Travelling Solo Airport help please

[Belle1997]

Looking for some tips and advice on travelling solo in a power chair to WDW. I have done WDW with my scooter solo so I am pretty familiar with the routine of getting there. I am getting my new chair in a few weeks

I am unsure how people manage doing it solo in airports with a power chair. Before I would just attach a carryon to the back of my scooter where my cane holder was and another carry on at my feet.

If I need assistance with lugguage how does that work going through security. Can I take my powerchair to the door of the airplane. What do I need to disconnect. Anything I should take special precautions about.

Do they bring the powerchair to the airplane or do I need to get wheelchair assistance to luggage and get it there.

Thanks for any tips and hints you can give.

 

[Belle1997]

Ok I can not believe no one could help in this post. I did find out I could take the powerchair to the door. But the rest I would like info on. As this is my first powerchair. What do I need to take off to protect it.

How do you get your stuff around the airport. Etc.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Singledad]

sorry, I think it (this post) got lost as i didn't even see this myself till today and I am a bit obessive about reading all the posts on this board. I am sure if you give it a day someone will have more information for you.


good luck with your travels!

 

[jmartinez1895]

Your luggage will not go through security with you. Only your carry on. Most airlines will have a skycap at the curb so you can unload and give it to them and not even have to take it inside the airport. If you get there very early or if your airport does not offer curb side service then you will only have to get your luggage to the main desk and they will check your bags there. There are usually skycaps walking around who will help you inside he airport ( they are looking for tips).

 

[brat]

First off I would call your Airline ahead of time.

When you get your new powerchair have them teach you how take-apart your new chair and put it together again. I normally bring a bag to put smaller parts of my chair in(I know which part need to be kept safe and do not want things lost).I transfer to there narrow chair and talk the attendent through taking apart my chair.

I try to do curb-side for luggage.Since I do not know your transfer skills....I will just tell you I transfer out of my chair to allow them a good look at my chair. Not something I like but I do get the pat down.

My carry-on is a large backpack on the back of my chair, I also have a side-bag that hooks on under a armrest(think purse).

If it is not a last minute trip I ship some of my stuff to the hotel ahead of time.

Remember they do not charge extra for medical equipment so lable those things.

Have fun

 

[BigDaddyWill]

Most likely your best bet would be to contact the airline and ask them. They usually have personnel to assist folks in your situation.

Will

 

[dclfun]

Hi Ruth! Check with your w/c vendor first. For my chair, the joystick cannot be disconnected although many here recommend taking it off. Alternatively you can wrap with bubble wrap although I just leave mine as-is, knowing that if something were to fall on it, bubble wrap wouldn't help much and I want the person handling my chair to see if it's turned off once it's parked in the hold. If you have a headrest or any removable parts, have them taken off. The person taking your chair will likely ask how to turn off your chair and if there's a safety switch. Hold your breath when they bring your chair back to you and hope they didn't break it. Oh...and make sure you have phone #'s of an authorized repair vendor as if they do break your chair you'll not need to scramble to find someone to fix it. Good luck!---Kathy

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Depending on where I am going I tend to take my ECV with me. I have a four-wheel suitcase which I hold with one hand while I steer and drive with the other. I have a backpack with all of my medical stuff on the back of the seat, and have my carry-on computer case on the floor behind my feet.

I always check the suitcase. When I get to the aircraft door I will put the charging unit in the basket and remove the basket, putting it in a grocery-type tote bag. The I will put on the backpack, and carry the computer case and tote onto the plane. And since I am among the first to board I am able to store everything.

 

[Belle1997]

Thank you for your responses. We do not have curb side check in in Toronto. But I will get a person at the airport in orlando to help me take my bags through checkin. Do they give a price or just tips and what do you recommend.

As for my joy stick I doubt I can take it off. I am using a trial chair right now with a Qlogic movable joystick arm. It is bolted in pretty good. It is tied with plastic tiedowns that I could take off and then unplug the back andtake off the whole arm. Though I would be nervous about it being squished in the over head compartments.

Yes I will make sure I look up a telephone number of an authorized dealer in Florida. I will be getting a Pride Quantum 600 chair. Do any of you used a peticular dealer. If you could PM the info that would be great. I am used to dealers in Canada not sure who is reputable in the US.

Sometimes an airline does not bring your chair to the gate and you have to take a portable wheelchair. This happened on my last trip when I was using a scooter. I found it really hard to carry everything I had while being pushed. I know now I could not do this again. So I am nervous about the what ifs.

Though I know dclfun is a pro when it comes to stuff like this. My hubby tells me to go and do it while I still can. He always remembers you and Skye. He is pretty protective of me but saids if you can do it I sure can too. What happens if they break my joy stick. How do I figure out how to get around. Does the dealer come and fix it right there. I just like to think of any possible issue that might arise so when I panic rofl I can look at the list I made and know what to do. Unlike having to post on facebook for help. Though I did get some.

Thank you for the replies.

Makes me not so scared to go.