I can't avoid this; there are no non stop flights from our airport to Orlando. Anyway, if our second flight connects in Atlanta how long should I allow for time to get to the next plane there? I would assume worse case scenario and I'm slow and I've never been to that airport. I am going to try hard not to do multiple carriers.
We also try very hard not to do a change, but sometimes it won't work
I'm very afraid that we won't get our own wheelchair back quick enough to make the second flight. Is that a valid concern?
That is a valid concern. Whether it will be a problem or not depends on several things, including weather and flight delays, as well as the assigned gate.
I have been to the Atlanta airport and it is rather large. My flights there were pretty much just across the hall from each other, but depending on the airline, they may be in a different part of the facility.
When we have a connecting flight, we call and discuss it with someone at the airport to figure out whether or not there is enough time between flights. Sometimes they say it would not be and get us a new later connecting flight. Sometimes they say it seems close, but should be no problem. And, one time there was no connecting flight they could make sure we'd have enough time for so they changed us to a non-stop flight. When we have worked thru the airline like this, they have waived any change fees.
Or do they do something else with your own wheelchairs on connecting flights?
When you are gate checking a wheelchair for a connecting flight, you will usually have the option of where to get the wheelchair -
* at the gate at the connecting flight
* at the gate at your final destination
* at baggage claim at your final destination
The gate agent will be responsible for marking it correctly, but it's a good idea to check in as soon as the gate agents get to the gate so that they are less busy. If you are forced to wait until they start boarding, check the tag over extra carefully to make sure it is marked correctly.
Will they get you an airport wheelchair instead of using your own?
If you have chosen not to have your wheelchair delivered to the gate at the connecting flight, the airline can provide you with a wheelchair to get from that plane to the next one. Let the airline know that you will need wheelchair service at the second airport.
Before landing, check with the flight attendant and ask them to check with the gate agent to make sure a wheelchair will be waiting.
Will they get you your own wheelchair to the second plane on time?
If it is marked correctly, you should get it where you chose to have it delivered. Wheelchairs have priority on flights over other luggage, so if you make the second flight, it should too.
Do I have to check it in as regular luggage at the first airport for this to work?
No, you can still gate check it. That is what I would do. If you check it as baggage, it will be going thru a lot more machinery on its trip and I don't think that they will deliver a bag checked wheelchair to the gate at your destination (but I'm not absolutely sure).
