Questions: Airports and Crutches

[Tozzie]

I am taking a quick trip to orlando to see my sister for Christmas. I booked the trip on Monday and Tuesday Broke my foot. I am now on crutches and they are very difficult to say the least. I know I will not be able to get through the airports without wheelchair assistance especially MCO. Now my question is do I call the airline ahead of time, wait until I am at the airport? I am lost. If it wasn't Christmas and it hadn't been three years since I spent the holidays with my sister I would Cancel.

I am taking Magical Express, when I return to the airport to go home how do I get the wheel chair assistance? Any help would be truly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[SmileWoman]

I am taking my parents to Daytona next month and flying Delta. On the page where I booked my seats was a place to request wheelchair assistance. My Dad needs a wheelchair for our layover at Atlanta.

 

[momhmmx2]

I am in a similar situation..and just called the airline to let them know I would be needing wheelchair assistance. They put it on my record and told me to make sure I let the gate agent know as soon as I get to the airport I will need wheelchair assistance too That way they for sure will have a wheelchair available for me at the gate. You might also want to let DME know..YOu can probably use the airport wheelchair to get on the bus then use a Wheelchair at the resort to get off the bus..Those steps are steep! Just call DME and they will note it on your reservation if you are using a wheelchair.

 

[traveljunkie2]

Call your airline, or modify your reservation online to include wheelchair assistance. When you arrive at the ticket counter, let them know you need wheelchair assistance and they will page someone to bring the chair. Then they will wheel you to security. They will ask if you can go through the metal detectors without the chair, and if you can, they will provide you with a wooden cane if you need it. Then they should wheel you to your gate and have someone wheel you to the plane door. When you get off the plane there should be someone at the door waiting with the wheelchair and they should take you wherever you need to go from there to get your luggage and get to the bus. Give yourself a little extra time at the airport because sometimes there is a wait for the chairs and it will take a little more time to get through security.

If you need to rent a wheelchair or scooter while at Disney, there are several companies that will deliver and pick up from your resort. Check out the DISabilities page for recommendations. We are renting a scooter for my mom next month from Walker Mobility and they have been very helpful so far.

 

[betterbutter]

A little FYI--It's customary to tip the people who push you in a wheelchair at the airport. They don't work the airlines, but rather subcontractors that pay them minimum wage. They pretty much work for tips. (My cousin does this at one of the large midwest airports.)

If you plan on spending any time in the parks, I'd probably reserve one of the electric scooters from one of the local scooter places in advance.

I hope your foot feels better soon!