Need help understanding how to get an airport wheelchair for flights, please

[Bete]

I know the service is available, but I don't have a clue on how you go about doing this. Do you have to call a special number at the airport and make a reservation? Do you just show up on your flight day and ask for the service? Do you tip the person doing the service? how much? I don't get how you can specify an exact time for this service either. I know you can say when you'll flight is, but that's not exactly the same as getting there early, etc. How do you meet up with the service? We usually do curb service for our luggage; will they meet us there with a wheelchair? Can we use our own transport wheelchair? If we can use our own how does it get on the airplane?

How does this all work going through security at the airport?

And what about your own wheelchair? Does it arrive the same as luggage in the baggage area? Can you get your own wheelchair at the destination airport in Orlando, but have everything else delivered using Magical Express?

As you can see I need all the help you can give, here.

In addition can your own wheelchair go with the handicap person onto the Magical Express bus? Does this work out if you are not the first one on the bus?

 

[disney david]

I know the service is available, but I don't have a clue on how you go about doing this. Do you have to call a special number at the airport and make a reservation? Do you just show up on your flight day and ask for the service? Do you tip the person doing the service? how much? I don't get how you can specify an exact time for this service either. I know you can say when you'll flight is, but that's not exactly the same as getting there early, etc. How do you meet up with the service? We usually do curb service for our luggage; will they meet us there with a wheelchair? Can we use our own transport wheelchair? If we can use our own how does it get on the airplane?

How does this all work going through security at the airport?

And what about your own wheelchair? Does it arrive the same as luggage in the baggage area?

As you can see I need all the help you can give, here.

In addition can the wheelchair go with the handicap person onto the Magical Express bus? Does this work out if you are not the first one on the bus?

as for dme you should call disney to let them know that you be needing a bus for someone in a wheel chair they have specail bud they be happ y to provde but you just have to let them know in ahead of time so they can have it there ready for you. if you have your own wheel chair you can take it through tsa they just take a little long to screen but they do it a good way. and when you get on the plane you be allowed to go on first they help you then they take the chairs and put under the plane. when you get to orlando they have you stay seated to better assit you so when every ones off they will bring the chair up to the jet way and then help you again. if you need help with getting thorugh the aiport they can call someone to either use their whel chair or yours. you could let the air line know so they could let evry one know so when you get to mco they have some one their but if you dont get a chance they can still hep you when you get to the airport. if you dont want to use your own wheel chair when you get to the air port to be droped off just ask one of the sky caps they get you some one to help. but it might be easyer to have a wheel chair because the dme buses have stair and the bus is high even if they kneel the bus it might be harder to get on and whn you can have them use their wheel chairs left it better more relaxing and it fun how they do it. so just call disney and let them no it not a problem but they have a limted amount of thoses buses and if they have another guest needing it they need to send another bus. disney doese a great job with people in wheel chairs they will do every thing in their power to help you. so mears who run those dme buses has to comploy with disney standards and ada standards. so dont worry you should have no problem getting to and around disney. all disney bus drivers are train to handle people in wheel chairs with respect and how to load and un load every kind of wheel chair safely and quickly. so just remember when your in wdw and if you plan on taking buses try to postion your self towards the back of the bus. that where they load and you get load first and unload first. the driver will take controll of the wheel chairs while you wait out side and he will lock the chair and tie it down then he let you load. then he unload you when you get to the park/hotel and help them off. and if the bus has other wheel chairs most buses can handle three the driver will call for another bus and withing 5-10 you have another bus their to take you.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You need to let your airline know in advance.

If you are using your own wheelchair it will be "gate checked". You will take it all the way to the aircraft's door. If you do not have the mobility to get from that point to your seat they have a special "Aisle chair" to get you to your seat.

At the destination (and any intermediate) airport the wheelchair will be brought back up to the door of the aircraft.

If you are not using your own wheelchair you will be provided one as early as the sidewalk on the Departures level. They will have a person wheel you to the gate, and will then come back and wheel you down the ramp to the aircraft door.

