Travelling with Rollator Walker ...

[2Bnºoºt2B]

Looks like we'll have to bring along a rollator walker for DW when we go down next year. When boarding a plane, do you leave the walker (it folds up sideways) at the end of the gangway before boarding and then the ground crew places it in the hold during the flight ... and when you land, is it brought up pretty quickly or do you have to wait a while for it to appear ... anything in particular we should keep in mind ... flying down from Canada so any advice would be appreciated ... thanks ...

 

[SueM in MN]

If it folds small enough to fit in the overhead bin or closet (if the flight has one) inside the plane, you can do that.

Otherwise, you can gate check it.
Make sure it is marked with your name and contact info.
Ask for a gate check tag at the desk at the gate before they start boarding the plane. You can also ask to preboard if you need extra time to get into the plane.

At the gate, fold it and secure it closed if possible so it doesn't pop open during transport. You would bring it all the way to the door of the plane and leave it there for the baggage handlers to load.

When the plane lands, it will be brought to the gate area by the front door of the plane. You may have to wait a little while - also, if there were a lot of gate checked strollers, they will be brought to the same area and your rollator might be buried under them. So, that's where it might be if you don't see it right away.

 

[tinka-belle]

Remove any loose parts or saddlebags and the like so they don't get damaged and take those to your seat to store them. Bring a couple of bungee cords to wrap the walker closed and keep it closed before you hand it over. Have a spare bungee since sometimes they spring loose and get lost in the hold. Keeping it compact and folded is the key, less chance of damage.

We have watched the planes next to us at MCO being unloaded, literally tossing gate checked items on a belt to carry them up to the door. Lots of strollers and always a few walkers or wheelchairs so they try to unload them quickly, not always very carefully.

 

[2Bnºoºt2B]

Thanks all - good to know about the bungee cords ...

 

[Kaytie]

Once you choose an airline and flight, go to Westbury.com for the overall plane layout. Mobility devices get priority in cabin closets over coats, etc., but usually there's only room for one item. It shouldn't matter that you're not in the same class as the closet.