[HiltonP]

HiltonP, on Nov 22 2006, 09:35 AM, said:

DeanS . . . perhaps with your Australian travel experience you can answer a question for me?

Why are Qantas Airlines (the national carrier) suddenly demanding detailed wheelchair information from me?

My wife and I are flying to Oz in February, we booked and paid for our tickets nearly three months ago (we also have our visas, accommodation booking, and land transport bookings nailed down and paid for). Qantas have in the course of the last two months sent me four different wheelchair information requests. These ask for exact length, width open, width closed, weight, make, model, etc. It's ridiculous, I informed them that I use my own folding, manual wheelchair. Why the detail. If my chair was over a certain size would they refuse to fly me? It's insane.

Their last request was the most bizarre, where they state that some of my flights might be on a 737, which according to them might not be able to accommodate my chair standing up! Well, lie it down then! I've been flying in 737s since 1981 and no-one has ever asked me this before. In fact I have flown on five continents, to twelve different countries, over twenty five years, and no-one has ever asked me to provide wheelchair dimensions, make, etc.

Qantas will probably come some cock 'n bull story about service to their disabled passengers, but that's nonsense, this isn't service, it's a hassle and a pain in the a**e. Does Qantas ask fat folks to provide the width of the backsides, and their weight? Are they going loopy, or is some admin clerk creating a paper empire?

DeanS . . . any ideas on this question?

[rkzenrage]

After I go to my seat... what happens to my power chair? This is something I am VERY stressed-out about.

This post has been edited by rkzenrage: 13 December 2006 - 07:15 PM

[cvelusc]

rkzenrage, on Dec 13 2006, 07:15 PM, said:

After I go to my seat... what happens to my power chair? This is something I am VERY stressed-out about.

I have been on 2 trips that have required me to fly since my accident (Delta, American Airlines, Go!), and everyone has treated me like gold. Everything has been very accommodating and my dignity has been kept intact.

My wheelchair has been returned every time in the same condition, and I have felt very privileged because of the airline personnel.

[rkzenrage]

cvelusc, on Dec 19 2006, 01:18 PM, said:

rkzenrage, on Dec 13 2006, 07:15 PM, said:

After I go to my seat... what happens to my power chair? This is something I am VERY stressed-out about.

I have been on 2 trips that have required me to fly since my accident (Delta, American Airlines, Go!), and everyone has treated me like gold. Everything has been very accommodating and my dignity has been kept intact.

My wheelchair has been returned every time in the same condition, and I have felt very privileged because of the airline personnel.

May I ask what airline you flew?

[milosh]

nicely put!

did ever happened to someone that they wanted to charge you transporting a wheelchair? to me a few times. but when they see you know how things work, they give up.

so far belgrade airport was among the worst airports i've used.

lately i flown london-kuwait with gulf air. nice experience.

[ewar]

Just a note for reference.

Nationwide Airlines in South Africa want 600 rand to put wheelchair dependant onto the plane.

Air France want full medical declaration from doctors your cost for this.

Always smile and be pleasant it works wonders with the staff.

Regards
Eddie
C7/T1 UK

[HiltonP]

ewar, on Aug 7 2007, 07:21 PM, said:

Nationwide Airlines in South Africa want 600 rand to put wheelchair dependant onto the plane.
Air France want full medical declaration from doctors your cost for this.

. . . and KLM, Air France, and Air New Zealand will not fly quads/paras AT ALL unless they are accompanied.

