Is this possible?

[disneygirl_wdw]

We will be flying to Disney World. I just found out after we booked our flights my grandmother is now coming with us. She is 85 years old and has mobility issues. She can walk with a walker but more than likely be in a wheelchair most of the visit. We will be bringing hers from home. My question is on the return home trip. We have a 35 minute transfer time in Atlanta. Is it going to be possible to get her to the other gate in time? Usually I have to go from C or D terminal to A. I have done this flight several times before and got there usually right as they were starting to board. I have never done it with someone with mobility issues. Her seat is also towards the middle to back of the plan on the first leg. The flight is on Delta if that makes any difference. Thanks

 

[Tiggerish]

Call the airline and tell them that you will need a wheel chair transfer for Atlanta. The airline should arrange to have a skycap with chair waiting at the gate to whisk you where she needs to go. I do not know about that airport but some actually have golf cart type vehicles that take you. Since you are traveling with a chair, you can would just tell them when you gate check it that you want them to move the chair to the connecting flight and not bring it to the gate until the final destination.

 

[crashbb]

Call the airline and tell them that you will need a wheel chair transfer for Atlanta. The airline should arrange to have a skycap with chair waiting at the gate to whisk you where she needs to go. I do not know about that airport but some actually have golf cart type vehicles that take you. Since you are traveling with a chair, you can would just tell them when you gate check it that you want them to move the chair to the connecting flight and not bring it to the gate until the final destination.

The problem with that is that she will have to wait until everyone else has deplaned. Those requiring assistance are requested to wait until after everyone else has deplaned, so it is easier (same reason that they are boarded first). In my experience, they won't bring the wheelchair until this time (too congested to bring it when everyone is piling off of the flight).

I don't know the Atlanta airport, but I suspect that this might be tough. I'd call the airline and see what they advise. Is there anyway to change the flights to increase the layover time?

 

[jmartinez1895]

Assuming the flight are running on time, you might be able to make it. In some cases they will call the boarding area and let them know you are on the way. For the record I would like to say that I hate the Atlanta airport. It is very big and crowded (or at least it has been the time we have come through). As suggested above, I would call Delta and let them know what is going on. They where great about working with us and our child who uses a special needs stroller.

 

[peemagg]

I would also call the airline and see if due to the mobility issues if her seat can't be moved closer to the front. I know on Airtran that those with disabilities like this can get seats closer to the front (first couple of coach rows on both sides) without having to pay the seating fees. I have called and requested this for myself and it has been granted due to my inability to walk very far.

That time frame as far as transfers sounds very close to be able to make it for anyone let alone a person with mobility issues. Definetly call the airline and see what can be done to help you.

 

[tinka-belle]

The biggest issue you may have in ATL is the elevators to/from the rail platform for the rail between the terminals. That's where I've seen the biggest backups that can eat into your time. Only so many can fit, and there are often several wheelchair passengers and those with large strollers waiting.

If it's a tight connection and there's a crowd at the elevator, I'd opt for using the stairs. I think they are the moving stairs type, so no actual climbing. Fold the wheelchair and carry it up and down if you think she can handle those stairs. Tell the skycap if you use one that you HAVE to make your flight connection. The stairs are usually not too far from the elevator banks.

That said, I usually allow no less than an hour for ATL connections, even if the "legal" connect time is less. One late flight or gate delay can really screw up your flight plans, and I'd rather not be stressed about making my connection.