HI everyone!! I'm usually the one helping to answer questions, we used to live close to WDW, but have moved to CA. We're going back for my 40th in 17 months, and will need my chair in the airport, and was wondering how the airlines deal with it. I haven't flown since my MIL passed almost 10 years ago, and then I was still mobile. I have a Jazzy power chair, and would love to have the power chair at WDW. I can't do a scooter due to shoulder issues. Have any of you flown? What does the airline do to your chair when they gate check it??? Thanks!!
Flying with a power chair??
- Thread starter bouncycat
- Start date
Hi, As I am from the UK , I'm not 100% sure on the American policies,but i found traveling with my husbands power chair hassle free, he was allowed to stay in his chair right upto the plane, then his carer had to disconnect the battery ( you can look this up online or call the manufactuer) . If you are not travelling with a companion you will need to be able to explain how the ground crew can dissconnect the battery.
We flew into Sanford and we were the last to leave the plane so they could bring the chair to the plane door for us . and we were away. so simple.
The only issue we had was the groundcrew were a little over cautious and disconnected the control box from the chair after we'd disconected the battery. but this took 30 seconds to sort. Though it is useful to understand the workings of your chair ( my hubby had his a week before we flew so we were still learning)
Hope this helps a little
We flew into Sanford and we were the last to leave the plane so they could bring the chair to the plane door for us . and we were away. so simple.
The only issue we had was the groundcrew were a little over cautious and disconnected the control box from the chair after we'd disconected the battery. but this took 30 seconds to sort. Though it is useful to understand the workings of your chair ( my hubby had his a week before we flew so we were still learning)
Hope this helps a little
eternaldisneyfan
<font color=royalblue>Have an Attitude of Gratitud
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2004
- Messages
- 774
you'll need to disconnect batteries, transfer to a provided manual chair, and have someone push you. I would also carry on your foot plates. All our wheelchairs (3) were damaged. Fortunately, dad fixed 'em. we took american airlines.
WheeledTraveler
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2007
- Messages
- 786
I'd suggest checking out some of the many articles on WheelchairJunkie.com on traveling with a power chair. The only reason I really mention them on top of advice here is that the site owner works for Pride (the company that makes Jazzy chairs) so there may be some Jazzy specific-info that will be in one of his articles so that you don't have to spend all the time scrambling to find it yourself.
The biggest thing that makes a difference in how transporting your powerchair by airplane works is what sort of battery it has. I believe most, if not all, Pride power chairs have dry-cell batteries these days which means that while they can be be disconnected for transport, they do not have to be. This also means that you should be able to take the powerchair right up to the door of the plane. If you can't then walk to your seat, there's an aisle chair that they'll strap you into (very narrow wheelchair that fits down the center aisle of the plane). Otherwise, you just walk from the door of the plane to your seat. Many airlines will try to make you check your power chair when you check luggage, but there is no legal requirement that you do so.
Take anything that isn't firmly attached to the wheelchair off before boarding the plane (if you have a special cushion take that off, any removable bags, removeable head rests, some people even do remove their controllers). These things can be stored as a carry-on and don't count towards your carry-on allowance. If you wish you can unplug the batteries and controller and stick the chair in freewheel then. The baggage handlers would then push it to wherever the lift is that will bring it down to ground level. Some people choose to instead stick the control on low and give the baggage handler a quick lesson in driving a powerchair and let them bring it down that way. Either way, it's useful to print clear directions (possibly in both English and Spanish) for how to take the wheelchair in & out of freewheel mode, how to disconnect the battery, how to fold the back down onto the seat (if possible), and anything else that might need to be moved on your chair. You can then laminate the directions and attach them to your chair using a zip-tie or similar. While it doesn't guarantee they'll be followed, it at least is another way you can make things clearer.
There is no real way of making sure that your wheelchair will be in the hold upright. This is where the damage is most likely to happen. I don't know how small you can get your Jazzy down to, but the smaller the better because it'll have a better chance of it fitting through the entrance to the hold upright.
As a side note, I'm not sure what sort of Jazzy you have or how customized it is, but if you decide that flying with it ultimately feels too scary, I do know that Apple Scooter rents Jazzy Select power chairs (I've rented them from them twice with good experiences both times). Scootaround may also have Jazzy Selects (I used them in San Francisco this past May and that's the power chair they gave me, again, with no problems; although I'm not sure they have as good a reputation in the Orlando area). I believe that there are other rental places near WDW that also rent power chairs, but they're not necessarily Jazzy brand and at least one of them I've heard mostly negative experiences about the power chair rentals.
The biggest thing that makes a difference in how transporting your powerchair by airplane works is what sort of battery it has. I believe most, if not all, Pride power chairs have dry-cell batteries these days which means that while they can be be disconnected for transport, they do not have to be. This also means that you should be able to take the powerchair right up to the door of the plane. If you can't then walk to your seat, there's an aisle chair that they'll strap you into (very narrow wheelchair that fits down the center aisle of the plane). Otherwise, you just walk from the door of the plane to your seat. Many airlines will try to make you check your power chair when you check luggage, but there is no legal requirement that you do so.
