Flying AA with speical needs stroller

[jmartinez1895]

I just read about a new policy that as of today American Airlines is putting into place. It basically says that any stroller over 25 lbs must be check with luggage and will not be allowed at the gate. I called AA and asked about this new change and told them that I travel with a special needs child that uses his stroller as a wheelchair and I explained the special needs stroller to her. The first agent I spoke to said that I would need to bring an umbrella stroller and transfer my child to that at the ticket counter and check the larger stroller. I told her that this in no way would work and asked for a manager. Once he came to the phone I explained it to him. He told me that they would consider guest using special needs stroller as using wheelchairs and would gladly gate check those stroller regardless of weight or sty;e ( they are not gate checking regular jogging stroller now either). He said that when you make your reservation to tell them at that time that you will be traveling with one and they will note it on that child's ticket. He also said that the agents are still in transition mode and may not have dealt with a special need like this so if you speak to an agent that dose not understand what a special needs stroller is, just ask fora manager and they will be happy to take care of you. I just wanted to pass this info along just in case one of you may travel with AA and not be aware of this change.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Thanks for checking on this; I figured we should probabl also maybe bring a Dr note explaining what it is and is used for? Hopefully they will be more used to special needs stroller/wheelchairs by Nov. when our trip rolls around

 

[peemagg]

What I was wondering was what about parents who use a regular stroller for their special needs kids. How does the airline tell who needs the stroller for special needs or just for ease of getting through airport?

 

[jmartinez1895]

I would think that even if it is a regular stroller, if you are using it for a child with special needs then they would consider it as a wheelchair. Just tell them when you make your reservations that you are traveling with a child that will be using a stroller as an aid. I'm sure that with the explanation they and by calling ahead they would know that you have a medical needs for the stroller.

 

[disneymommy78]

Thanks for sharing! I'll keep that in mind for when we fly next March. DD 13 is currently in treatment for leukemia and uses a special needs stroller/transport chair for long distances.