Wheelchair at Airports

[GrammyJudy]

I know you can get a free wheelchair at the airport but how do you go about this? I have a hard time walking and standing and feel I will need a WC to go through security and get to the gate and would like to have one waiting at the end to take me to ME. Do you reserve this when you buy tickets or when you check in at the airport.

 

[SueM in MN]

You arrange it when you make your reservation. Discuss with them what you need. It could range all the way from alerting them that you are bringing a personal wheelchair to having the airline provide a wheelchair and a skycap to push it.

It should be on your reservation, but also remind them what you need when you check in for your flight.

 

[jsilvers]

You arrange it when you make your reservation.

Note that while it may be a good idea to explain your needs when you make a reservation, if what you need is wheelchair assistance, advance notice cannot be required. See 14 C.F.R. § 382.27 (with limited exceptions, an airline "must not require a passenger with a disability to provide advance notice in order to obtain services or accommodations" required by federal law, which includes wheelchair assistance within the terminal).

 

[cmesq61]

If you don't want to have to wait on the plane or at the gate then notify the airline that you require a wheelchair. Be specific and tell them whether you can walk on and off the plane and only need the chair at the jetway door, etc. Also tell them if you need a larger size wheelchair. While you may not have to tell them ahead, it may make your life easier.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

And remember that the airport people who push the wheelchairs work primarily for tips!

 

[SueM in MN]

Note that while it may be a good idea to explain your needs when you make a reservation, if what you need is wheelchair assistance, advance notice cannot be required. See 14 C.F.R. § 382.27 (with limited exceptions, an airline "must not require a passenger with a disability to provide advance notice in order to obtain services or accommodations" required by federal law, which includes wheelchair assistance within the terminal).

I realize that you can’t be required to give advance notice, but it is helpful to have given advance notice because the airline will be prepared and you will possibly have a shorter wait for assistance.
So, I probably should have written, "it’s not required, but is helpful to give the information about your needs when making the reservation.”

The same applies for Disney’s Magical Express. When arriving at the airport, you will have a shorter wait if you have explained during the reservation that you need a lift bus rather than mentioning it for the first time when ready to get onto the bus. Again, not required, but still very helpful if you want to avoid a wait.

 

[jking6]

I just needed assistance with a wheel chair a few weeks ago when we went to Disney. I did not give advance notice. When we went to airport we were traveling SW. We just told them at the curb side and they got one for me immediately. When we boarded the plane they notified MCO that I would need assistance when we got to Florida. A wheelchair was waiting to take me to ME. Real easy... Have a great time!

 

[Andrew Bichard]

It should be on your reservation, but also remind them what you need when you check in for your flight.

Also, double-check with the cabin crew during the flight. Sometimes things get forgotten. The flight crew can radio ahead to check everything is ready for you.

Finally, if you are realy paranoid, check with the cabin crew again immediately on landing. On one flight, one poor soul who had booked a chair & skycap to meet the flight had them 'stolen' by another passenger who had not booked in advance.

Andrew

 

[clanmcculloch]

Last August, about a month before our trip DD10 broke her ankle. We arranged to rent a wheelchair at WDW but for the airport we just had her crutches (she was supposed to avoid putting much weight on it due to the type of break). I called the airline (SWA) at the same time that I arranged for the WDW rental and SWA said that I just had to ask for a wheelchair at the airport. The airport that we fly out of has parking really close to the terminal so it wasn't far for her to walk with the crutches. When we checked our bags, we asked for a wheelchair. The agent at the counter put called somebody over for the request and said she entered it into the computer that we needed one waiting on the other end. We stepped to the side of the counter and waited a few minutes for somebody to bring us the chair. We took care of pushing her through the airport since we really didn't need the help (it was offered). We confirmed with the gate agent that one would be waiting and she said it would. It was. Everything went perfectly smooth on both ends, both directions. It really is quite easy.

I would recommend calling your airline to find out how they prefer you handle it.

 

[rock_doctor]

And remember that the airport people who push the wheelchairs work primarily for tips!

I know tips are personally specific but what is a reasonable tip for a quick one way (no stops, no luggage) from the plane to the ME bus?

 

[jdb in AZ]

It depends on which airline you're using. Example, Southwest is a lot farther away from DME than other airlines, so I would factor in the distance involved.

 

[rock_doctor]

It depends on which airline you're using. Example, Southwest is a lot farther away from DME than other airlines, so I would factor in the distance involved.

Thanks for the response. She just notified me she rather we drive. She just had a stroke 2-weeks ago and rather not be stuck in a metal tube if something happens so thanks for the response but now it is moot.