Take anything that isn't firmly attached to the wheelchair off before boarding the plane (if you have a special cushion take that off, any removable bags, removeable head rests, some people even do remove their controllers). These things can be stored as a carry-on and don't count towards your carry-on allowance. If you wish you can unplug the batteries and controller and stick the chair in freewheel then. The baggage handlers would then push it to wherever the lift is that will bring it down to ground level. Some people choose to instead stick the control on low and give the baggage handler a quick lesson in driving a powerchair and let them bring it down that way. Either way, it's useful to print clear directions (possibly in both English and Spanish) for how to take the wheelchair in & out of freewheel mode, how to disconnect the battery, how to fold the back down onto the seat (if possible), and anything else that might need to be moved on your chair. You can then laminate the directions and attach them to your chair using a zip-tie or similar. While it doesn't guarantee they'll be followed, it at least is another way you can make things clearer.
There is no real way of making sure that your wheelchair will be in the hold upright. This is where the damage is most likely to happen. I don't know how small you can get your Jazzy down to, but the smaller the better because it'll have a better chance of it fitting through the entrance to the hold upright.
As a side note, I'm not sure what sort of Jazzy you have or how customized it is, but if you decide that flying with it ultimately feels too scary, I do know that Apple Scooter rents Jazzy Select power chairs (I've rented them from them twice with good experiences both times). Scootaround may also have Jazzy Selects (I used them in San Francisco this past May and that's the power chair they gave me, again, with no problems; although I'm not sure they have as good a reputation in the Orlando area). I believe that there are other rental places near WDW that also rent power chairs, but they're not necessarily Jazzy brand and at least one of them I've heard mostly negative experiences about the power chair rentals.
goofieslonglostsis
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2007
- Messages
- 2,641
First step is to know if you have a dry cell or wet cell battery. Latter one and flying is a problem. Having said that, it is very very uncommon to have anything other than a dry cell.
Call the airline to inform them, next talk to your dealer (not the general one, but the Jazzy dealer themselves) to find out if they have travel tips. You can take the powerchair to the gate and have them delivered at MCO back at the gate, but obviously that would require you being at the gate with enough time and possibly having to wait somewhat before the chair gets to you at MCO (yes, also when deplaning last when using assistance). They are pretty quick though when considering what they are bringing up. You can also check the chair in at check in if that suits you better. Up to you. In that case you can use an airport wheelchair to the gate.
The travel itself. It is not without any risks. You have an important part in the outcome. Remove any fragile parts as much as possible. Definately remove the joystick! Carry on any removable parts. Not just disconnect but put the chair into freewheel to make it pushable for airport workers. Remember that the chair will have to be loaded into the plane by entering a relatively small door. ANY normal sized adult powerchair where you leave the backrest up will NOT fit for loading in the upright position. Which will result in them flipping the chair -> read; high risk of damages! The lowest risk of damage you can control is to hand over your chair in the least damage-fragile position. So as much as possible have it turned into a small square shape, nothing sticking out etc. (backrest sticks out when you look at it with nobody in it, and that for instance risks it getting stuck somewhere during loading or offloading, so where possible involve this into getting a perfect square shape)
A few small things that can easily result in damage; your wiring. Any wiring that goes AROUND anything, even just 1 inch on the outside of your armrest is..... well, sticking out. If your chair were to scrape along a door or wall on that area, guess what? The wiring will take the beating and can easily result in mallfunction. Easily solved by using tie wraps and make sure any and all wires are protected by armrests, seat, back etc.
You can ask the airlines special needs department for the loading door sizes of each type of aircraft. Make use of this! It is your max. size where you will want to get that "perfect square shape travel fit chair" fit into easily (when workers even THINK it might not fit, that could trigger tilting which you do not want). If possible; fly on larger type aircrafts. Again; use the SN-department for info from that specific airline. Thing is, most airlines on most smaller type planes (like 737 etc.) don't have a seperate container that will be used for just your chair. Which will result into loading into a container with general bagage, possible cargo etc. Read; higher risk of damage. On the big planes, many airlines tend to have the option to assign your chair a seperate container. I've even had airlines (incl. US ones, am not a US resident) change my itinerary to make sure I would be booked on planes that could provide this to minimize damage results.
Remember that some folks are kinda "stupid is as stupid does" and some also work at the airport. They will assume the stupidest things about chairs. Think for them! Joystick removing is to protect yourself from them getting the urge to joyride your chair (yep.....). Some have NO clue how to securely tie down a chair. Amazing when considering that they do know how to secure all kinds of weird cargo loads. So you'll want to put a sort of a manual on the chair to communicate how to deal with the chair when you are not around. Keep in mind with this the first sentence of this part.
So use as little text as possible (reading is asking to much many times, more so with time pressure) and where possible use pictures, bright colored tape to mark tie down spots etc.
For instance I personally have one A4 sized paper on my chair (lamited, secured with tie wraps so doesn't tear of easily, get wet or dirty so can't be read anymore). There are basically 3 pics on there. One explaining how they can see the chair is in freewheel and is then pushable by one adult. One explaining how to get chair back in freewheel if for some miracle it got out of it. One pic showing how to securely tie down. In big black font, so can be read from far distances. Smaller print for my name, itinerarynumber (in case of displacing), weight of chair etc.
