket is already booked, take a look at the reservation and see if there is a place you can add it. Not sure with AA, but with Delta we did have to make our way to the check in area at both Detroit and Orlando where one skycap came and took both of my parents. A small carry on fits under the seat of the wheelchair. I have PSA precheck and thought that they may have to go through separate security, but they ended up on precheck with me. The skycap took them through and straight to the gate in both directions. They will also board them if needed. My parents were able to walk the distance to get on the flight. Once in Orlando, a skycap was at the gate with the wheelchairs and took us all the way to our rental car. The service was amazing and we wouldn't have been able to make the trip without it.

 

[Lewisc]

Some airports, MCO for example, has a shortage of pushers. A 30 minute wait is possible. Get to the airport early if you need a pusher. If someone is picking you up, or if you booked a car service, let them know.

 

[SueM in MN]

All airlines have Special Assistance department, which may be named differently at different airlines. That would be where you would indicate what special assistance you need.
This is a link to American Airlines Special Assistance page

Larger airports often have the ‘golf cart-like’ carts. Smaller ones don’t usually due to space/congestion. For example, the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport has 2 terminals. The larger terminal has carts; the smaller one doesn’t.
Unless you have a mobility device or a skycap pushing you, you will be standing in the Security line. The skycap can help with bags and knowing where to go as well as pushing a mobility device.

My family registered for TSA Precheck, which helps a lot with Security. The line is shorter, but the biggest thing for us is not having to remove shoes, light jackets, 3-1-1 liquids bag and computer/tablet from our carry on. There is always a chance that you can still be chosen for additional security check and individual airports may have different rules (such as needing to remove computer for screening). But, with a non-walking, non-standing person in a wheelchair in our party, the less stuff we have to juggle the better.

 

[ZellyB]

And while I absolutely think it best to schedule this ahead of time, we recently had no trouble adding it at check-in when we flew back with my elderly mother. She thought she would be fine, but we determined on our outbound flight that it was too much for her. So, when flying home, we added it at check-in. Due to her obvious age, we didn't even ask first, the check-in clerk asked us before we even had the chance to ask. Again, I think best to schedule in advance, but it is possible to do it at check-in. We were flying international using Delta/KLM.

 

[lanejudy]

Anyway, what can we do to help with easing security at the port? Again don't mind waiting but the standing is an issue.

To my knowledge, DCL doesn't offer wheelchairs for use in the terminal -- at least not at Port Canaveral. Since other ports use shared terminals, it's possible a wheelchair may be available if cruising out of a different port. I second the recommendation of a rollator so you have a seat when needed.

I suggest contacting DCL Special Services to ask about assistance at the terminal prior to embarkation:
Phone: (407) 566-3602
Fax: (407) 566-3760
TTY: (407) 566-7455
Email: SpecialServices@disneycruise.com

 

[Groot]

My family registered for TSA Precheck, which helps a lot with Security. The line is shorter, but the biggest thing for us is not having to remove shoes, light jackets, 3-1-1 liquids bag and computer/tablet from our carry on. There is always a chance that you can still be chosen for additional security check and individual airports may have different rules (such as needing to remove computer for screening). But, with a non-walking, non-standing person in a wheelchair in our party, the less stuff we have to juggle the better.

And at MCO (If your cruise is out of Port Canaveral), they have a separate security line for disabled people.

 

[SueM in MN]

And at MCO (If your cruise is out of Port Canaveral), they have a separate security line for disabled people.

Good to know. We haven’t done a cruise.
They do in Orlando too (at least did our last trip to Orlando before we had Precheck).
The TSA Precheck line in Orlando is accessible, but the others are/?were not because they didn’t have a space or gate to bypass the scanners with a wheelchair or other mobility device.

 

[katmigordon]

Thank you for mentioning the tip I'm so flustered with all of this it probably wouldn't have occured to me on my own.
How far in advance should I get in touch with the airport? (We leave early September) and should I reach out to the airport or the Airline?

You need to call the airline now and ask for wheelchair assistance (and for a future reference, you can generally check this off as an option when you’re making your airline reservations). This will usually be a person pushing you in a manual wheelchair, although depending on circumstances like the size of the airport and the time you have between connecting flights, they may use one of the electric carts. The skycap who pushes your wheelchair through the airport will also help you through the security line and with your luggage.. All my experience with this is pre-pandemic, so there may be details that have changed. You should be prepared to tip the skycap; I usually tip between $10 and $20. My own personal experience with this service has been nothing but positive. Everyone who’s helped me in an airport has just been super friendly and efficient.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you for mentioning the tip I'm so flustered with all of this it probably wouldn't have occured to me on my own.
How far in advance should I get in touch with the airport? (We leave early September) and should I reach out to the airport or the Airline?

You contact the airline. I think you posted in your first question that you were flying American Airlines.
I added a link to the American Airlines Special Assistance in my first post in this thread. That link gives information about requesting assistance, plus a link to American’s request form.
The airlines like people to list their needs when booking the ticket if possible and no less than 48 hours before your trip if possible. They will accommodate with less than 48 hours, but it helps with staffing/coordination for the airline to know ASAP.

