In this peice, Paul takes us through his expert tips and advice when it comes to flying with a wheelchair! Enjoy!
My name is Paul Surreaux, I am French, born in Panama, grew up in Venezuela, and have been living in southeast Asia since 2017.
Travelling has been part of my life since the very beginning but in 2013 when I suffered a spinal cord injury (C5/6) I really thought it would end my globetrotting adventures. Well… let me tell you I was totally wrong. Flying with a wheelchair (or other form of disability) is very doable, even in the most remote places, but it does require some planning and know‐how to ensure a smooth journey.
The following note aims to provide you with some of my tips to successfully go through your journey from the experience of a quadriplegic O4 wheelchair user.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at psurreaux@gmail.com or through our Instagram account @thewheelchairtrip.
1. BOOKINGS:
1.1 Air tickets
– When flying with a wheelchair, we recommend you buy your tickets directly from your chosen airline. You can compare fairs on the specialized website and then book from the airline. This will enable you to book your assistance smoothly with the airline and have direct communication with them.
– Book your assistance. Each airline has different processes, but they generally have a dedicated web page detailing the steps to follow. Note: be precise. Airlines generally require the measurement of your wheelchair and other specifications. They are particularly cautious with batteries in particular with lithium ones. Those would have to be carried on board and documentation is often required at the counter.
‐ Ask for extra luggage (if needed). This also depends on each airline but most of the time they grant you extra Kg for medical purposes (catheters, assistive devices, etc…).
1.2 Accommodation
‐ Many hotels have rooms adapted for people with disabilities. Don’t hesitate to ask for it when making your booking, but always double-check the details of the facilities based on your needs (flat shower, step-free access, etc…). Note: If you require a rolling shower wheelchair, you should not count on the hotel to provide one. There are a few foldable models you could purchase.
‐ When traveling in less disability-aware countries, hotels might not have a dedicated room. Our suggestion would be to check on the booking website for photos. Most of the time you will be able to find a room that suits your needs (flat shower, step-free access, etc…). Do not hesitate to contact the hotel to make them aware of your arrival and needs. Ask them to send you pictures to avoid bad surprises.
1.3 Transport
‐ Transport is always a critical point for a person with a disability. Accessibility can vary depending on the country/city you plan to visit. We recommend searching for online information about the accessibility of public transport. Note: for trains as for airplanes you might have to inform in advance of your arrival.
‐ Alternatively, in most places, you will find dedicated transport/taxi companies specialized for people with disability. While it might be expensive, it is quite handy, especially on arrival.
2. PACKING:
‐ Make sure you have all your medical material with you (or check if it is available at your destination). Tip: make sure you have a few spare days of essential material (ex: catheters) in your hand luggage. While unlikely, you might not get your luggage right on arrival especially if you have short stopovers.
‐ Pack the right amount. You will need to find a good balance between medical and other items. Particularly true if you change cities often during your trip to avoid overweight.
‐ Choose your material carefully based on the destination. To give you an example, I have 2 pairs of wheels, 1 with lithium batteries, quite heavy but very handy for long city tours. Less convenient and fragile for beach days.
‐ If you’re flying with a wheelchair, or with any other form of disability for that matter, don’t forget to take your disability identification card with you as you should be eligible for discounts on most tourist activities.
3. FLYING WITH A WHEELCHAIR – @ THE AIRPORT:
3.1 @ the counter
‐ While we recommend arriving early at the airport, you have priority. Do not hesitate to use the priority line, generally dedicated to business class passengers.
‐ Make sure the assistance has been properly booked. Indeed, there are different types depending on your mobility and impairment type. Tips: We generally request assistance to start at the gate to be more independent during waiting time.
‐ If you have an assistive device (wheelchair, walking aid, etc…) ask to drop it and get it back at the door of the aircraft. It will decrease the chances of damage and will make you more independent. This is also true during stopovers.
3.2 Boarding and flight
‐ Make sure you use your compression stockings (especially for flights longer than 2 hrs).
‐ Normally, assisted passengers board first. We strongly recommend you make sure it happens. It will allow you to settle smoothly, especially if you require assistance to transfer.
‐ Take with you on board all spare (removable) parts from your assistive device as it might get lost.
‐ Take your cushion with you on board. Note: If you use an air cushion, we recommend you take the pump with you as you will need to deflate it during the cruise.
‐ We recommend you travel in the window seat so that you don’t get disturbed by a neighbor willing to rise.
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Last summer for the 1st time flying with assistance and also a transfer. Found it traumatic.
Dispite all the preperations, printed papers we had a boarderpolice interragation about the (by the airport desk clerk !) miss labelled batteries for wc in handluggage and were almost refused to pass.
No communication with assistance ppl that suddenly grab you and drop you at the gate, needed to shout out not to push me through the detectiongate because of my ICD, long waits in a plane while it gets cleaned and staff felt obligated to wait with you.. Finding the wheelchaircase bashed up made our hearts drop but thankfully chair inside okay ..
Realized my wheelchair means also goodbye to the relaxed feeling of being early, taxfree shopping, having a wee and a coffee before boarding.
What is a “disability identification card?” I use a wheelchair (unable to walk at all). The only type of card I have is my vehicle placard. I live in the US.
Some places have disability ID cards, most of the US does not. It might be that, for example, a disabled access ID card for mass transit in the US would be accepted by someone in another country. Otherwise, we just have to hope.
In Illinois the secretary of state (dmv) has a disabled id you can get. Looks just like a license. I use it for proof of disability for reduction in my property taxes.