Have realistic expectations. It is difficult to get it all perfect, even when everybody is doing their best. So; be prepared for small things. Turbulence can knock screws loose, so be prepared to solve. Have a toolkit on you so that you or someone else can solve problems of all kinds (tip; if not having the physical ability yourselves, so many folks are willing to help as long as the tools are right there). Because this is a part of the total package that is powerchair, you are allowed to bring the tools with you in carry on. Do so! Nothing worse then needing a tool, being at the airport and finding your checked luggage is displaced. Heck, you will about certainly need them to get your chair from "travel fit squarest possible" to use style again. Most of the times is as small as unscrewing some things and putting them back again, but need tools for that. Back up scenarios do safe the day and experience. Not just factual but also emotional.
I have a powerchair that has too many adjustments on it that are very fragile that can not be removed. Been all round the world with it by now, along with my own manual chair (always fly with the 2 together). I have the odds hugely against me in my home airport being AMS where somehow they would manage to wreck a cement block, let alone a powerchair. Yes have had damage most of the times. Incl. most trips to WDW. But factual? Almost always damage that could be taken care of at the airport by just some tools, being a bit savvy and/or creative or having the manual with me just in case. One time it couldn't and repair company was involved by airline. They had some problems getting the part I needed (pure bureaucracy between Permobil USA and ROHO USA) which looked like it could easily take a week+ to get the chair in using form again. Could've been beyond emotional if not having a back up. In this case it was my dad back in the Netherlands literally having picked up the part from my home dealer and dropping it off at the airport, where they airline would've flown it into us the same night. Not needed since the repair companies owner stood his ground and almost picked a fight with the bureaucracy nutheads. Sure enough, worked like a charm and he had the part there in time enough. Flight came in late thursday night. By saterday morning part was installed and I was on my merry way.
It can be done, even with my fragile powerchair and on this very specific part totally lacking home airport, my last trip to the World was a new record. Not only did we have zero damage on either chair on the way over to MCO. Coming back my chair didn't get damaged until....... well....... welcome back home AMS workers got hand of it.
This is an itinerary where I have to transfer flights somewhere (read; higher risk of damage because of extra time loading and offloading) and the short European flight being on a type of plane where the chairs had to share the container.
It can be done. Definately see a lot more succes stories with more...... "one piece sturdy" powerchairs. Flying from and to a destination within the US also is in your benefit when it comes to reducing odds of damage. Taking your own responsibility to reduce the odds to the minimum; also good one. It can very well be done. On the other hand with powerchairs I am pro being prepared it will not go 100% as desired. Simply because there is a realistic odd of that indeed happening and dealing with that is easier when being prepared. When having a realistic expectation of reality and having a back up plan. Most damages are the type that one can solve themselves when having any interest in it. I for instance am totally not good at anything electrical, but have become a small pro in my chair. Being able to deal with this things (even if in just having the knowledge and tools when not having the physical abilities) makes a huge difference in how much impact those damages will have and how soon on your way you can be.
Oh and look into insurance/responsibility. Not sure what possible additional options in the US are, but when it comes to airline responsibility they only have to follow the same convention of Montreal that states the responsibility of ANY damaged luggage. Officially it is capped of at a max. per kilogram which will not even come close to the price of a new powerchair. For smaller damages that is no problem as they'll just foot the bill and done, but in the odd ball chance they total the chair it is a different story. Some situation can get very nasty and fighting that fit is something one can very much do without when needing a new powerchair NOW. Discuss this with your healthinsurance if they provided you with the chair (or whomever it was). Find out if there is any insurance out on the chair and if so what is or isn't covered. Find out in case the chair does get totalled and airline doesn't want to foot the total bill for a new one if they will provide a brand new one. In our system, powerchairs legally require insurance but this does not cover airtravel beyond Europe. In case my chair were to get totalled before my county (way we get chairs supplied down here) finds the chair has outlived it's economical life, my county holds the user responsible for any gaps and will not foot the bill for a brandnew chair. For this very same risk I always take out a special insurance on the chair which totally covers anything and all happening to the chair while travelling, at WDW etc and replacing a brandnew one if needed. That way they can deal with the airline later on if were to need be for getting some of the money back but I can order my chair that same day. Great insurance and peace of mind in case a worst case scenario were to ever come through.
To give you an idea though; my powerchair has a newprice of about $40.000,-. After all these years of flying (not just this one, allthough same type and price tag) my damage on flights back never totalled more than $150,- when it came to stuff I have seen and had fixed after getting back home. Haven't seen the bill for that damage mentioned above that took 1.5 day to take care off (went directly to airline) but I know the part has a pricetag of around $500,- overhere. Through in some costs for the work itself, the phonecalls, paying for the expedited shipping of the part and can't have been more than $1000,-. So all in all even when there is damage, most of the times it's not automatically So Bad. The other damages coming into MCO where stuff I could take care off myself -if need be helped by passers by- or I had the spare part with me or had a bill lower than $100,- in total. One flight my wires got damaged. Decided not to have that fixed as it would've resulted in me not being able to use the chairs for a day or 5. Not an option for a chair that still does operate on that part (after some other repairs). Mostly the protective part was rubbed away by scraping against a wall or something. Got a bit worse during the trip, combine with some nice Florida showers and sure enough; the damage resulted in my power dying on me ON the DME lift. Thankfully while getting on the lift platform to get of the bus at MCO.
