4 replies to this topic

[Soliloquy]

I am a ventilator dependent quadriplegic with an opportunity to go to London on the cheap for a week. The trip would have to take place in the middle of February and I have to make the decision as to whether or not I could go tomorrow (January 28). I'm just nuts enough to say to hell with it, order the tickets, and hope it all works itself out, but of course I need to know a few things in advance:

Will British Airways trash my motorized wheelchair?

What kind of converter will I need to plug in my ventilator and other equipment? Will it explode?

I read of one ventilator user simply borrowing a comparable ventilator from a local hospital to avoid electricity problems. Is that necessary or would converters be good enough? Who would I need to contact to arrange such a thing?

What transportation is available to someone with a 48 inch (115.2 cm) long motorized wheelchair?

I read that the buses will accommodate wheelchairs up to 120cm, they all have lifts, and they are taken out of service if the lift doesn't work. Frankly this sounds like a fairy tale to me. If I try to take the bus, am I likely to end up stranded?

Can a motorized chair user fit in one of those black cabs? How would said cabs be summoned? (Here in New York City I can just call 311 and ask for a wheelchair taxi...)

Right now our must-see list includes Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare Globe Theater, a grocery store and pub (to get the local flavor). Any recommendations as to where to stay would be appreciated.

I hope this works out, I'm eager to see London... even in February!

[Tinbasher]

Hi there

Try googling "wheelchair visitor london" I got too many sites to post.

Another idea is to contact the UK organisation that supports your particular disability (assumming there is one!) you might be able to hook up with somone here who can help.

Good luck

Tom

[Scribbler]

Hi there,

Glad to see you're thinking positive and wanting to travel.

Try looking at all the posts on this site under, "Travel Tips", there's lots of information; even my trip to Africa.

http://www.apparelyz...?showtopic=8366

It doesn't matter which Airline you fly with as they don't handle your chair, that's down to the airport baggage handlers. If you read my report (I think its on page 2) you'll see I had problems with my power-chair, especially when I arrived back at Heathrow and found my batteries had been removed from my chair.

I found the BA flight crew very helpful, its the ground staff that cause the problems as they're employed by the Airport. They are the people who escort you through the Airport, lift you on and off the plane and also deal with your power-chair.

I hated the freezing air con on the plane, which couldn't be switched off so I hope you get on better. I also flew Premium Ecconomy for more leg room, but a friend told me Virgin Atlantic have better seats than BA.

The London Black cabs can be flagged down in the street but get a modern type, which have fold down ramps and are larger. In the old style cabs I found my head pressed on the roof due to my power-chair being a little higher than the average chair. Maybe you could post a pic of your chair, as it depends on the size.

If you get to London you might want to try the London Eye, that way you'll see a great view of the City.

Whoever you fly with make sure you phone them with all your information and requirements; its essential they know everything.

Good luck

[Soliloquy]

Thanks for the responses so far; keep 'em coming please. Scribbler, great story about your trip to Africa.

I'm small, and my chair is not terribly high, so I probably won't have problems fitting in the black cabs height-wise. But can they accommodate long chairs like mine? Do they have tie-downs or will I and my 250lb chair be sliding all over the place?

Not terribly worried about transferring onto the plane, I'm going with plenty of help. I'm more worried about them dropping my chair off the conveyer belt (United Airlines did that to me in 2001). If my chair is seriously damaged, is the airline going to pay? What recourse will I have?

Also, communication: do you have cheap pre-paid cell phones available?

[Izziwhizzi]

Also, communication: do you have cheap pre-paid cell phones available?
[/quote]

Yes, any phone shop or even larger supermarkets will sell you a cheap phone with a pay as you card.

Are you ok for a cost effective hotel with lots of space?

Have you thought about seeing the current 'bodyworks' exhibition at the 02 - check out 'whats on in london' to see what takes your fancy. London has some great architecture, shows & museums.

London eye is a fab idea. Please don't expect to find London as access friendly as the US - but its trying. And remember in Feb it can be chilly - 30 degrees F this weekend, with wind chill factor dropping it lower. So remember scarfs, fleeces and thermals too.

Good luck
I xx