[wheeliebear75]

paragirl, on May 31 2005, 05:23 PM, said:

Hello everyone! I've returned from my trip to Phoenix. It was so much fun!! First, I just want to thank you for your suggestions and tips. My first time to fly after my accident was a success Not too much of a backache after 3 days of traveling total. I went on my trip last Thursday where i flew from Albuquerque, NM to Phoenix, AZ. My family helped me to the airport, and my mom was able to show an I.d. and get a special pass to go "all the way" with me to the gate. She was more nervous than I was. Security was not a problem. I went on the side and was checked by a security person and did not go through any metal detectors. When I got to the gate, I showed my pass and got in line to pre board. I learned quickly that this line can be just as long as the others. And boy, those ilse chairs. I didnt picture them to be so small:) I flew Southwest Airlines and they were great!! Everyone was cool. It was only about an hour flight, but I also drove 3 hours to Alb. When I flew out, I sat on the ilse seat in the first row, but coming back home I sat by the window. That was much better. It was just like you said, Joed, and I felt good about flying by the return trip.

Phoenix was a Blast!! I stayed Thursday night and Friday at my brother's house. His is totally accessible if I take off my hand rims (which is not too bad if you have a power drill). My best friend was there too and we all went to the NIN Concert on Friday night. It was the absolute best way to start my summer! We sat in the sound/light booth. We had the best view in the house outside of smack in the middle of the front row right there with "the man", but this was close enough. That and a good visit with my family, that was the highlight of my trip. I am so glad that I flew and I know it will not be the last time.

Thanks to you for your responses, they helped alot!!

Happy Traveling!!

NIN?!?!?! Oh I'm so jealous. "Head like a hole" LOL

[paragirl]

wheeliebear75, on Aug 28 2007, 12:42 PM, said:

paragirl, on May 31 2005, 05:23 PM, said:

Hello everyone! I've returned from my trip to Phoenix. It was so much fun!! First, I just want to thank you for your suggestions and tips. My first time to fly after my accident was a success Not too much of a backache after 3 days of traveling total. I went on my trip last Thursday where i flew from Albuquerque, NM to Phoenix, AZ. My family helped me to the airport, and my mom was able to show an I.d. and get a special pass to go "all the way" with me to the gate. She was more nervous than I was. Security was not a problem. I went on the side and was checked by a security person and did not go through any metal detectors. When I got to the gate, I showed my pass and got in line to pre board. I learned quickly that this line can be just as long as the others. And boy, those ilse chairs. I didnt picture them to be so small:) I flew Southwest Airlines and they were great!! Everyone was cool. It was only about an hour flight, but I also drove 3 hours to Alb. When I flew out, I sat on the ilse seat in the first row, but coming back home I sat by the window. That was much better. It was just like you said, Joed, and I felt good about flying by the return trip.

Phoenix was a Blast!! I stayed Thursday night and Friday at my brother's house. His is totally accessible if I take off my hand rims (which is not too bad if you have a power drill). My best friend was there too and we all went to the NIN Concert on Friday night. It was the absolute best way to start my summer! We sat in the sound/light booth. We had the best view in the house outside of smack in the middle of the front row right there with "the man", but this was close enough. That and a good visit with my family, that was the highlight of my trip. I am so glad that I flew and I know it will not be the last time.

Thanks to you for your responses, they helped alot!!

Happy Traveling!!

NIN?!?!?! Oh I'm so jealous. "Head like a hole" LOL

It was a lot of fun.. Man I havent been on the forum in a really long time. I need to start paying more attention.

[Ches]

Anyone have experience with LUFTHANSA airlines? Im kinda nervous about this one. Flying first time, going over seas by myself. Any stories would help

[GLENDA]

On June 29, 2007 I flew my son from Baltimore, Maryland USA to Houston Texas. He was in an accident C4 C5 April 18, 2007. Our home is in Houston. He was going to Baltimore to pick up his horses.... then the 1:30 am call changed our lives. He was in ICU on the vent until 2 weeks before he boarded the flight. The airline Continental was so helpful. He went by stretcher to the door of the airline, transfered to a small wheechair and then placed in the seat...This was a first class seat. They supplied the oxygen help at the door took care of the luggage, From A to Z, They did it all. Call the "Travellers with disabilities" desk. Our flight was a risky for us. Since the injury happened far from home I researched Air Ambulance.......25,000. was the most reasonable...could not afford that. I slept in a chair beside my son, I wanted him home, because my heart hurt so much with grief.... So My friend trust, if you are in the USA, we have laws that tell companies how they must act..... don't worry it will be great... Good Luck. I hope you have the time of your LIFE.
Brad's Mom Glenda