By now we can laugh about it, was the best possible timing considering the situation. Only had to get it pushed into the terminal and didn't stop me big time. Was the last straw that trip, but that had more to do with this being another thing caused by Hellish Airways. 
Call the airline to inform them, next talk to your dealer (not the general one, but the Jazzy dealer themselves) to find out if they have travel tips. You can take the powerchair to the gate and have them delivered at MCO back at the gate, but obviously that would require you being at the gate with enough time and possibly having to wait somewhat before the chair gets to you at MCO (yes, also when deplaning last when using assistance). They are pretty quick though when considering what they are bringing up. You can also check the chair in at check in if that suits you better. Up to you. In that case you can use an airport wheelchair to the gate.
The travel itself. It is not without any risks. You have an important part in the outcome. Remove any fragile parts as much as possible. Definately remove the joystick! Carry on any removable parts. Not just disconnect but put the chair into freewheel to make it pushable for airport workers. Remember that the chair will have to be loaded into the plane by entering a relatively small door. ANY normal sized adult powerchair where you leave the backrest up will NOT fit for loading in the upright position. Which will result in them flipping the chair -> read; high risk of damages! The lowest risk of damage you can control is to hand over your chair in the least damage-fragile position. So as much as possible have it turned into a small square shape, nothing sticking out etc. (backrest sticks out when you look at it with nobody in it, and that for instance risks it getting stuck somewhere during loading or offloading, so where possible involve this into getting a perfect square shape)
A few small things that can easily result in damage; your wiring. Any wiring that goes AROUND anything, even just 1 inch on the outside of your armrest is..... well, sticking out. If your chair were to scrape along a door or wall on that area, guess what? The wiring will take the beating and can easily result in mallfunction. Easily solved by using tie wraps and make sure any and all wires are protected by armrests, seat, back etc.
You can ask the airlines special needs department for the loading door sizes of each type of aircraft. Make use of this! It is your max. size where you will want to get that "perfect square shape travel fit chair" fit into easily (when workers even THINK it might not fit, that could trigger tilting which you do not want). If possible; fly on larger type aircrafts. Again; use the SN-department for info from that specific airline. Thing is, most airlines on most smaller type planes (like 737 etc.) don't have a seperate container that will be used for just your chair. Which will result into loading into a container with general bagage, possible cargo etc. Read; higher risk of damage. On the big planes, many airlines tend to have the option to assign your chair a seperate container. I've even had airlines (incl. US ones, am not a US resident) change my itinerary to make sure I would be booked on planes that could provide this to minimize damage results.
Remember that some folks are kinda "stupid is as stupid does" and some also work at the airport. They will assume the stupidest things about chairs. Think for them! Joystick removing is to protect yourself from them getting the urge to joyride your chair (yep.....). Some have NO clue how to securely tie down a chair. Amazing when considering that they do know how to secure all kinds of weird cargo loads. So you'll want to put a sort of a manual on the chair to communicate how to deal with the chair when you are not around. Keep in mind with this the first sentence of this part.
So use as little text as possible (reading is asking to much many times, more so with time pressure) and where possible use pictures, bright colored tape to mark tie down spots etc. For instance I personally have one A4 sized paper on my chair (lamited, secured with tie wraps so doesn't tear of easily, get wet or dirty so can't be read anymore). There are basically 3 pics on there. One explaining how they can see the chair is in freewheel and is then pushable by one adult. One explaining how to get chair back in freewheel if for some miracle it got out of it. One pic showing how to securely tie down. In big black font, so can be read from far distances. Smaller print for my name, itinerarynumber (in case of displacing), weight of chair etc.
Have realistic expectations. It is difficult to get it all perfect, even when everybody is doing their best. So; be prepared for small things. Turbulence can knock screws loose, so be prepared to solve. Have a toolkit on you so that you or someone else can solve problems of all kinds (tip; if not having the physical ability yourselves, so many folks are willing to help as long as the tools are right there). Because this is a part of the total package that is powerchair, you are allowed to bring the tools with you in carry on. Do so! Nothing worse then needing a tool, being at the airport and finding your checked luggage is displaced. Heck, you will about certainly need them to get your chair from "travel fit squarest possible" to use style again. Most of the times is as small as unscrewing some things and putting them back again, but need tools for that.
