Yes, you can travel with your wheelchair on flying an airplane. However, there are some important things to consider, including the time spend inside the plane, the size and type of wheelchair. There is limited space onboard larger airplanes for a single standard wheelchair or transport chair. Power wheelchair and rigid-frame wheelchairs will need to stored underneath after they are gate checked. Electric wheelchairs which use a sealed battery will have no issues.
Why you should consider the time spend in plane? Because you will be required to get first into plane, before the other passengers get into their seats, and once you arrive at your destination, you will be required to wait until the rest of the passengers have vacated the plane. With the assistance of the airline attendants, you will be escorted off the plane in their designated wheelchair. Usually, you can expect that your personal wheelchair will be returned to you at baggage claim.
What to Expect for your Flight
The day before your flight, you should call your airline and airports to verify your reservation, your accessibility options, and any other concerns you may have. Check-in can be performed online, through an app, or at the airport. Most airlines recommend arriving at least 1-2 hours before each flight, but wheelchair users should consider arriving there even earlier because of security checkpoints, for their wheelchair or other equipment to be checked – some airports will require you to check those prior to clearing security checkpoints. If this is the case, you will be given a terminal wheelchair – and likely an attendant – to guide through the airport. You should remove your personal belongings, including bags and backpacks, from your equipment. Security will assist you through the procedure, you can always ask questions or for help.
When you reach your gate speak with the airline representation at the terminal about pre-boarding. Once pre-boarding begins you will need to be transferred to an aisle-sized wheelchair. Before leaving your personal wheelchair remove or protect any sensitive electronics, like a joystick, and remove any modifications likely to break in transport, like a headrest. If you have a power wheelchair put it in free-wheel mode.
During flight your bathroom options may be limited. Some airlines may be able to transport you to the bathroom via the aisle-sized wheelchair used to get you to your seat. This is why it’s important to book an aisle seat, if possible.
For shorter flights, you may be able to avoid needing the facilities by using a handicap-accessible bathroom at the airport before boarding your flight and limiting your fluid intake until you land.
We mentioned all these here in order to tell you you have a choice. For over 5 years True to Care Non-Emergency Medical Transportation has been active in the Maricopa county, Arizona, an we can offer you the best long distance transportation available with our fleet of specialized vehicles.