[kath mitchinson]

Hi,My name is Kathy and i have had quiet a few holidays abroad with different airlines,and enjoyed it every time.Easy jet are the best i have used.You can organise everything online,you can be met at the airport and you will be put on the plane first,you will be taken by support staff to the plane entrance and then if you can transfer onto a special chair yourself,or they will lift you if you wish them to do so.
Your wheelchair will then be taken to the hold.
The staff will then put you into your seat ready to enjoy the flight,it is that simple.When you get to your destination you will be last off and that is good as all the ques for baggage will have gone and again there will be a special needs person to help you.
All you have to do is make sure when you book your flight that you tell them what your needs are and you will be fine.
If i can be of any further help to you please let me know and i will do my best.
Regards
Kathy Mitchinson.airport

[laverne]

I am planning a family trip to Orlando my husband is a new T11 since 6/1/08. and this will be our first trip since his injury..he is 6'4 280 lbs and his chair is not the typical fold in half standing up kind it is the one where wheels pop off tippers pop off and the cushion and then folds in half from back to seat..but is bulky...so my question(s) is will he have to transfer to a seat on the plane or can he use his chair and they somehow strap him in/down? I know it may sound silly to some but I am scared that becasue of his size/heght he won't fit into the seats with his cushion..HELP!!

Then there's the issue with the commode....do I need to purchase a traveling/portable one or do you think they have hygientic rental places for this equipment in florida??

Our villa is wheelchair accessible phew!!

Please any advice/suggestions would be much appreciated! I also want to thank everyone who responded to paragirl's post they all were very informative.

[HiltonP]

laverne, on Apr 30 2009, 03:26 PM, said:

. . . his chair is not the typical fold in half standing up kind it is the one where wheels pop off tippers pop off and the cushion and then folds in half from back to seat..but is bulky...so my question(s) is will he have to transfer to a seat on the plane or can he use his chair and they somehow strap him in/down? . . .

Your husbands chair does not sound like it's out of the ordinary.
He will however have to transfer into the aircraft seat, it's the best place for him.
Keep his cushion with you, it can be used in place of the airline seat cushion.

[goldnucs]

Here's an article I'd written a few months back about traveling with a portable commode / shower chair:

https://www.goesanyw..._air_travel.htm

It's also published in www.ezinearticles.com

I think one of the key points to come away from this discussion is, BE ASSERTIVE! TELL airport and airline personnel what to do and how to do it. Be intimidating and you will see how effective it can be.

[goldnucs]

Flying sucks; period! But I fly often because I have to. First on, last off, aisle chairs, stuck in a miserably uncomfortable seat for hours, the stares, stiffness, disreflexive sweat attacks,...I could go on, but what's the point? If ya gotta fly, just make the best of it.

In the old days, I would, intentionally, arrive late and, I'd guess half the time, get "stuck" in first-class because it was the quickest way on and it would minimize delays. That trick doesn't work any more as it's nearly impossible to get a first-class seat even if you're willing to pay.

Then I started reserving a bulkhead seat because, on some flights, I could get past first-class without an aisle chair. Since then, they've narrowed the aisles and I've learned that the bulkhead sucks. Nothing in front of you to support your head while you CONSTANTLY try to stretch. No fun while landing either as you try to keep from lunging forward smashing your head into the bulkhead divider which separates you from first-class. [I'm a c5-6 quad].

Now I'm gettin' old and I just play by their rules and get where I'm going. It always sucks but it makes me appreciate the destination all the more.

