Traveling SWA with your own wheelchair

[Densgirl]

DS will be traveling with his manual chair for the first time on an airplane. We almost always drive because DH hates to fly but he isn't able to go with us this time. The other times we flew with DS he was able to walk to the plane. In recent months he isn't getting out of his chair much at all and we'll need to travel with it. He transfers fine and I'll have my brother with me for additional help but I'm wondering what happens to the chair? Do they break it up, do you? SW says to store the extra parts in the overhead bin but I'm not sure if they'll fit. I think so but I don't know. Do you all also mark each individual place with your address? And do you use the hotel for your address or your home? I just don't want to loose a piece or anything. Sorry for so many questions but I'm all of a sudden nervous about flying with him.

Also anyone feel like sharing your security clearance experiences?DS is developmentally delayed, in the chair and has a Vagal Nerve stimulator. I have a dr's card for that but I just wonder where I stand during all this? I don't want him freaking out. He has autistic tendencies with touch and being away from me. Anything at all anyone wants to share would be greatly appreciated

 

[BillSears]

I love flying with SWA and have never had a problem. I keep my footrests and my seat cushion in the overhead storage. I don't bother marking those pieces since they're right above my head during the flight and unlikely to get lost. The wheelchair is then folded and is stored below with the luggage. The only thing that could come off of my chair at that point are the wheels and they wouldn't normally just fall off and even if they did I'm sure they'd notice. They put a tag on the chair and I always put a luggage tag on it also. The transfers have always been pretty easy for SWA and I'm almost always in the first row. If I'm in the first row I can transfer straight from your chair to the seat but if I'm sitting further back I may need the isle chair to make it to the seat, but they'll go get that.

I've always been pulled aside at security. They wand and pat me down and they ask me to take off my shoes. I'm not sure how they would handle your son, I suspect it's going to be one of those times when you ask to stay with him and hope they allow it.

 

[Densgirl]

Thank you a ton Bill. That's exactly what I was wondering about. I love SWA too and figured they'd be great about it. We always arrive way early anyway so we should be fine.

As far as security, that's what I'm hoping and we've been practicing and talking about the steps we need to take to end up at Mickey's house. He's just so big now and can get spooked so easily. Usually if we can at least have eye contact I can help him through. Appreciate your answer.