larger stroller as wheelchair for child...

[ppony]

I know that I can get a GAC most likely in part, to be able to use our son's stroller as a wheelchair since he is very limited on walking and has severe issues around people so we need a space buffer. (Wish I had known about that a year ago with our first experience w/ him at MK, we didn't last long)

OK, here is where I'm torn.... I'm hoping you DISers familiar w/ mobility and autism issues will be able to help.

I have 4 strollers. I've just never gotten the perfect one and the last one that had everything we wanted, but I bought it online and it ended up being just a hair too short for me (I'm only 5'5") and I have to bend a little to push it. That and DS3 is really getting too big for it. SO, the one we have that is most comfortable for me(and DH) as well as DS3 is unfortunately our Jeep jogger. I'd really rather not bring something so large but taking the actual "traveling there" inconvenience part of the equasion out, this would be our best choice for us and him. But, how is it traveling on a plane w/ them? I know you check strollers at the gate normally, but do airlines have issues with a larger stroller being checked that way? Even though it's really needed far beyond being a convenience for us parents not carrying him. We're renting a minivan, so getting around at WDW won't be such a deal.

I'm sure I'm not thinking of everything but I've been thinking on this issue for the last year and not come to any better solution.

 

[peemagg]

If you can get away without a stroller threw the airports, maybe look into renting a stroller down there from an outside company and having it delivered to your resort.

 

[ppony]

If you can get away without a stroller threw the airports, maybe look into renting a stroller down there from an outside company and having it delivered to your resort.

I wish, there is absolutely no way. This really is a necessity for him and for us.

 

[DannysMom]

Considering that airlines routinely gatecheck wheelchairs & ECVs, I can't imagine that they would take any issue with gatechecking a large stroller.

 

[ppony]

Considering that airlines routinely gatecheck wheelchairs & ECVs, I can't imagine that they would take any issue with gatechecking a large stroller.

THANKS! I knew I had seen wheelchairs checked but I haven't ever seen an ECV which then I would have figured it out. Good! That takes a load off. I'll either get one of those gate check bags for it (hoping one for a double stroller would be big enough) or make sure at the very least I have a luggage belt on it to make it tight and least cumbersome for checking as possible.

 

[jbrnhrt]

we're flying with southwest and they allow strollers of all sizes to be gate checked, it's probably the same with all airlines

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

I don't have experience with airline as we drove on our trip, but we used our Jeep Jogger as a wheelchair in March and the size didn't present any problems in the parks.

 

[ppony]

we're flying with southwest and they allow strollers of all sizes to be gate checked, it's probably the same with all airlines

Thanks! here's to hoping. I've heard SW is pretty friendly on many traveler needs. Sadly, they all aren't. I had to pay $80 to make sure my family sat together on the airline I'm using. Not that big of a deal if a few of us were seperated, but what kind of a company/airline thinks it's OK to separate a 2 or 3 year old from a parent on a plane??? I'm still raw about that.

Maybe I should call them.

 

[ppony]

I don't have experience with airline as we drove on our trip, but we used our Jeep Jogger as a wheelchair in March and the size didn't present any problems in the parks.

AWESOME! That worried me as well. I'm sure in some stores, I'll park it outside and carry or let him walk a bit w/ a tether or something. He doesn't listen nor respond to his name well enough to be able to have him "free range".

 

[KPeveler]

Call the airline ahead of time, let them know your son uses a stroller as a wheelchair, it will need to be gate checked, and you need to pre-board. They will put a note on your file, so they know ahead of time. You will have to tell them this again when you get there, but you should have no trouble. I gate-checked my powerchair which is 26" wide, 39" long and weighs 325 lbs! I am sure they can help you. Just remember, you will be the last one off the plane.

Ask the airline if you need a note from your doctor saying the wheelchair is medical equipment - which it is for you. Airlines are not allowed to charge for medical equipment, so don't let them charge you for the stroller. Since it is not obvious medical equipment, though, you may need to have a note or something (I am not sure how airlines work)

 

[ppony]

Call the airline ahead of time, let them know your son uses a stroller as a wheelchair, it will need to be gate checked, and you need to pre-board. They will put a note on your file, so they know ahead of time. You will have to tell them this again when you get there, but you should have no trouble. I gate-checked my powerchair which is 26" wide, 39" long and weighs 325 lbs! I am sure they can help you. Just remember, you will be the last one off the plane.

Ask the airline if you need a note from your doctor saying the wheelchair is medical equipment - which it is for you. Airlines are not allowed to charge for medical equipment, so don't let them charge you for the stroller. Since it is not obvious medical equipment, though, you may need to have a note or something (I am not sure how airlines work)

THANKS! That's probably my BEST bet. I'll call tomorrow. My son's pediatrician would have no problem at ALL writing that kind of note. She's phenomenal! I'm an extreme anxious social-phob, so the more I can anticipate and put to rest, the better.