Back up scenarios do safe the day and experience. Not just factual but also emotional. I have a powerchair that has too many adjustments on it that are very fragile that can not be removed. Been all round the world with it by now, along with my own manual chair (always fly with the 2 together). I have the odds hugely against me in my home airport being AMS where somehow they would manage to wreck a cement block, let alone a powerchair. Yes have had damage most of the times. Incl. most trips to WDW. But factual? Almost always damage that could be taken care of at the airport by just some tools, being a bit savvy and/or creative or having the manual with me just in case. One time it couldn't and repair company was involved by airline. They had some problems getting the part I needed (pure bureaucracy between Permobil USA and ROHO USA) which looked like it could easily take a week+ to get the chair in using form again. Could've been beyond emotional if not having a back up. In this case it was my dad back in the Netherlands literally having picked up the part from my home dealer and dropping it off at the airport, where they airline would've flown it into us the same night. Not needed since the repair companies owner stood his ground and almost picked a fight with the bureaucracy nutheads. Sure enough, worked like a charm and he had the part there in time enough. Flight came in late thursday night. By saterday morning part was installed and I was on my merry way.
It can be done, even with my fragile powerchair and on this very specific part totally lacking home airport, my last trip to the World was a new record. Not only did we have zero damage on either chair on the way over to MCO. Coming back my chair didn't get damaged until....... well....... welcome back home AMS workers got hand of it.
This is an itinerary where I have to transfer flights somewhere (read; higher risk of damage because of extra time loading and offloading) and the short European flight being on a type of plane where the chairs had to share the container. It can be done. Definately see a lot more succes stories with more...... "one piece sturdy" powerchairs. Flying from and to a destination within the US also is in your benefit when it comes to reducing odds of damage. Taking your own responsibility to reduce the odds to the minimum; also good one. It can very well be done. On the other hand with powerchairs I am pro being prepared it will not go 100% as desired. Simply because there is a realistic odd of that indeed happening and dealing with that is easier when being prepared. When having a realistic expectation of reality and having a back up plan. Most damages are the type that one can solve themselves when having any interest in it. I for instance am totally not good at anything electrical, but have become a small pro in my chair. Being able to deal with this things (even if in just having the knowledge and tools when not having the physical abilities) makes a huge difference in how much impact those damages will have and how soon on your way you can be.
Oh and look into insurance/responsibility. Not sure what possible additional options in the US are, but when it comes to airline responsibility they only have to follow the same convention of Montreal that states the responsibility of ANY damaged luggage. Officially it is capped of at a max. per kilogram which will not even come close to the price of a new powerchair. For smaller damages that is no problem as they'll just foot the bill and done, but in the odd ball chance they total the chair it is a different story. Some situation can get very nasty and fighting that fit is something one can very much do without when needing a new powerchair NOW. Discuss this with your healthinsurance if they provided you with the chair (or whomever it was). Find out if there is any insurance out on the chair and if so what is or isn't covered. Find out in case the chair does get totalled and airline doesn't want to foot the total bill for a new one if they will provide a brand new one. In our system, powerchairs legally require insurance but this does not cover airtravel beyond Europe. In case my chair were to get totalled before my county (way we get chairs supplied down here) finds the chair has outlived it's economical life, my county holds the user responsible for any gaps and will not foot the bill for a brandnew chair. For this very same risk I always take out a special insurance on the chair which totally covers anything and all happening to the chair while travelling, at WDW etc and replacing a brandnew one if needed. That way they can deal with the airline later on if were to need be for getting some of the money back but I can order my chair that same day. Great insurance and peace of mind in case a worst case scenario were to ever come through.
To give you an idea though; my powerchair has a newprice of about $40.000,-. After all these years of flying (not just this one, allthough same type and price tag) my damage on flights back never totalled more than $150,- when it came to stuff I have seen and had fixed after getting back home. Haven't seen the bill for that damage mentioned above that took 1.5 day to take care off (went directly to airline) but I know the part has a pricetag of around $500,- overhere. Through in some costs for the work itself, the phonecalls, paying for the expedited shipping of the part and can't have been more than $1000,-. So all in all even when there is damage, most of the times it's not automatically So Bad. The other damages coming into MCO where stuff I could take care off myself -if need be helped by passers by- or I had the spare part with me or had a bill lower than $100,- in total. One flight my wires got damaged. Decided not to have that fixed as it would've resulted in me not being able to use the chairs for a day or 5. Not an option for a chair that still does operate on that part (after some other repairs). Mostly the protective part was rubbed away by scraping against a wall or something. Got a bit worse during the trip, combine with some nice Florida showers and sure enough; the damage resulted in my power dying on me ON the DME lift. Thankfully while getting on the lift platform to get of the bus at MCO.
By now we can laugh about it, was the best possible timing considering the situation. Only had to get it pushed into the terminal and didn't stop me big time. Was the last straw that trip, but that had more to do with this being another thing caused by Hellish Airways. Thank you so much for the replies!!! I didn't know you can fly with both power chair and the manual one. I will have help with me, either my hubby and/or my son. Our first trip is next summer to New Jersey to see my best friend's daughter graduate from high school. After that it's to FL for WDW. Lots of good info thanks a whole bunch!!!
We fly all the time with a Jazzy power chair. Its 3 dry cell batteries and never do we disconect anything. He puts it in free wheel mode and sets the seat in forward reclaine so its not too tall. and they gate check it for us. We generally have to be last off the plane since it takes longer to get back to the gate. Hardest thing is how to get around at the other end with out our wheel chair lift. Those are the logistics we have to work through no matter where we go.
