The world has never been more accessible. This means that more and more people with disabilities are taking to the skies each year. Our national airline, alone, carries over 250000 wheelchair users each year! Of course airlines and airports are far from perfect, but they are getting there. The key to a successful journey is planning, preparation and booking through a specialist travel service that understands your needs.
PlanningTravelling can be tiring, so consider carefully the length of your journey and your likely needs in-flight.
What to tell us when booking
* Full details of your disability
* What assistance you may need to board
* Type of wheelchair (manual/electric etc.)
* Assistance you may need in-flight
* Any special dietary requirements
* Special needs - oxygen, ventilator, etc.
Seat Allocation
This is important! Airlines will rarely guarantee any particular seat. Airlines
often receive twenty or thirty requests for bulkhead seats (which have most
legroom) on each flights. These are normally allocated at check-in and priority
tends to go to babies who need sky-cots (mainly long haul). The seats adjacent
to emergency exists cannot be allocated to mobility impaired passengers. Having
said this, airlines normally do their best to seat you in the most convenient
location. ALWAYS CHECK-IN EARLY, to stand the best chance, would be our advice.
Checking In
Do it early, early, early! This will enable check-in staff to communicate
with other personnel in airport who will be involved with your boarding and
to allocate the most convenient seats.
Boarding
Mobility impaired passengers are often boarded first - another good reason
to check-in early! If you 'Gate-Check' your chair, you can stay in your chair
right up to the time of boarding. Ground staff will then transfer you to your
seat using the 'aisle-chair' and store your wheelchair in the hold.
Most UK airports will have jet-ways or hydraulic lifts to take you straight to the aircraft door. Many smaller 'holiday destination' airports may not have these facilities. In this case mobility impaired passengers will be transferred to special 'skychairs' and manually lifted by ground crew up the steps and into the aircraft. These are well practiced procedures and should not pose a problem.
Manual Wheelchairs
It is important that your chair is tagged like the rest of your luggage. You
should remove detachable parts and carry them as hand luggage.
Electric Powered Wheelchairs
Again remove detachable parts - joy sticks etc. Ensure wheels are disengaged
from motor. Dry cell batteries should have the battery disconnected and taped
up. Baggage handlers will assist. For chairs with wet-cell batteries, airlines
have strict procedures, which need to be followed.
Aircraft Aisle Chairs
A narrow seat on wheels used to transport those unable to walk to their seats.
As bulkheads are often over subscribed, aisle seats with lift-up arms, offer
the next best solution. The Aisle-Chair will get you from the door of the
aircraft to your seat. Not the most salubrious mode of transport but one that
flyers will get to know only too well.
On Board
Toileting: You should consider your needs carefully, especially on long haul
flights. Most wide-bodied aircraft have at least one 'accessible' toilet,
but don't expect anything to spacious. Crew can sometimes assist you in getting
to the toilet but cannot help in the toilet (hygiene regulations).
DVT
Check with your GP regarding long-haul flights related health issues and specific
precautions, which may be appropriate.
Arrival
First on - last off. This enables the airport personnel to prepare for disembarkation.
It also provides added privacy. Occasionally, your own chair will be waiting
right outside the aircraft door. At other times, you will be using one of
the airports own chairs. You will retrieve your luggage and other equipment
in the baggage hall and airport staff will normally help with this. You will
go through customs as normal.
Most airports now have accessible toilets in the baggage or arrivals hall.
If Things Go Wrong
Should any of your equipment become damaged whilst being carried by the airline/airport,
it is important that you complete the necessary Baggage Irreguilarity Forms,
there and then - there should be an information desk or representative who
will assist. You will need a copy of this to pass on to insurers.
To Summarise….
We trust this information has been helpful. We will of course be pleased to
answer any other questions you may have. Call us today for the best flight
prices and timings to suit your travel needs.