No problem being last off! We deliberately got seats near the back to A: be together and B: bother as few people as possible if we needed to walk back and stand w/ him or use the restroom. We're just going to try and keep everything as "normal" and familiar for him so he feels as comfortable as possible. Here's crossing fingers for my little "Schmollander".

 

[amesyrn]

Just wanted to add that we are traveling with jet blue. I called them about our own issues and stroller/ medical equipment they were sooo helpful. Said they gate check the strollers, car seats you name it, no matter the size.

Also I just purchased this bag for our two maclaren's and it fits both of them in the one bag! It also fits my quinny buzz which is a huge stroller (seperately), so shouldnt have a problem fitting your jogging stroller.

http://www.amazon.com/Childress-Sta...ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1284687291&sr=1-1

HTH
Amy

 

[ppony]

Just wanted to add that we are traveling with jet blue. I called them about our own issues and stroller/ medical equipment they were sooo helpful. Said they gate check the strollers, car seats you name it, no matter the size.

Also I just purchased this bag for our two maclaren's and it fits both of them in the one bag! It also fits my quinny buzz which is a huge stroller (seperately), so shouldnt have a problem fitting your jogging stroller.

http://www.amazon.com/Childress-Sta...ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1284687291&sr=1-1

HTH
Amy

WOW! That bag is GREAT!!!!! I'll order it right away. I like it muhc better than the "bag"-style. And thanks for the JB info too. I'm flying Sun Country because I couldn't get any straight flights at the times I needed except through them. I already knew I was going to be chapped about the seat fee. sigh...I digress.
You guys RULE!!!!

 

[peemagg]

Just wanted to add that we are traveling with jet blue. I called them about our own issues and stroller/ medical equipment they were sooo helpful. Said they gate check the strollers, car seats you name it, no matter the size.

Also I just purchased this bag for our two maclaren's and it fits both of them in the one bag! It also fits my quinny buzz which is a huge stroller (seperately), so shouldnt have a problem fitting your jogging stroller.

http://www.amazon.com/Childress-Sta...ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1284687291&sr=1-1

HTH
Amy

Just wanted to say that that bag is awesome. I bought 4 of them several years ago and one holds 3 Combi strollers. I use the others for storage of bag chairs and lounge chairs. It is amazing what will fit in them.!

I gate check my ECV without problems, so I can't see your stroller being an issue.

 

[mrsfascinating]

We have a physically handicap child and are DVC members so we are seasoned on traveling to disney with mobility equipment. We do have a convaid stroller which is considered a pediatric push chair it is rated for 100lbs and folds to the size of a golf bag. We have been flying usair and on several flights have been able to keep it in the flight cabin with us. If the flight is full and where we are sitting doesn't allow for us to keep it on they put it underneath. We always pre-board. You will definitly be able to wheel your child to the plane door and then they will take the stroller to the understorage.
Be prepared to fold the stroller and put it through the x-ray at the security check point and have your child walk through the scanner. The one time they said we could leave our daughter in the chair they practically strip searched her. Now we pick all 62lbs of her up and carry her through the detector.

 

[snow_white's_mom]

Thanks! here's to hoping. I've heard SW is pretty friendly on many traveler needs. Sadly, they all aren't. I had to pay $80 to make sure my family sat together on the airline I'm using. Not that big of a deal if a few of us were seperated, but what kind of a company/airline thinks it's OK to separate a 2 or 3 year old from a parent on a plane??? I'm still raw about that.

Maybe I should call them.

Are you flying on spirit? That's who were flying with and if you wind up all getting seperated ticket wise, you wouldn't be seperated from a child on the actual plane. We worried about this but they make sure that at least one adult is seated with a child.

For the stroller, I've seen large double jogging strollers checked. I would bring whatever stroller he is most comfortable in and which one you're most comfortable pushing.

 

[ppony]

Are you flying on spirit? That's who were flying with and if you wind up all getting seperated ticket wise, you wouldn't be seperated from a child on the actual plane. We worried about this but they make sure that at least one adult is seated with a child.

For the stroller, I've seen large double jogging strollers checked. I would bring whatever stroller he is most comfortable in and which one you're most comfortable pushing.

GEE!! I'm sorry I missed this message. I wans't ignoring you. I thought I ahd posted a reply but it's gone.

We're flying Sun Country. I read recently Sprit instituted fees for carry ons as well! I sent Sun Country a communique over a month ago and haven't heard back. Can't say that I've been impressed with their customer service prior to a flight, EVER. I didn't want to book w/ them as it was because I KNEW it was written the company policy to allow a child (worded as "travel companion" in the fine print) to be separated no matter the age unless they paid to keep it from happening. but I needed a non-stop and this is what I had to go with for the schedule I needed. I would have paid more per ticket to get on another airline but oh well. It's what I have.

I did get that stroller bag and am exited to use it!