SueM in MN
combining the teacups with a roller coaster
- Joined
- Aug 23, 1999
- Messages
- 36,350
Lots of good information that I have very little to add to - just 3 pieces.
1) Tools- you want to keep your wheelchair tools with you. We had a set removed from our checked luggage (stolen).
Tools are normally not allowed in carry on, but with a wheelchair, they are permitted. We keep ours in a bag in our carry on luggage. It's less hassle to remove that bag before sending it thru the X-ray machine, or at least, make sure it is on the top. We have had our bag subjected to further scrutiny because they could see dense metl, but not what it was.
Tighten all screws and connectors before you leave home and check again before using it much. Tightening before will help make sure you have the correct size tools in your tool bag - DD's chairs have multiple different sizes of bolts and stews. Some metric, some not.
In a pinch, you can borrow tools from Engineering or from the bike rental place if your resort has one, but thy my not have the premise size you need.
2) In the US, air travel for people with disabilities is governed by the Air Carrier Act. Wheelchairs and mobility equipment is covered at a different rate than general luggage. If they break it, they are required to fix it/pay for it to the full replacement cost. Some people take pictures of it just before handing it over to be able to prove afterwards that it was not damaged when the airline received it.
Try to travel non stop and not change airlines - more airlines involved = more chance of them trying to blame each other for any damage.
More info about Air Carrier Act and air travel in the last post on page 1 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find it near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.
Many people in the US don't realize that their home owner's insurance may cover their wheelchair. Worth looking into.
3) aisle chairs are supposed to be available at each gate. You want to board first, even if not using the aisle chair because doing that gives you best access to the storage places on board. If you board last and all are full, they do not have to clear space for you ( but usually will).
If you use an aisle chair, you will be the very last off. That is a good idea anyway with a wheelchair, especially with Orlando as a destination. If you try to get off earlier the chair may not be up yet, or - at least in our experience - access to it may be totally blocked by gate checked strollers.
If you are not traveling alone, send an ble bodied member of your party ahead to mke sure the pay is clear nd the heel chair is ready or you.
There is a picture of an aisle chair in the last post on page one of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
OK - thought of 2 more
1) if you talk to someone from the wheelchair company, you want to talk to the wheelchair tech or repair person. The person who sells them knows the features. The tech knows what goes wrong with them, what looks fragile, but isn't and what doesn't, but is. They can give lots of hints for the model you have.
2) from our wheelchair tech - bubble wrap and tape are your best friends. You can bring a small scissor on board the plane in the US - think blunt nose school scissor to cut your tape and bubble wrap and remove it at your destination.
If you leave the controller on, you need to protect it as much as possible. Even if you remove it, a wrapping of bubble wrap will cushion it. The controller and on board computer/logic board are the most expensive, fragile and hard to gt pieces for most power wheelchairs.
You can also use narrower strips of bubble wrap over things you can't remove - like the wiring and various levers or knobs that lock things in place ( swing away foot rests, swing away armrests.
1) Tools- you want to keep your wheelchair tools with you. We had a set removed from our checked luggage (stolen).
Tools are normally not allowed in carry on, but with a wheelchair, they are permitted. We keep ours in a bag in our carry on luggage. It's less hassle to remove that bag before sending it thru the X-ray machine, or at least, make sure it is on the top. We have had our bag subjected to further scrutiny because they could see dense metl, but not what it was.
Tighten all screws and connectors before you leave home and check again before using it much. Tightening before will help make sure you have the correct size tools in your tool bag - DD's chairs have multiple different sizes of bolts and stews. Some metric, some not.
In a pinch, you can borrow tools from Engineering or from the bike rental place if your resort has one, but thy my not have the premise size you need.
2) In the US, air travel for people with disabilities is governed by the Air Carrier Act. Wheelchairs and mobility equipment is covered at a different rate than general luggage. If they break it, they are required to fix it/pay for it to the full replacement cost. Some people take pictures of it just before handing it over to be able to prove afterwards that it was not damaged when the airline received it.
Try to travel non stop and not change airlines - more airlines involved = more chance of them trying to blame each other for any damage.
More info about Air Carrier Act and air travel in the last post on page 1 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find it near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.
Many people in the US don't realize that their home owner's insurance may cover their wheelchair. Worth looking into.
3) aisle chairs are supposed to be available at each gate. You want to board first, even if not using the aisle chair because doing that gives you best access to the storage places on board. If you board last and all are full, they do not have to clear space for you ( but usually will).
If you use an aisle chair, you will be the very last off. That is a good idea anyway with a wheelchair, especially with Orlando as a destination. If you try to get off earlier the chair may not be up yet, or - at least in our experience - access to it may be totally blocked by gate checked strollers.
If you are not traveling alone, send an ble bodied member of your party ahead to mke sure the pay is clear nd the heel chair is ready or you.
There is a picture of an aisle chair in the last post on page one of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
OK - thought of 2 more
1) if you talk to someone from the wheelchair company, you want to talk to the wheelchair tech or repair person. The person who sells them knows the features. The tech knows what goes wrong with them, what looks fragile, but isn't and what doesn't, but is. They can give lots of hints for the model you have.
