Has anyone travelled (i.e. flew) with a rollator walker ...

[2Bnºoºt2B]

Looking at using the walker for the Disney cruise line portion of our trip and thought about bringing her walker down with us ... we are travelling on Air Canada to Toronto and then to Orlando ... but have never flown with a walker before. From what I read, mobility aids are allowed with you at all times in addition to your carry-on allowance.

The big question though is how does it arrive at your final destination - she won't need it to get on the plane as she'll use her cane - so if we check-it in with our checked luggage do they pile it along with all the other luggage - or do they have a special section in the hold to transport it ... don't want to see a mangled pile of metal coming out on the conveyor belt ...

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

Mobility aids can be 'gate checked' just before boarding. It's safer to do this than to check it in with the luggage.

 

[dismom57]

Agreed, we do gate check for wheelchair. Same thing happens with most strollers. You will "pick up" walker at the bulk head when you exit the plane. Generally speaking you are one of the last off, as it takes awhile for these items to be delivered. But they are treated a lot more gently than luggage, usually hand delivered and walked up to bulk head.

 

[SaraJR]

thats who my bffs cousin flies he has a full chair the really big kind and has never had an issue with air canada

 

[mamabunny]

Please, please, please ALWAYS gate check any mobility devices.

If you check a mobility device as "luggage", it will be loaded with the luggage - and can wind up (literally) at the bottom of the pile, with hundreds of pounds of luggage on top of it. You can imagine the potential for damage.

When you gate check mobility devices, they go into a special portion of the hold (it's actually a container) that is set aside just for wheelchairs, strollers, scooters, etc. Those devices are typically hand-loaded, not just put onto a conveyor and dumped into the belly of the plane.

Final reason - if you gate check a mobility device/medical aid, there should be no additional cost to you. If you check an item through as luggage, you may have to pay extra for it.

 

[2Bnºoºt2B]

Thanks all - if we don't go for a scooter on the Fantasy now that I know more about their ECV policy, then will probably consider renting a walker instead. It's a long way down from Canada and adding one more item to look after may be a bit too much as I already "valet" all the luggage, carry-ons and so forth - lol