Thinking about taking my power chair on the plane.

[Nanajo1]

I am thinking about taking my P/C to WDW via Jet Blue. I have taken my ECV before without problems but I'm nervous about theP/C. I know to secure my joy stick but what about the removal seat and back? Do they count as baggage? Please let me know of your experiences.TIA

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Anything you pull off the powerchair counts as medical equipment so do not count towards your baggage limit (carryon or checked). If you put it into a bag that has non-medical equipment (even if it's just a normal sock), it no longer counts as being only medical equipment so would count towards the limits.

I haven't flown Jet Blue with a powerchair, but I have with a manual chair several times. Things to be aware: The first few rows are a higher price and have a bit extra room. They may seat you in those for their own convenience, but don't count on it so if you want the extra room, pay for the upgrade (I believe you can add this on after you book the flights). I don't know how much it is, but it may be something to consider.

 

[molliewalks]

Check the dimensions of your chair!! Had my DMIL on a jetblue flight, but had to cancel it. Her chair didn't meet the dimensions required for it to fit. Depends on the flight as to what dimensions you need, so call them, tell them what flight so they can tell you the correct dimensions. And then double check!! That was the biggest PITA I have ever had with a flight. Had a few agents tell me different things and didn't really care about my concerns about it. I felt like saying 'i'm sorry about taking up your time, but this is a very necessary piece of equipment and very expensive to boot, you want to pay for it if it gets broken or another flight if she can't get on this one once she's there???' Kept calling back until i talked to someone who was willing to take the time to find the correct information for me. I'm so glad i did because her chair wouldn't have fit in the hold!! That would have been horrible because we are flying her to disney the day AFTER we drive down and i am the coordinator for this trip! They had great prices on flights, but pretty bad customer service overall. Went with us airways and had no problems. She also has to have seating behind the bulkhead, and both flights put her there with special requests without having to pay upgrade for their priority seating, which was nice. All i had to do was explain handicap and they said no problem!! Good luck!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Nanajo1]

Thanks for all your responses. I will call Jet Blue to make sure my P/C will fit.

 

[PigletsPal2]

Anything you pull off the powerchair counts as medical equipment so do not count towards your baggage limit (carryon or checked). If you put it into a bag that has non-medical equipment (even if it's just a normal sock), it no longer counts as being only medical equipment so would count towards the limits.

I haven't flown Jet Blue with a powerchair, but I have with a manual chair several times. Things to be aware: The first few rows are a higher price and have a bit extra room. They may seat you in those for their own convenience, but don't count on it so if you want the extra room, pay for the upgrade (I believe you can add this on after you book the flights). I don't know how much it is, but it may be something to consider.

Don't know where you're flying from, but the cost of an upgrade to the extra legroom seats from Washington DC to Orlando is $35 one way. Also, depending on the flight, sometimes only Row 1 and Rows 12-14 are extra legroom seats. Row 12 is the emergency exit row and if you're disabled in any way it's not iikely you'll want to/be allowed to sit there.

JetBlue regular seats offer slightly more room than the industry standard. but I always pay for the extra legroom. I haven't flown with a wheelchair or power chair, so I'm sorry I can't help you there.

Queen Colleen

 

[Nanajo1]

We are flying from Worceste. Jet Blue is inaugurating flights to MCO this Nov. I called special services and got first row seats without an extra charge. I am still not sure if I'll bring my chair. I need to check w/ Jet Blue about the size of my chair.

 

[disneyfan19712006]

We are flying from Worceste. Jet Blue is inaugurating flights to MCO this Nov. I called special services and got first row seats without an extra charge. I am still not sure if I'll bring my chair. I need to check w/ Jet Blue about the size of my chair.

Rent something there. I flew two weeks ago and my scooter received damage on both ways it is now not repairable and I am having to wait on approval for a new one. Better safe than sorry. The DME people ther told me the worst they had seen was a custom 30,000 wheelchair come off the plane in pieces.

 

[Nanajo1]

Those stories make me nervous. I'm leaning towards renting. I've rented from Apple before with good results.