2) from our wheelchair tech - bubble wrap and tape are your best friends. You can bring a small scissor on board the plane in the US - think blunt nose school scissor to cut your tape and bubble wrap and remove it at your destination.
If you leave the controller on, you need to protect it as much as possible. Even if you remove it, a wrapping of bubble wrap will cushion it. The controller and on board computer/logic board are the most expensive, fragile and hard to gt pieces for most power wheelchairs.
You can also use narrower strips of bubble wrap over things you can't remove - like the wiring and various levers or knobs that lock things in place ( swing away foot rests, swing away armrests.
SueM in MN
combining the teacups with a roller coaster
- Joined
- Aug 23, 1999
- Messages
- 36,350
Also - check post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a list of companies with contact information and website links. Many do rent power wheelchairs.
We can't rent one for our DD, because of her size and specific features she needs.
If you have a more common size and type, they may have what you need.
We can't rent one for our DD, because of her size and specific features she needs.
If you have a more common size and type, they may have what you need.
goofieslonglostsis
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2007
- Messages
- 2,641
Yep, you can bring alone 2 mobility aids free of charge. Can be a great thing to have a manual chair along as a back up. Or for instance when having to or wanting to check in your powerchair at the check in (unfortunately this is a must at my home airport, will not be a must for you within the US), to be able to use your own manual chair around the airport that suits your needs instead of a run down one-size-fits-all-but-comfort-to-nobody airport chairs.
This is covered under the AACA for your flight (any flight originating in, connecting in or departing from the US) and also is covered within the European Union under legislation in case you ever might get the international travel bug.
Did you know that besides this if need be you can bring along any and all needed medical equipment, aids, medication etc. free of charge and doesn't count towards your bagage allowance? All you have to do is make sure they are packaged in whatever you desire but have ZERO normal bagage stuff in there like clothes or whatever. A fullsized suitcase filled with medical stuff and one t-shirt would allow the airline to count it as general luggage instead of exempt medical bagage. When checking in simply inform the agent what bag(s) are purely medical if you exceed your normal bagage allowance so they know what not to count and thus refuse or bill you for. Can be a life/budget safer in case you need a lot of stuff while at the world. Allthough in your case I would first look into the option of your provider hooking you up with a shipment directly to your resort at WDW so you don't have to drag it along yourself it not needed. Same for the trip before that to Jersey.
My son's wish for MAW is to go to DisneyWorld, and he is in a large powerchair with 3 internal gel-cell batteries, and the seat doesn't fold down at all. It is an invacare TDX spree with custom seating and a vent tray in the back. He can drive it with head controls, and we have an attendant joystick in the back.
I am so scared of his chair getting broken on the flight. We are being told that we will probably fly on Alaska which uses 737s and they say on their page that wheelchairs can be no more than 33in tall. Well, his chair is 48" tall...
Will they turn it on its side then? We are pretty sure we can remove the head array and turn the attendant joystick sideways so it is behind the vent tray. We can also remove the leg supports. But the seat itself doesn't come apart without major dis-assembly. (Not gonna work for us!)
Oh, and did I mention that he doesn't currently have a manual chair for backup and he can't use just any standard chair - he needs the lateral supports, the tilt, the roho cushion, etc...
In any case, any tips would be greatly appreciated! I feel a little better knowing that others have successfully taken their power chairs, though!
We already plan on talking with his wheelchair vendor to get tips. We also see that we will need to take pictures of the chair and provide clear directions on the chair. (maybe laminate it and get a zip-tie to attach it).
Thanks for letting me ramble, and if you have any more tips for me, please feel free to bring them up!
I am so scared of his chair getting broken on the flight. We are being told that we will probably fly on Alaska which uses 737s and they say on their page that wheelchairs can be no more than 33in tall. Well, his chair is 48" tall...
Will they turn it on its side then? We are pretty sure we can remove the head array and turn the attendant joystick sideways so it is behind the vent tray. We can also remove the leg supports. But the seat itself doesn't come apart without major dis-assembly. (Not gonna work for us!)
Oh, and did I mention that he doesn't currently have a manual chair for backup and he can't use just any standard chair - he needs the lateral supports, the tilt, the roho cushion, etc...
In any case, any tips would be greatly appreciated! I feel a little better knowing that others have successfully taken their power chairs, though!
We already plan on talking with his wheelchair vendor to get tips. We also see that we will need to take pictures of the chair and provide clear directions on the chair. (maybe laminate it and get a zip-tie to attach it).
Thanks for letting me ramble, and if you have any more tips for me, please feel free to bring them up!
goofieslonglostsis
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2007
- Messages
- 2,641
A 100% yes they will. Think about it; a 48"high chair needs to fit into something where the door is no heigher than 33". How would you make that fit? Indeed; by tilting it. At best they would do it on the tarmac before placing the chair on a belt (not the exact same as for your suitcase, but a same system type that can deal with the weigth etc of a powerchair) where they have a free space to at least not bump into things around. Less desirable; they tilt it when getting to the door, with a real risk of bumping into the plane. You will need to reduce the height if you want to prevent this.
