First time flying with mobility issues

[MacFam4]

Visiting WDW with my parents in November and we have decided to fly. My mom has mobility problems due to hip/knee replacement, and another bad knee. We are flying Continental out of our small airport, transfer in Houston, then on to Orlando. I know I need to call Continental and request wheelchair assistance on all legs of the trip. We'll need to push her through the airport, down the jetway, to the door of the plane. She can walk using her canes to the seat, but cannot walk up/down the jetway.

I've done some research myself, but tell me from the experts what else I need to know? Do I ask in advance about pre-boarding? What about screening? She has metal in her knee and hip and will ask for a letter from her doctor. She also has a colostomy. I don't look to have any trouble in our small airport, but I don't really know what to expect in Orlando.

One more thing, our flight from Houston to Orlando is around 2 hours. Is it best to reserve seats near the back of the plane so she is close to the restroom? Originally she wanted them near the front so she won't have to walk so far, but I'm thinking on a 2 hour flight she'll probably need to get up to use the restroom, and the closer the better.

We'll be fine the rest of the trip, just a little concerned about the airport.

 

[SteveMouse]

Depending on the type of plane, there may be a lavatory at the front of the plane (check seatguru), although most lavatories aren't very accessible, especially on narrow-bodied aircraft.

If you are in a wheelchair at security, you will be asked if you can walk unassisted through the scanner. If you cannot, you will be given alternative screening (by hand). Please allocate a few extra minutes for this.

You should also make security aware of medical devices, although my metal-reinforced spine isn't usually a problem. (I have a decidedly different posture when standing due to fibrosyaplasia ossificans progressiva.)

When you arrive at the gate, you might tell the gate agent you'd like to preboard. What they don't yell you is that you'll likely be last off.

Airline personnel are not responsible for providing personal assistance during the flight.

I strongly suggest using the restroom in Houston. Do be aware that continetal has an enormous number of gates at iah so plan accordingly.


If you are staying on Disney property and plan to use DME and can't do bus stairs, call DME in advance to let them know.