Tips for Travel in Wheelchairs

Getting around and traveling in a wheelchair is sometimes more difficult than you realize. Travelling in a wheelchair in any country can be frustrating because there are many inaccessible streets, sidewalks, buildings and merchant locations, and you sometimes need to know alternate routes. Here are some tips to make your travel a pleasure filled and fun-filled experience, whether by land, sea or air.

Tip #1 – Arrive Ahead of Time

Make sure you arrive at the airport, train station or bus depot with plenty of time to spare. As the announcer approaches your gate to setup for their duties, approach them and let them know that you are someone with special needs traveling on that flight. They will be more than delighted to give you special care and attention. Do not assume they know how to handle someone in a wheelchair. Tell them exactly what your needs are. Make sure you tell them the following:

Mobility Capabilities

The flight attendant staff needs to know what you are and are not capable of doing. For example, can you transfer to an aisle chair on your own? Do you need help transferring to a cabin seat? This helps them understand how many people they may need to get you comfortably seated on the airplane. In addition, if you use an air chamber-filled cushion to sit on to prevent sores and for comfort, let the attendant know. They will gladly make the accommodations for you.

Wheelchair Functionality

All wheelchairs are put below the decks in the baggage area. Not everyone knows how to handle a wheelchair. Show them how to operate yours. Tell them what they can and can not lift. Tell the flight attendants what is a Do Not Touch item. This just ensures your wheelchair’s safety during flight. It helps to minimize any unforeseen damages.

Tip #2 – Rent an Accessible Car

It is so much fun to explore and look around the different cities and landscape. Call ahead and ask for a wheelchair-accessible van or vehicle. There are more out there than you think! This will give you the freedom to access all different parts of the towns and cities you will visit.

Tip #3 – Know Your Destination

Make sure you do plenty of research before you leave home. Find out how accessible your vacation spot is. Find out if there are accessible tours, local attractions, restaurants, etc. Call the travel and tourism hotline for your destination. Have them give you a list of must-dos in that new city or town. Make a travel To Do list of all the places that are wheelchair accessible. Know how to get there and who you may need to see to get special access or entrance into the attraction.

Tip #4 – Pack Lightly

Don’t overpack. Pack lightly so you can move from the airport or train station to the car to the hotel and back again. Take time putting together a duffle bag that can be taken aboard in the cabin with you as carry-on luggage. Pack necessities only in this bag.