7 replies to this topic

[kanga2433]

Ok, guys, I am off for a holiday in Canada in June. We are flying with Air Canada for the trip, apart from Scotland to Heathrow. Anyone had any experience of this airline and, in particular any problems that have arisen? I am travelling with my wife so no problems of being unaccompanied.

Also, I gather that sometimes wheelcahirs get put with the luggage and on has to be pushed on whatever the airport has by way of a wheelchair to collect one's own. Anyone got a good way of avoiding that? I don't really fancy having the chair bashed about on the carousel while others collect their bags.

[Apparelyzed]

Hi Kanga,

When you check in at the luggage desk, tell the check in assistant that you need to stay in your chair up to the point of getting onto the plane, and that you will need assistance and pre-flight boarding.

This way you should get on the plane first before everyone else, and be able to stay in your chair right up to the aircraft door.

Make sure you get luggage tickets for your chair when you check in, and put luggage tickets on the wheels, just in case they get removed. In 14 years of flying, my wheels have never been taken off, but you never know.

When the plane lands at your destination, tell the stewardess that you will need your chair waiting at the aircraft door. It should then be waiting for you when you get off the plane.

Also, make sure you take your cusion on board to sit on, and don't forget it when you get off!

Before I fly I always take one asprin about an hour before the flight, just to keep the DVT's at bay, no problems so far. If you're already on blood thinning medication though, you should check with your doctor first about taking asprin.

Oh, and one more tip, take a night bag with you so you can drain your leg bag if it gets full. Keep it in a carrier bag, and no one will know what you're up to. Your wife can then empty it in the onboard toilet.

Regards

Simon.

[kanga2433]

Thanks for the advice, Simon. We had already planned the night bag bit!

I'm off to the doctor a month before we go to sort out any blood thinning drug and asking about pressure stockings as well just to make sure.

[Simon]

I agree with Simon, just add that you should tell the airline now of your requirements, chances are they'll get it wrong but then you have followed the proceedure but don't give too much like you'll be sitting on your cushion as they may call it a fire risk.
If you're on a ROHO, it will inflate as you gain altitude so readjust it then remember to reinflate and adjust once landed as it'll have gone down again!

[russ1]

Is it you Kanga who's pretty tall? As an over 6ft person I found it very uncomfortable sitting on my cushion on the plane seat due to the extra height and thus having no support for my head. Fortunately I tried it on a short flight but it would have been horrible trans atlantic. I sit on the airplane seat and just do regular pressure relief every two hours (if I'm awake). So far I've been fine skin wise. I've never bothered with blood thinners or stockings and I've had no problems but it's probably a good idea. It's a lot easier for us paras than a tetra. Even if you don't plan on sitting on your cushion take it into the cabin with you rather than risk it parting company with your chair.

They may (if you ask as you board) store your chair in the cabin which is the best way to make sure your chair doesn't end up in baggage reclaim.

[Apparelyzed]

Quote

Is it you Kanga who's pretty tall? As an over 6ft person I found it very uncomfortable sitting on my cushion on the plane seat due to the extra height and thus having no support for my head.

I forgot to mention, I'm 6ft tall, and on any flights over 3 hours, I always request a window seat so I can rest my head against the side of the aircraft. Stick to your request if the staff start moaning, they'll get you there in the end.

Regards

Simon.

[kanga2433]

Thanks for your input folks. I am, 6' 4" so a little but tall. For our trans-atlantic flights there are just 2 seats on either side and I have the window seat. It's easier for my wife to get out to the loo etc but I hadn't thought of leaning against the side; a good idea. Thanks

[SuzyQ]

Air Canada is excellent - very wheelchair friendly. They are the official airline of the Canadian Paralympic Athletes. The best thing to do is call the special needs support desk ahead of time and they will put all your information and preferences (regarding chair storage, transfer and seat selection) into your file.