Upon your arrival you will be met by a person with an airport wheelchair at the aircraft door, who will take you all the way through to baggage claim and even to the Arrivals or Ground Transportation level sidewalk.

(Note that tipping is pretty much expected for these people.)

On some aircraft, if you have your own wheelchair, they may be able to fold it and put it in a closet in the aircraft, but don't really count on this.

And going through Security is not any sort of problem. They will ask you if you can get out of the chair and stand, but if the answer is "no" they do have a way to handle it. I was just traveling this past week and take up four or five bins at Security. Not only did I have my ECV with me, but two carry-ons, one with a computer in it and the other with medical supplies and equipment including a CPAP machine, both of which had to be out of their cases in separate bins, as well as shoes, a cane, and other junque.

 

[peemagg]

This is what I do when traveling with my scooter (which would be similar to wheelchairs).

When I buy my airline tickets, I alert the airline that I am traveling with the scooter. This is when you should alert them that you need assistance with a wheelchair whether you need them to provide one or will be traveling with your own and need assistance to the gate.

I make sure that I get to the airport earlier than they recommend to allow time for everything. I also head directly to security to get through in plenty of time.
When at security I have to be hand wanded due to the scooter and problems with my feet. It isn't all that bad. If I am alone, I make sure that TSA keeps an eye on my things for me. I try to place everything in such a way that there is very few things to pick up after security. I place my jacket, shoes, and purse, along with anything in my pockets in my carry on before getting into the line. I also just put my little baggy on top of my bags before sending threw. Bags that are for medical equipment is labled for that way.

Once at the gate I postion myself in such a way that the gate agent knows that I am there, so that they can do what they need to do to make boarding (usually preboarded) easier for all.

Once we land I wait until most everyone gets off. My scooter is awaiting me at the door. It must be returned in the condition you left it for them to place beneath the plane. If you need assistance, I would ask the airline assistant to call ahead for what you need, before landing.

With ME, my scooter just goes under the bus, but if you can't climb stairs they do have a bus with a lift.

 

[bouncy54]

I'm flying with Alaska and called to ask for wheelchair assistance at both the Seattle and Orlando Airports. The person I talked to said that I need to check in at the airport rather than online because of the special request, which is attached to my reservation. She also said that I could either have someone from Alaska wheel me to our gate, or my husband could do it.

I'll be calling Alaska the night before our departure to remind them to have a WC waiting for me in Seattle. Hopefully they will contact Orlando to let them know I'm on my way & that I'll need a wheelchair at their end.

I wish I didn't need one, but the last time I flew Alaska, our gate in Seattle was 2 full football lengths from baggage and I just about passed out from the pain trying to get there. Of course, I didn't know about the underground train at the time. That would have saved me a whole lot of steps.

 

[Bete]

I do have another question: I don't know anything about how to gate check our own wheelchair as mentioned in one of the posts. Where is gate check usually? Is this the longer lines to check-in for luggage, as well?

I'm starting to lean towards using our own wheelchair

 

[peemagg]

To gate check your wheelchair, you get a tag for it when you get to the gate for your airline (sometimes it is given when you check in for the airline and check you other luggage). Then when they start boarding you just wheel down the jetway and leave the wheelchair outside the door of the plane. The people loading the plane will then take it and place it in the hold of the plane. Once you land, it should be there at the door of the plane for you, ready to go.

If your chair is not tagged at the check in desk, just ask when you get to the gate for your flight for the chair to be tagged for gate checking.

 

[csharpwv]

My mom has very advanced RA and Diabetes. She had said she wanted to to back to Disney since we left in 1987 (I was 5) So when my wife and I went on our honeymoon, we decided on that vacation that my parents needed to go. So about a year 1/2 later we went! Mom was very worried about the trip -but we told her to relax we had the whole trip covered.
I spent HOURS - literally DAYS researching all the possible bumps in the road. So please, benefit from my research!

First off - STAY ON PROPERTY if you rely on a wheelchair - electric or not. Disney - ALL OF DISNEY - hotels, parks, transportation etc treats EVERYONE the same. Your disability is an invisibility to them. You are the same.
So do not worry that you won't have a good time!