Had a quick look and while I haven't looked into the closest detail, his chair looks like loads of chairs used around here also and also flown with. Most chairs, including these styles will have a backrest that can easily be taken off by unbolting anywhere from 2 to 8 bolts. Sure, a bit of a pain and not what you would do if you could magically make the chair appear at the other end but you can't. In that aspect unbolting is in reality very low work. It just seems huge when not used to it. If need be, do trial runs. If feeling better, do it with a repair worker right there with you.
What we do? My chair back has "joints" in it. About every so much inch, I can adjust the back to perfectly fit me. We unbolt at a certain joint enough so we can fold the back rest over the seat. Fold up head rest after unbolting enough and done. Takes 4 bolts in back and 2 for head. We mark where the settings need to be so it is easy for anybody to put back in place after the flight. Seriously takes about 10 minutes, but reduces the chance of damage dramatically.
Obviously it is not something worth for just a flight once every so many times to get a manual chair. And not all is doable to the same extend on a manual that is on a powerchair, but you could be amazed by the support that could be put into a manual chair. Right upto having a custom built shell fit to the individuals body. Keep in mind in case there might be more common situations in where a manual might be an added benefit.
As far as the roho cushion goes (besides any roho option also being doable in manual); take it off!!! Leaving it with workers gives a higher risk of them accidently damaging a bladder and son ending up with a problem. A simple pillowcase with some rope through it can make a perfect storage bag for seat cushions that can be easily taken along instead of the bulky cushion carrying solo. Store it above a carry on in the overhead compartment and safe it is.
Be prepared not al safety employees know these type of cushions. I've had my share of some thinking "bomb?". Simple explanation would be enough, so don't stress out if getting a weird look, question or at first being told "not allowed". Do bring along an extra cover (easiest fix if cover gets wripped to still sit comfortably instead of mom needing to repair is......) and take along the repair kit ROHO always hands out with them. Don't have them anymore? A simple bike tube repairkit will do the trick for those leaks.
At WDW the ECV rental places etc. can help out with supplies if need be, but leaks will always show up where you are not near such help. Also keep the pump of the cushion in the carry on to prevent loss or theft. Thanks for letting me ramble, and if you have any more tips for me, please feel free to bring them up!
Any beginning is scary when flying and somehow moms always worry just that bit more when it comes with worrying about their kids.
So no prob whatsoever with the rambling. I really do think your best friend will be in learning how to fully unbolt and thus remove the back rest from the chair for travel if no options on there to somehow fold up the back (whether due to settings or due to unbolting some bolts enough). It sounds so scary and big, but with almost any chair and all kinds of stuff it isn't that huge when you know what, how and have done it before. Most of the times the biggest pain will be those bolts never being in the most easiest to reach places. It is very much worth the effort. Not just for the chair but also your peace of mind in between handing the chair over and the moment you check it and find no damage. You would worry a lot more when knowing they have to tilt a chair, after all. Our first time (always do the preparing together with my dad when flying out and also get the chair back into usermode when coming back 'home) was nerve wrecking! We hardly knew squat or at least felt that way. It was new and that really was our biggest hurdle. Having done it so many times now, it is nothing bad anymore. If anything, it has empowered both of us. He already did some maintenance on both chairs but by now does almost anything and all. I can't do many things because of my disability, but know loads more than before my first flight with it back in 07. Am confident and can thus have anybody help me out with all kinds of problems both surrounding flighing and daily usage. It has been such a help for all those small but big enough to be a pain problems with the powerchair. Instead of needing to call a repair guy and wait -and hope they can do it on the spot-, I can either do it myself right then and there or my dad can and it's back to daily life instead of having a pain in the rear.
You can do this, I promiss.
eternaldisneyfan
<font color=royalblue>Have an Attitude of Gratitud
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2004
- Messages
- 774
I would definitely remove the headrest and control. they will probably lay it on it's side. can your husband help transfer onto the plane? flyining is harrowing. you might see what props he needs or assistance he needs to sit up outside his chair
pugdog
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2000
- Messages
- 1,308
OK I get to pull it out again. Here is a list of some common planes and their door sizes.
http://ncat.oregonstate.edu/projects/StowageFiles/Cargo%20Package%20Data.pdf
and
http://ncat.oregonstate.edu/projects/StowageFiles/Regional%20Aircraft%20Specs%20Summary.pdf
Just about every airline is listed there.
http://ncat.oregonstate.edu/projects/StowageFiles/Cargo%20Package%20Data.pdf
and
http://ncat.oregonstate.edu/projects/StowageFiles/Regional%20Aircraft%20Specs%20Summary.pdf
Just about every airline is listed there.
-
Don't Miss These TWO Interactions With Dr. Facilier Onboard the Disney Destiny
-
Weird & Wacky Photos From Disney Parks' Past: Holiday Edition
-
Disney x Old Navy Debut Sweet NEW Valentine's Day Collection
-
What Disney World Rides are CLOSED in January 2026?
-
Disney Castaway Cay Updates Bring New Cabanas and Reworked Serenity Bay Dining
-
Limited-Time New Years Bites at Walt Disney World
-
Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Reviews
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
