Flying

[PirateFairy8]

This may come across as a silly question, but how do I fly with my wheelchair? We are flying to Anaheim in April, and staying off site so I need to have my wheelchair with me or rent one out there. I'd prefer to take mine, but it's my only chair so I am worried about something happening to it? If I do fly with it, how do I do that? If I don't fly with it and use my crutches, how do I get through security? How do you get through security in a wheelchair? I have generalized anxiety disorder in addition to a million other physical health problems, so knowing exactly what to expect really helps me. If I can't walk at all that day, do I get to keep my wheelchair on the plane? We're flying Continental out and Delta back if that makes a difference.

 

[Nanajo1]

If you are able to walk and go through the scanning process your chair will be scanned and available to you right after. If you can not walk through the scanner you stay in your chair for a manual pat dwn and chair scan. Your chair can be gate checked. You can take your chair to the plane's door way where it will be taken to be loaded in baggage like a stroller. The chair will be returned at landing with the strollers. Make sure you secure any loose parts of the chair. I would remove foot rests.
If you need assistance to get to your seat an aisle chair can be used .
I'm sure others will respond with more info.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Most airplanes are able to store one folded wheelchair in the onboard closet, so it does not even have to go into the luggage compartment. Check with your airline.

 

[jmartinez1895]

This link is for the TSA web site. it will give you a little bit more information about getting through the security area and what you can expect. Call your airline and let them know that you will be traveling with a wheel chair. THat way they will know taht you are coming and will be waiting for you. Most airlines will preboard you so that you can take a little extras time getting into your seat. Have a safe flight and a great trip and I hope that the information in the link helps you out some.http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1371.shtm

 

[PirateFairy8]

Thank you everyone! It is helping me to understand this and not be so scared of it. The last time I was on a plane I could walk and my sister was in charge since I had just graduated high school. Now it's 5 years later and a much different world for me! I will check out that link, and call the airline. Thanks also for the details on what to do, it makes things a little bit easier!

 

[SueM in MN]

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post # 15 is about air travel and includes a number of links and helpful information.

 

[docusmc1]

I fly appox 100,000 miles a year all in my chair. It has never been damaged or lost. Stay in your chair when you go through TSA screen and they will pat you down. All airlines must preboard you if you cannot walk to your seat they will use a on board chair to take you to your seat. I would tell the airline that you need a bulkhead seat which gives you more leg room and is close to the restroom. You will have no problem and have a blast.

 

[peemagg]

Just as an Fyi, if your chair does get damaged the airline MUST repair it and if it can't be repaired they must replace it at the full cost of a new wheelchair. Because of this airlines tend to be extra careful with mobility items. Some of those electric wheelchairs can and do cost thousands and thousands of dollars. Not an expense they want to have. They also have to pay for a rental while yours is being repaired or replaced.

Don't worry, just have a fun trip.

 

[PirateFairy8]

I am feeling much calmer, thanks everyone! I think I will take my chair with me based on all the reassurance and information given! That way I won't have to rent or worry about being unable to walk since I'm falling quite a lot these days! i also understand more of the process now, it's not nearly as scary.

 

[SueM in MN]

In 20 years of travel with a wheelchair (DD is 23 and got her first wheelchair at 3), we have had only 1 damaged part - an antitip bar got bent.
We have also lost screws/bolts, so one suggestion I have is to check and tighten everything before you get on the plane and after you have gotten off (the vibrations of the plane have a way of jiggling things loose).

 

[KPeveler]

Someone here had the suggestion of telling TSA just how expensive the wheelchair is. Mine is going to be close to $20,000!!! Saying, "that costs thousands of dollars, and must be handled very very carefully" may help...

 

[PirateFairy8]

In 20 years of travel with a wheelchair (DD is 23 and got her first wheelchair at 3), we have had only 1 damaged part - an antitip bar got bent.
We have also lost screws/bolts, so one suggestion I have is to check and tighten everything before you get on the plane and after you have gotten off (the vibrations of the plane have a way of jiggling things loose).

I can have my dad tighten everything and check it, and my boyfriend after we get off. Right now, my dad is checking the paper to see if we can buy a used one from somebody for cheap. My parents have always been nervous about my chair going places with me. I want to bring my chair with me though, because on the days that it's harder for me to transfer I just lift up the side of the chair and do a sliding transfer. I've had the unfortunate experience of getting up from the chair and actually falling onto a ride vehicle where the plastic was raised, it hurt! I will show my dad this thread so that he understands most people do not have a problem flying with their own chair.