Can we rent a rollator?

[MacFam4]

We'll be visiting Disney in November and renting my mom a scooter from Apple Scooters for touring the parks and getting around the resort. However, she really needs a rollator to use while we're actually inside the condo for additional support. Do you know of anywhere that will rent a rollator? Our other option would be to check her own rollator at the airport. Do they charge for checking medical equipment like they do luggage?

 

[WheelieBigDisFan]

I would take your mothers rollator to the airport and gate check it as if it were a wheelchair. Airlines can NOT charge for checking medical equipment, it would be like them asking to charge for a prosthetic leg to be on the plane. Your mom's rollator is her "prosthetic" and she needs it for ambulation, not pleasure. Likewise, if there is more medical equipment you need to bring, place it in its own bag, separate from other luggage and that will fly free as well. If you have a bag of medical supplies and luggage they can technically charge for that (since it has luggage in it) but not all agents will.
Have fun!
Mandy

 

[cmesq61]

I travel all the time with my rollator. I gate check it but remove the basket and carfry that onto the plane with me.

 

[MacFam4]

By gate check, do you mean checking it in so it's in the cabin of the plane with you, stored in a closet? We were going to baggage check it so we don't have to lug it around during our connecting flight, which is usually traveling from one end of the airport to the other in Houston. If we baggage check, I'm a little worried about the seat or something else getting damaged. We were going to bungee cord the legs so it won't come open. Completely open to more suggestions or tips. This is our first time flying since Mom has had all of the mobility issues...last time she could get around just fine.

 

[peemagg]

If you are going to check it with your luggage, I would look into getting a bag for it. If you get a stroller bag that is meant for the larger strollers, the rollator should fit in it fine. If not one for strollers, then one of those bags for lawn furniture cushions.

 

[Tiggerish]

I get a gate check tag and then use my rollator to go down the gateway all the way to the airplane door. At the door I fold it and lean it against the wall. Someone from the airline takes it out and it is stowed in a cargo area during the flight. (Just like they do with strollers). When I get off the plane, my rollator is usually waiting in the gateway just outside the airplane door. Occasionally I will have to wait (leaning against a wall) for a minute or two but it always shows up promptly.

If I am changing planes, it depends on how far the next gate is. If it is not too far, I use the rollator to walk on over to the next waiting area and repeat the boarding process when they allow it. If it is farther than I can reasonably do then some airports have a little golf cart type thing that takes you and I hold my rollator, folded up, against my legs. Or the airline gets me a skycap to push me and again I hold the folded up rollator against my legs while riding in the wheelchair.

 

[cmesq61]

Ditto what Tiggerish said.