The first thing I did was make sure to book an accessible - connecting room for my parents - with a roll in shower, roll under sink - wider doorways, lower switches and lower beds. Disney will respect your request.

Next I called a scooter rental company - I used Buena Vista Scooter Rental I believe - reserved it for our entire length of stay. It arrived fully charged - it perfect condition - and very capable of an entire morning day evening and night in the parks. Great service! You should not rely on the rentals available in the parks - they cannot leave the park with you. If you rely on electric mobility, RENT! OH - and DO NOT rent a canopy - I read about them in advance and didn't rent one with a canopy - they are a nightmare when shopping or on the bus.

NEXT - after I booked our flights I called the airline to tell them what the situation was - and what they should expect - and learned what we should expect. It was all noted on our reservation - and worked out.
Remember when you arrive at the gate... at least an hour early...check in with the desk, and tell them that you will need an aisle chair. An aisle chair is a very narrow chair that rolls easily down the aisle of an airplane. When you first check in - see if a free space available upgrade is available if you cannot walk. If not for free - inquire about the added cost.

If you are taking the Magical Express - be sure to call Disney Transportation and let them know that you require a bus with a wheelchair lift! They have them - and they work very well. Note that every bus is not wheelchair accessible!

As far as using what you will do with your wheelchair - plane side - they will take it as valet - or plane-side checked luggage. They are required by law to check your mobility device WITHOUT counting it as checked luggage - and they cannot charge you for it!

As far as packing - here are a few helpful tips!
Be sure to pack several of the really cheap ($1.00 or less) disposable ponchos. They fit neatly in the outer pocket of a bag, weigh almost nothing - but can save you from a horrible soaking in Florida's unpredictable weather! Plus they can cover the seat of your chair when you are not in it - if you must leave your chair outside!

Pack a large - inexpensive luggage tag to add to your chair's key chain with your name on it in very large letters! Very bright - very large! There are a ton of people with very similar models! Also a lanyard really helps in keeping track of the key when you have to remove it!

Be sure to pack a brimmed floppy fold-able hat that you can leave in the basket of your chair when you go inside if your can leave your chair. It protects your neck - and will be a huge help. Remember - when you are sitting in your chair - moving in a crowd, you are elbow height to most adults, hard billed/brimmed hats are easily knocked by people who don't realize you are there!

Here is one to consider - think about getting a bike horn to attach to your chair - the electronic horns on scooters/chair are not loud enough in a crowd. Some people are just rude - and other just don't know how to act around people with disabilities. I wish I had though about this for my Mom - she would had had a blast honking and waving at people that stare! (ROTFL) Or people who just didn't know to move.

Be sure to save the rental company's emergency number in your cell-phone - or keep their card in your wallet - just in case there is a problem!

Last thing to pack - carabiners! A few of them - actually. They are great to use to connect your bags to the basket. It seems there have been more and more people stealing from unattended strollers and wheelchairs. If your bag is attached to your wheelchair they are not going to get away as easy - and if they are having trouble getting the bag or backpack out of the basket - they are going to leave it alone! Plus you can use it to attach a camera, a waterbottle, or anything else that you want handy as your are touring the parks! We actually picked up a few of the really really large ones that you use to carry shopping bags - and I packed them to take to the water-parks to attach our bags to the chairs - once again - so they didn't disappear - and also so people would move our bags and take our chairs!


That's really about all you can take care of before you begin your trip. Oh yeah - don't forget to relax!

Once you start your trip - ask this question "Do I HAVE to transfer from my chair?" They prefer that you transfer on rides that do allow chairs - because it's easier to board someone who can walk - but unless you HAVE to transfer - whether it's on the plane - or in the parks - make transferring your very last resort!

Don't worry about taking your charger with you into the parks - there is no need for it.

IF you have any questions - please ask! We enjoyed nearly everything Disney has to offer! And - we ALL had a great time doing it - on foot - or on wheels!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you click on my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, post # 15 is about air travel and includes a lot of helpful links, including some for the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website and the Orlando airport. THere is also some helpful information about gate checking.