 

[katmigordon]

Thank you for the heads up about taking my walker to the gate. It would be nice to get a push to the area of my gate but have the walker there if I need to move around - I'm not supposed to stay seated for more than an hour or two if I can help it without getting up and stretching my leg.

The Rollator would help with lines but I'll still need wheelchair help through the airport since even with the walker long distance are hard, and both of the airports I'll be dealing with are HUGE (Phoenix Sky Harbor and MCO)

Also, just a thought... you might want to consider replacing your walker with a Rollator, which is just a fancier walker with a built-in seat (and typically a basket or bag for storage under the seat).

Remember that on all domestic (within the US) airline flights, your personal mobility equipment will fly for free. So, you and your wife can each bring your personal walker, cane, etc. You can even gate-check them, so that you could use your walker all the way to the aircraft door if you wish. Any time you want to gate-check an item like that, it's best to work with the Gate Agent as soon as they arrive to work on that flight, and let them know you would like to gate check your personal mobility equipment. It's much easier for them to arrange that before all the chaos of boarding begins!

Typically, those electric carts you see running around the bigger airports are used at the discretion of the airlines and/or airport. My hubby has worked for a major American Airline ::ahem:: for more than 30 years, and in all our travels, we have gotten to ride in one of those... one time, about 20 years ago, when the driver took pity on me because I had our infant daughter, her stroller, diaper bag, car seat, etc. (I think I must have looked like a pack mule about to melt down LOL)

Do reach out to American, and work with them in advance - our friend @ttintagel is absolutely correct!

 

[katmigordon]

Do you think 3hrs would be long enough? We're thinking Phoenix Airport at 6am for a 9am flight and then we plan on getting a later flight out on our return and getting a day room at MCO Hyatt.

Some airports, MCO for example, has a shortage of pushers. A 30 minute wait is possible. Get to the airport early if you need a pusher. If someone is picking you up, or if you booked a car service, let them know.

 

[katmigordon]

Thank you for the contact data - so helpful! And Goddess knows with my limited search fu I wouldn't have found it on my own. We all have our talents - google isn't on the list of mine.

To my knowledge, DCL doesn't offer wheelchairs for use in the terminal -- at least not at Port Canaveral. Since other ports use shared terminals, it's possible a wheelchair may be available if cruising out of a different port. I second the recommendation of a rollator so you have a seat when needed.

I suggest contacting DCL Special Services to ask about assistance at the terminal prior to embarkation:
Phone: (407) 566-3602
Fax: (407) 566-3760
TTY: (407) 566-7455
Email: SpecialServices@disneycruise.com

 

[Bjkandma]

We always fly Delta. From our airport (Detroit) we arrive 2 1\2 hours before our flight. We get wheelchair assist through the airport - including security, quick service (Burger King) - we order and take with us and a restroom break. I need a pat down and must wait for a TSA female agent. (Waiting just for an agent can take 30 minutes).

On our return trip we request pick up 4 hours before our flight (using Mears Connect in July). This gives us plenty of time to get wheelchair assist, as well as others previously listed.

I have my own wheelchair, aluminum walker with arm stabilizers and a cane. The wheelchair and walker are stored under the plane (dropped off at entrance to plane, brought all the way up to the door. I then use the aisle chair to get to my seat. All of my devices fly free.

 

[Bjkandma]

We always fly Delta. From our airport (Detroit) we arrive 2 1\2 hours before our flight. We get wheelchair assist through the airport - including security, quick service (Burger King) - we order and take with us and a restroom break. I need a pat down and must wait for a TSA female agent. (Waiting just for an agent can take 30 minutes).

On our return trip we request pick up 4 hours before our flight (using Mears Connect in July). This gives us plenty of time to get wheelchair assist, as well as others previously listed. MCO is extremely busy and you can wait 30 minutes for someone to help with wheelchair. You also have to allow time to check luggage.

I have my own wheelchair, aluminum walker with arm stabilizers and a cane. The wheelchair and walker are stored under the plane (dropped off at entrance to plane, brought all the way up to the door. I then use the aisle chair to get to my seat. All of my devices fly free.

Contact the airline x

 

[Lewisc]

Do you think 3hrs would be long enough? We're thinking Phoenix Airport at 6am for a 9am flight and then we plan on getting a later flight out on our return and getting a day room at MCO Hyatt.

I would assume so but I have no specific knowledge about PHX.

Maybe the Hyatt can arrange the wheelchair and pusher.

 

[Weedy]

Cruise:
If you are on a Disney Cruise out of Port Canaveral the terminal is only Disney cruise passengers.
Things have changed a lot because they now do Covid testing before boarding (I haven’t cruised with Disney since testing started)
You have to book a Port Arrival Time (PAT)
**if taking Disney bus transport you don’t need a PAT
There is a tent set up where
You will need to get a provided Covid test at the terminal before boarding.
From what I’ve read and seen in video blogs the terminal isn’t as crowded as it once was because they space people out better. They now really stick to the PAT times they didn’t before.
Disney use to have a limited number of wheelchairs available.
Disboards has a cruise thread that may be of help.

https://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-cruise-line-forum.9/