American Airlines changes policy for big strollers

[mikmouse]

Sure wish Disney would enforce the same policy on buses for large strollers as AA is doing. Medically necessary vehicles excepted, of course.

http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/05/american-airlines-changes-poli.html

 

[kathylovesmatt]

Its time to limit what people can "carry on", like those suitcases that people wheel down the aisle and hit everyone's elbows along the way. Know what I mean? Then they stand in the aisle looking for a place to put them; some people can lift them up to put them away. If its too hevy to lift, it should be checked in.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Its time to limit what people can "carry on", like those suitcases that people wheel down the aisle and hit everyone's elbows along the way. Know what I mean? Then they stand in the aisle looking for a place to put them; some people can lift them up to put them away. If its too hevy to lift, it should be checked in.

The airlines have done this to themselves. If they hadn't gotten so greedy about charging for the first checked bag, people wouldn't have started
using their carry-on entitlement for their suitcase. As long as the suitcase fits into the carry on size limitations, I don't see a problem.

 

[ssawka]

I hope my DD stroller is exempt (if other airlines change their policies) since it is actually a wheelchair. I don't think she could handle walking through the whole airport.

 

[SueM in MN]

I hope my DD stroller is exempt (if other airlines change their policies) since it is actually a wheelchair. I don't think she could handle walking through the whole airport.

Airlines are covered by the Air Carrier Access Act for people with disabilities.
This is a link to a summary of the ACAA.

Special needs strollers that are used for mobility for a child with a disability would be covered by the ACAA.

There is more information and links to information about air travel with people with disabilities in the disABILITIES FAQS thread (link in my signature).

 

[Lewisc]

Wouldn't an airline be in compliance if the airport offered a wheelchair (or other appropriate form of transport) from the desk where luggage is checked to the gate? Offered similar service from the arrival gate to baggage claim.

Airlines are covered by the Air Carrier Access Act for people with disabilities.
This is a link to a summary of the ACAA.

Special needs strollers that are used for mobility for a child with a disability would be covered by the ACAA.

There is more information and links to information about air travel with people with disabilities in the disABILITIES FAQS thread (link in my signature).

 

[CPT Tripss]

Wouldn't an airline be in compliance if the airport offered a wheelchair (or other appropriate form of transport) from the desk where luggage is checked to the gate? Offered similar service from the arrival gate to baggage claim.

Not necessarily . . . a lot of pediatric (as well as adult) w/cs are sized and customized for the individual. A generic w/c may not fit.

 

[Lewisc]

Not necessarily . . . a lot of pediatric (as well as adult) w/cs are sized and customized for the individual. A generic w/c may not fit.

I'll take your word for it. I suspect a very small % of big strollers fall into this category.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The airports themselves are subject to ADA.

Airlines are covered by the Air Carrier Access Act for people with disabilities.
This is a link to a summary of the ACAA.

Special needs strollers that are used for mobility for a child with a disability would be covered by the ACAA.

There is more information and links to information about air travel with people with disabilities in the disABILITIES FAQS thread (link in my signature).

 

[CPT Tripss]

I'll take your word for it. I suspect a very small % of big strollers fall into this category.

Didn't realize you were suggesting that a wheelchair be offered to a young child who did not have a disability.

 

[SueM in MN]

Wouldn't an airline be in compliance if the airport offered a wheelchair (or other appropriate form of transport) from the desk where luggage is checked to the gate? Offered similar service from the arrival gate to baggage claim.

Possibly, if the child with a disability was able to sit in the wheelchair.
Many would not be able to, so saying they have to transfer to an adult wheelchair would not be an appropriate option.

Here are some links to common special needs strollers (which are wheelchairs even though they look very much like strollers).

Convaid Transport Cruiser

Convaid Scout

Otto Bock Tilt in Space

Ironically, one of the most popular special needs strollers is the Maclaren Major, which is under 20 pounds and folds like an umbrella stroller.

 

[SueM in MN]

I was curious what American said about the size of strollers and see that they recommend not traveling with large strollers because of the possibility of damage.

"Large Stroller or Non-Collapsible Stroller or Heavy Stroller Weighing Over 20 lbs.†

Strongly discouraged to avoid damage. Facilities were not designed to accommodate these types of strollers
May be checked at the ticket counter†
May not be carried on the aircraft
Exempt from baggage charges

Please note: American is not responsible for damage to any stroller not properly packed in original packaging.

†Effective June 1, 2011, large, jogging, non-collapsible strollers, or those over 20 lbs will no longer be accepted at the gate and therefore must be checked at the ticket counter. There is no charge as long as a child or infant is traveling."

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I suppose those 'greedy' airlines should simply raise every fare $25 across the board and eliminate the baggage fee.

The airlines have done this to themselves. If they hadn't gotten so greedy about charging for the first checked bag, people wouldn't have started
using their carry-on entitlement for their suitcase. As long as the suitcase fits into the carry on size limitations, I don't see a problem.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Wouldn't an airline be in compliance if the airport offered a wheelchair (or other appropriate form of transport) from the desk where luggage is checked to the gate? Offered similar service from the arrival gate to baggage claim.

People with many types of physical disabilities need a wheelchair specially fitted to them. They may need a headrest, or a certain type of harness, or the right seat depth. This is going to be particularly true for a child who is likely too small to sit in a airline wheelchair.

An airline wheelchair, or a Disney one for that matter, is most appropriate for people who can walk a little, but not far enough for an airport or a theme park.

In addition, a wheelchair or a specialized stroller is a very expensive piece of equipment, that requires a physical therapist or other specialist to measure for and select. Someone's trip, and the few months afterwards, would be ruined by a missing special needs stroller, in a way that a parent who lost a regular baby stroller wouldn't have to deal with.

Better to let people use their own in this circumstance.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

People with many types of physical disabilities need a wheelchair specially fitted to them. They may need a headrest, or a certain type of harness, or the right seat depth. This is going to be particularly true for a child who is likely too small to sit in a airline wheelchair.

An airline wheelchair, or a Disney one for that matter, is most appropriate for people who can walk a little, but not far enough for an airport or a theme park.

In addition, a wheelchair or a specialized stroller is a very expensive piece of equipment, that requires a physical therapist or other specialist to measure for and select. Someone's trip, and the few months afterwards, would be ruined by a missing special needs stroller, in a way that a parent who lost a regular baby stroller wouldn't have to deal with.

Better to let people use their own in this circumstance.

It seem like this has gotten off-topic. If it is a wheelchair, even if the person using it is a child, it is not a stroller. The rules regarding wheelchairs will apply.

If it is a stroller for a baby or an ambulatory child, then new rules apply to heavy or non-collapsing stollers. If using the stroller to get to the gate is preferred, then make sure the stroller you use is not heavy and collapses. -- Suzanne

 

[*Seanaci*]

Sure wish Disney would enforce the same policy on buses for large strollers as AA is doing. Medically necessary vehicles excepted, of course.

http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/05/american-airlines-changes-poli.html

I don't see how Disney could enforce it. Seriously. How would you feel if you were traveling with two young children and took your own double stroller (or rented one off-site) and got to the bus only to be told your stroller wasn't allowed because it was too large? I'd be ticked off. And I seriously doubt Disney would even consider enforcing it.