We have gate checked DD’s wheelchair twice a year to travel since 1988 (I’m not that old, she just got her first wheelchair at not quite 3). She can’t walk, so she does need to stay in her wheelchair for screening. The TSA agents take her through without going thru the metal screener and then do a manual wanding and putdown. It is not that difficult and doesn’t take that long.
If you can walk thru the metal detector, they will ask you to do that and then check the wheelchair without you in in. This is a picture of the Orlando screening area. THe wheelchair/handicapped screening area is to the right on the picture.

As was posted already, ask when you arrive to gatecheck your wheelchair. Sometimes they will give you a tag right away when you check in and other times they will tell you to ask at the gate. If you have a connecting flight, you may be able to get your wheelchair at the connecting city - it depends on how much time there is. It does take some time to get the wheelchair back up to the gate area when the plane lands.
Ask before boarding begins and also let them know that you want to preboard. They used to automatically preboard guests using wheelchairs, but they don’t always do it now if you don’t ask (some people do not want to preboard).
when you gate check a wheelchair, you can use it all the way to the door of the plane. We remove everything that is easily removed from DD’s wheelchair and fold it before leaving it at the gate. I bring a cloth laundry bag with me to gather all the pieces and carry those onto the plane with us.

If you can’t walk, you can use an aisle chair. Here’s a picture of a typical aisle chair.

And some pictures of the process of getting DD into the aisle chair:

The DME buses do not kneel and do have very high steps because the seating area is above the bag storage area. This is a picture of the bus steps.

If you feel that you can climb the steps, you could get on that way and have your wheelchair stored under the bus.

Some of them have wheelchair lifts. Here is a picture showing a lift in the highest position:

The driver will load the wheelchair onto the lift and then off at the inside of the bus. They will tie down the wheelchair so that you can stay in it during the bus trip. If you have a transport chair (the kind with small wheels), I would not stay in it while the bus is in motion.

It will be faster if you let DME know ahead of time that you will need a wheelchair lift bus, but it’s not vital to do so when you are leaving the airport. It’s VERY important that they know it when you are leaving your resort because if they don’t send one, you may miss your plane.

 

[disney david]

If you click on my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, post # 15 is about air travel and includes a lot of helpful links, including some for the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website and the Orlando airport. THere is also some helpful information about gate checking.

We have gate checked DD’s wheelchair twice a year to travel since 1988 (I’m not that old, she just got her first wheelchair at not quite 3). She can’t walk, so she does need to stay in her wheelchair for screening. The TSA agents take her through without going thru the metal screener and then do a manual wanding and putdown. It is not that difficult and doesn’t take that long.
If you can walk thru the metal detector, they will ask you to do that and then check the wheelchair without you in in. This is a picture of the Orlando screening area. THe wheelchair/handicapped screening area is to the right on the picture.

As was posted already, ask when you arrive to gatecheck your wheelchair. Sometimes they will give you a tag right away when you check in and other times they will tell you to ask at the gate. If you have a connecting flight, you may be able to get your wheelchair at the connecting city - it depends on how much time there is. It does take some time to get the wheelchair back up to the gate area when the plane lands.
Ask before boarding begins and also let them know that you want to preboard. They used to automatically preboard guests using wheelchairs, but they don’t always do it now if you don’t ask (some people do not want to preboard).
when you gate check a wheelchair, you can use it all the way to the door of the plane. We remove everything that is easily removed from DD’s wheelchair and fold it before leaving it at the gate. I bring a cloth laundry bag with me to gather all the pieces and carry those onto the plane with us.

If you can’t walk, you can use an aisle chair. Here’s a picture of a typical aisle chair.

And some pictures of the process of getting DD into the aisle chair:

The DME buses do not kneel and do have very high steps because the seating area is above the bag storage area. This is a picture of the bus steps.

If you feel that you can climb the steps, you could get on that way and have your wheelchair stored under the bus.

