Flight days can be stressful for anyone when travelling, but even more so when you have to think about how to get wheelchair assistance at the airport. But this article will help to ease that anxiety and give you some tips to help make it a smooth and easy process.
By helping you to know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to navigate flight days as a wheelchair user, your time travelling can be less stressful and more relaxing. So, here is how to make your journey as a wheelchair user more successful.
Call the airline 48 hours prior to your flight to get wheelchair assistance at the airport
Arrive at the airport early
Arriving early at the airport is important, especially as a wheelchair user. It is best to arrive for a domestic flight two hours prior to departure, and three hours prior to departure for an international flight. This should allow you enough time to seek wheelchair assistance at the airport and make your way to the gate without being rushed.
How to get a wheelchair assistance at the airport ticketing counter?
Assistance points at the airport will have a disability-related logo and can either be inside or outside the airport building. The logo will be prominently displayed near the entrance, so you should be able to find this location fairly easily. If not, simply ask a worker to direct you to that area once your bags are checked in. There, they will loan you a wheelchair to use until you board the plane and, if needed, assist you through security procedures, to your gate, and with boarding the plane. Voice your needs and tell the staff what assistance you need. You are your own best advocate.
Do you pay for wheelchair assistance at the airport?
Although wheelchair assistance at the airport is free of charge, it can be polite to tip your assistant for helping you to or from your gate. A typical tip may be around £5 – £10 depending on what you think is appropriate, although this is only a suggestion and of course not mandatory. If you don’t have any money to give, at least let the worker know that they are valued and appreciated by thanking them for their time and service.
Boarding the plane with a wheelchair
The airport assistants will help you to board the plane if you are not able to walk to your seat. They will assist you from your wheelchair into an aisle chair that is slimmer and smaller and able to fit down the aisle of the plane. Most airlines will offer priority boarding for disabled people or those reduced mobility. Your right to assistance at the airport is covered in UK law (as well as that of EU countries) under “special assistance.” This will allow guests extra time to be assisted to their plane seat, put their hand luggage away, and get adjusted comfortably without having to squeeze between other passengers.
How to find the perfect flight and hotel prior to your departure
During the holiday planning process, you might wonder which airlines, hotels, or destinations are the most wheelchair-friendly, and which ones to avoid. I’ve gathered here a few recommendations, based on my own experiences, to help you organise your trip.
If you don't know yet where you want to go...
Before you think about how to get wheelchair assistance at the airport, you will first need to decide where in this amazing world that you would like to go. Being a wheelchair user myself, there are a lot of amazing wheelchair-accessible destinations that I have visited so far. To start your research, check out accessible travel blogs and websites: Wheelchairtraveling.com, Worldonwheelsblog.com and Spintheglobe.net.
If you are looking for the perfect flight…
Once you have narrowed down where you want to go, the next step is to plan how to get there. By going to the KAYAK Flights Search Tool, you can see which air travel options are available to get you there the quickest or most affordable way. Here, you can find the best flight to meet your needs, as you can count on this site to search for the best deal. Travelling as a wheelchair user can be expensive, so I always love finding the best deal possible.
If you are unsure which hotel is best for you...
You can also search on KAYAK for hotel options. This provides you with information about options available in the area that you desire and can even alert you to any price changes prior to your booking. After finding the perfect hotel, call them to ask any questions that you may have concerning accessibility in the room directly and explain what you may need to make your stay more comfortable.
Now, as you land at your destination, the airport staff will again assist you off the plane and into a wheelchair, whether it is yours that you have brought from home, or a borrowed chair to traverse the airport. You are now ready to grab those checked bags and begin your journey.
