Air travel is often the fastest way to get to your destination.
A non-stop, direct flight avoids the inconvenience of having to
transfer airplanes. Find out which airlines fly directly to your
destination. If non-stop flights are unavailable, the next best choice
is a direct flight with a stop. If you must make connections with
another flight, schedule ample time between flights. Keep in mind that
distances between boarding gates may be very long and flights may not
always arrive on schedule.
Air travel is usually less crowded during the week than on weekends
or holidays, making weekday travel easier and less hectic. Reservation
clerks can recommend flights that are less crowded. When making your
reservation, inform ticket agents of any special assistance you will
need. Special diet meals such as low sodium, diabetic, low calorie, or
vegetarian can also be requested in advance.
In airport terminals
Individuals having difficulty walking should request a wheelchair or
motorized cart for use within the airport terminal. Airline personnel
will meet passengers and assist them (with a wheelchair if necessary)
to get to scheduled flights, baggage claim, or outside transportation.
Most terminals allow use of their elevators if escalators or stairs
present a problem. Wheelchair arrangements must be made in advance,
preferably at the time you make your ticket reservation. Ask how far it
is from one gate to another. If you have difficulty walking, request a
wheelchair for each f light. Flight changes between airlines may also
mean changing to another terminal. Ask whether transportation is
provided between terminals and whether it is wheelchair accessible.
If transportation between terminals is not wheelchair accessible,
find out in advance from reservation clerks the best way to arrange for
your own transportation.
Boarding and leaving the plane
Airplane boarding procedures may vary, but most airlines provide
boarding, deplaning and escort assistance. Assisted passengers are
boarded first and escorted off the plane last. Some aircraft board by
stairs. If you anticipate difficulty with stairs, ask whether ramps or
lifts will be provided to assist you. Consider requesting an aisle or
bulkhead seat, because they are easier to get into and out of. Flight
attendants are required by law not to seat handicapped individuals or
persons with walking aids near an emergency exit, for easier access to
the exit.
The requirement that all walking aids be stored is also a Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation for the safety of all
passengers during the flight. Therefore, flight attendants will store
canes and crutches after passengers reach their seats. Individuals who
plan to take their own wheelchair on a trip should tag it with their
name, address, phone number, and destination. Most airlines will not
transport liquid acid battery chairs because of potential acid spills
or leaks, but will store dry battery operated chairs. Personal
wheelchairs are stored with other baggage, while passengers are
escorted to the plane in airport wheelchairs. Also request that an
airport wheelchair be waiting for you at the door of the plane upon
arrival.
Wheelchairs on aircraft
Most airlines restrict the number of wheelchair passengers per
flight in case evacuation is necessary. This is determined by the size
of the aircraft, number of exits, and number of flight attendants. An
airline can refuse to transport any passengers whose condition, in the
airline's opinion, would jeopardize the well-being of other passengers.
Therefore, when you make your reservation, describe your needs and ask
whether the airline will accept you as a passenger and provide any
needed assistance. Some airlines require a doctor's letter stating
either your ability to travel alone or your need to be accompanied.
The FAA requires each U.S. airline to have a national company policy
regarding handicapped travelers, which must be approved by the FAA.
Since these policies vary from airline to airline, find out about each
airline's policy in advance.
More tips
- Request any special services at the time you book your reservation.
- Reserve seats ahead of time to avoid standing in lines.
- If
you will need special assistance, arrive at least one hour before the
normal check-in time and allow extra time to get to the airport and
through the terminal to the departing gate.
- If you
have difficulty walking, request an airport wheelchair or motorized
cart to save energy. Such requests should be made in advance.
- Ask skycaps to carry your luggage.
- Curbside check-in saves on luggage carrying and standing in lines.
- Check all luggage through to your final destination, especially if you have connecting flights.
- Prevent stiffness during a flight with simple range-of-motion exercises or by getting up and moving around if possible.