Some of them have wheelchair lifts. Here is a picture showing a lift in the highest position:

The driver will load the wheelchair onto the lift and then off at the inside of the bus. They will tie down the wheelchair so that you can stay in it during the bus trip. If you have a transport chair (the kind with small wheels), I would not stay in it while the bus is in motion.

It will be faster if you let DME know ahead of time that you will need a wheelchair lift bus, but it’s not vital to do so when you are leaving the airport. It’s VERY important that they know it when you are leaving your resort because if they don’t send one, you may miss your plane.

great info and pics

 

[SueM in MN]

great info and great pic they are helpful but i have to stress the importence to let disney know you will be needing the bus witht the wheelchair lifts. because if it not there when you get there it might be awhile to get one since they my already be using one so you have to wait for one to finish it run. or wait for them to get a bus for you that not in use. i would also suggest using the wheel chair if the bus dose not kneel because it not much room to get up and high off the ground.

We have always told DME beforehand that we need the lift bus, but it is not vital to do that when you are leaving the airport (sometimes people forget and are worried they will not be able to get one).
You may wait longer if you have not pre-arranged it, but that is the worst that will happen

It IS vital for them to know ahead of time when you are leaving your resort to get back to the airport. If they don’t send one and you need one, you may miss your flight.
Also important to know - the time you are given for pick up at your resort to return to the airport is the time the bus is scheduled to leave your resort. You should be there at least 15 minutes before that time to make sure you are boarded before the bus leaves.

The DME buses do not kneel and the stairs are steep and narrow space. Some people have not problem with stairs, but use a wheelchair for distance. Those people might be able to get onto the regular DME bus without problem and store their wheelchair under the seat.
Because my DD can’t walk or stand, we absolutely need the wheelchair lift bus, but for some people it’s a choice they can make.

 

[disney david]

We have always told DME beforehand that we need the lift bus, but it is not vital to do that when you are leaving the airport (sometimes people forget and are worried they will not be able to get one).
You may wait longer if you have not pre-arranged it, but that is the worst that will happen

It IS vital for them to know ahead of time when you are leaving your resort to get back to the airport. If they don’t send one and you need one, you may miss your flight.
Also important to know - the time you are given for pick up at your resort to return to the airport is the time the bus is scheduled to leave your resort. You should be there at least 15 minutes before that time to make sure you are boarded before the bus leaves.

The DME buses do not kneel and the stairs are steep and narrow space. Some people have not problem with stairs, but use a wheelchair for distance. Those people might be able to get onto the regular DME bus without problem and store their wheelchair under the seat.
Because my DD can’t walk or stand, we absolutely need the wheelchair lift bus, but for some people it’s a choice they can make.

your right i am sorry you are right they can make the choice for them selfs if they need the lift or not and it should take to long to get a bus if they choice to use the lift.

 

[SueM in MN]

your right i am sorry you are right they can make the choice for them selfs if they need the lift or not and it should take to long to get a bus if they choice to use the lift.

That’s OK.
I just know we have had some questions in the past where people thought they did not have a choice and also one where a person thought the lift was WAY too high for her and she was all stressed out because she thought if she had a wheelchair she had to use it.

I do think your emphasis on calling before to let DME know you need a wheelchair bus is important - especially if you are in a hurry to get to the resort.

 

[csharpwv]

Great point about assuring DME knows about your need for a bus with a lift on your departure from the resort! When we were there in 2008 with my Mom, they actually left a 'Boarding Notice' in our DME door hanger about the need for accommodation being noted on our reservation - and that it would be taken care of. We checked again on the morning or our departure, and sure enough it was on our account - AND when the driver arrived, as soon as he parked the bus began immediately lowering the lift to board Mom first.

While there is a lot of thought, research, and planning involved in making sure your trip is as easy as possible - and to assure there are no surprises - Disney will do all they can - AND MORE - to assure that your vacation is as enjoyable as possible! If you do your part in advance - Disney will be ready for you - and you will be ready for Disney!

Again, great point SueM (my Mom's name is Sue btw!)