“Air travel has become an essential part of modern life, connecting people and cultures around the world. However, for individuals with physical disabilities, air travel can present numerous challenges that make the experience stressful and exhausting.” [1]
“Despite the challenges of air travel with a physical disability, there are several tips that can make the experience a little more controlled, starting with planning ahead. Researching accommodations and contacting the airline at least 48-hours in advance can help ensure that support is available where possible.”[1]
“The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) have helped make transportation services for people with disabilities accessible. This includes airports and aircraft carriers.” [2]
Here are some helpful tips for traveling whether it’s for a vacation, family visits, or business travel.
1)“Know Your Rights!
Check with Airline and/or Airport website for full accessibility information.
– US Department of Transportation: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities. https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability Complaint Resolution Officer (CRO) assist travelers with disabilities in resolving difficulties – – Service animals: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals.
Planning ahead and using the guidelines below can help ensure a successful journey. Start with identifying your needs when planning to travel by air and be prepared to ask plenty of questions.” [2]
“Direct Flights vs. Stopovers: Is shortest route the best choice for your disability? While the shortest or most direct flights may seem like the logical choice when traveling, there are a few things to consider. If you have a mobility disability, you will want to consider how long you feel comfortable sitting in an airplane seat and the frequency of restroom breaks. As airlines work to maximize space, both the seats and restrooms have become increasing smaller on domestic flights. In many cases the restroom cannot accommodate an onboard wheelchair or aisle chair. Keep in mind, if you have a mobility disability, you will be the one of the first passengers to board the flight and one of the last passengers to disembark.
This can easily add an hour to your time languishing on the plane. Adding a stopover to longer flights can be a good idea, but you will want to take timing into consideration. As a rule of thumb always allow at least one hour in between flights to allow for disembarking your first flight and boarding your next flight. If you need your own mobility equipment while in the airport (as opposed to an airline wheelchair), you need to request that your equipment is tagged to be delivered to you at your layover stop, otherwise it will continue on with the rest of the checked baggage directly to your next flight. A layover can often give you a nice break from the cramped plane quarters and the ability use the restroom but only as long as you factor in enough time.”[4]
3) “Booking Your Flight: Once you have decided on the best flight and seat for your needs, you should be ready to book. You will want to contact your airline carrier directly to determine the best course of action and for getting the seat that you need. True, in an era where airlines charge you for every little thing, you may incur a fee for booking over the phone as opposed to reserving your flight through their website. Pay it. By talking to an agent before booking, you will learn the best way to get what you need and how to avoid any additional fees. The airline can also provide you with valuable information about how to check in at the ticket counter and at your travel gate.” [4]
4) Accessible Transportation to and in the Airport: “Pre-arrange accessible transportation options in advance. Most airports have accessible transportation services available, and many airlines offer wheelchair assistance and other accommodations. You can contact your airline or travel agent to arrange for these services. Contact the airport in advance to request assistance. Most airports offer wheelchair assistance and half golf carts to help travelers get to their gate. Try to give the airlines a heads-up in advance when requesting transport.” [3]
5) “Advance Notice Requirements: In certain cases, an airline can require the passenger to provide advance notice as a condition of traveling on the airline or receiving services associated with the passenger’s disability. An airline may require that a passenger with a disability provide the airline with up to 48 hours advance notice and to check-in at least one hour before their flight if the passenger wishes to receive any of the following services, types of equipment, or accommodations:
- Hook-up for a respirator to the aircraft electrical power supply;
- Hazardous materials packaging for a wheelchair battery or other assistive device;
- Medical oxygen for use onboard the aircraft, if this service is offered by the airline;
- Transportation for a powered wheelchair on an aircraft with fewer than 60 seats;
- Provision of an onboard wheelchair on an aircraft that does not have an accessible lavatory;
- Accommodation for a group of ten or more individuals with a disability, who make reservations and travel as a group;
- Accommodation for a passenger who must travel in a stretcher; or
- Carriage of an incubator.
Note: If a passenger does not meet the advance notice or check-in requirement, airlines must make a reasonable effort to provide the requested service, but are not required to if delay the flight in order to do so.” [5]
6) Traveling with Service Animals
“Most airlines allow a trained service animal External Link to accompany a qualified individual with a disability. Be sure to check with your airline to ensure that your service animal meets the airline’s requirements, including necessary documentation. Service animals may not be allowed to enter all countries and are subject to animal importation regulations, such as quarantine regulations. Your service animal will also be subject to US animal import regulations when flying to the United States. Prior to traveling with your service animal, find out what documents and testing may be required to enter another country and return to the United States.”
- Contact the US embassy or consulateExternal Link of the destination country for information on possible restrictions for service animals and any quarantine, vaccination, and documentation requirements.
- Consult a veterinarian prior to your trip and ask about tips for traveling with service animals.
- Contact destination hotels to make sure they will allow service animals.” [7]
7) Be Informed, Be Prepared
“In the United States, the Air Carrier Access Act prohibits airlines from discriminating against people with disabilities. Outside the United States Keep, many of these regulations are not enforced, so be prepared.
Before you book your flight, call the airline and ask how they will handle your needs as a person with a disability. If you are not satisfied with the response, ask to speak to a complaints resolution officer (CRO) immediately and work with the CRO until you feel your concerns have been heard and your needs will be met. Each airline is required by the US Department of Transportation to implement a complaint resolution mechanism, which includes designating a CRO. The airline must make this person available via telephone at no cost to the passenger.[6]
– Delta Airlines: Accessible Travel Services. Travelers with Disabilities, tell us what we can do best to meet your needs by calling us. Phone: 404-209-3434.
– United Airlines: Customers with Disabilities can call United’s 24-hour Disability Desk: Phone: 800-228-2744
– Southwest Airlines: Customers with Disabilities can call for accommodations and help. Phone: 800-I-FLY-SWA or 800-435-9792 for assistance.
– American Airlines – Special Assistance Line: If you have questions or want to make special travel arrangements, you can make them online. Phone: 800-433-7300. For hearing or speech impaired assistance, call 800-543-1586.
– JetBlue – Accessibility Assistance: Traveling with a wheelchair, a service animal or a medical condition? We’ll help make your journey safe and smooth. Phone: 855-232-5463
– Icelandair – Traveling with Reduced Mobility We want all passengers to enjoy a comfortable flight onboard, whether traveling internationally or domestically. Phone: 800-223-5500
– Autism Speaks Taking a Airplane (pdf) A guide for people with autism that can be reviewed before traveling. https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/Jet%20Blue%20teaching%20story%20final%209-23-19.pdf
– Airline Travel Tips United Spinal Association has information related to traveling by air. https://unitedspinal.org/numotion-airline-travel-tips/” [6]
Have a safe fly and fun trip!
Resources
[1] https://www.mni.com/blog/air-travel-with-disabilities
[2] https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter/resources/air-travel-tips-people-disabilities
[3] https://www.mni.com/blog/air-travel-with-disabilities