I invented a portable shower chair that makes my life, MUCH easier one I get where I'm going. Here's an article I wrote: http://ezinearticles.com/?Air-Travel-With-...&id=2357977

rick

[Scribbler]

HiltonP, on Dec 13 2006, 01:58 PM, said:

HiltonP, on Nov 22 2006, 09:35 AM, said:

DeanS . . . perhaps with your Australian travel experience you can answer a question for me?

Why are Qantas Airlines (the national carrier) suddenly demanding detailed wheelchair information from me?

My wife and I are flying to Oz in February, we booked and paid for our tickets nearly three months ago (we also have our visas, accommodation booking, and land transport bookings nailed down and paid for). Qantas have in the course of the last two months sent me four different wheelchair information requests. These ask for exact length, width open, width closed, weight, make, model, etc. It's ridiculous, I informed them that I use my own folding, manual wheelchair. Why the detail. If my chair was over a certain size would they refuse to fly me? It's insane.

Their last request was the most bizarre, where they state that some of my flights might be on a 737, which according to them might not be able to accommodate my chair standing up! Well, lie it down then! I've been flying in 737s since 1981 and no-one has ever asked me this before. In fact I have flown on five continents, to twelve different countries, over twenty five years, and no-one has ever asked me to provide wheelchair dimensions, make, etc.

Qantas will probably come some cock 'n bull story about service to their disabled passengers, but that's nonsense, this isn't service, it's a hassle and a pain in the a**e. Does Qantas ask fat folks to provide the width of the backsides, and their weight? Are they going loopy, or is some admin clerk creating a paper empire?

DeanS . . . any ideas on this question?

When I few to South Africa last year with British Airways they asked for the dimension's of my chair, which is a small electric chair. I gave them all the information, including the weight.

It doesn't really matter which airline you fly with as once you're out of your chair its then in the hands of the Baggage Handlers.

I got great service from the Airline, but when I got back to Heathrow I discovered my electric wheelchair had been virtually dismantled by the Baggage Handlers and just left near the luggage point. One Battery was on the ground, the other Battery was placed on the seat.

Two BA staff helped put it together and even lifted me in it, even though it wasn't their job.

Even if I'd have flown First Class, its still the Airport Ground Staff/Baggage Handlers that deal with your chair; unless you use the travel chairs, which you take to pieces and place in the cabin.

Its a bit of a lottery really and depends on the people who are on duty at that time; some are more consciences than others; but that's life.

Mike

[ads]

Hi all,

Thought I would add our recent experience flying Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi airport. We were flying from Brisbane AUS to London, st.opping briefly in Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

Everything went relatively smoothly up until we were getting ready to board the flight from Abu Dhabi to London, when one of the airport staff approached us and asked if we needed assistance to board the plane. We explained that Amber couldn't walk and that we would need assistance to reboard the plane. The guy told us that we would need to provide 'proof of disability' for us to get any assistance??? We thought we were pretty prepared and had a letter from our doctor and even our Australian parking permit but apparently this wasn't good enough.

After I argued with the guy for 15mins or so, he let us on the plane and the airline staff were a bit more helpful, but for a moment there I was having visions of being stranded in Abu Dhabi.

What I didn't understand was, that we had flown Etihad the whole way, and had no problems like that yet. I guess it must just be one of those airport policies that don't make sense...

[rowena u]

Regarding taking a flight anywhere in the world its better to ask the airline before booking to avoid any problem. Especially if your booking online because the usual budget airlines dont carry disabled person.
Its better also to call the airport regarding requirements to suit your medical needs because it different for every airport, and be sure to have medical certificate.
And incase you want to cover large area to visit, better to bring a companion. Because accessibility on the airport is only part of travel.

[RoseGarden]

rowena u, on Apr 26 2010, 04:12 AM, said:

Regarding taking a flight anywhere in the world its better to ask the airline before booking to avoid any problem. Especially if your booking online because the usual budget airlines dont carry disabled person.
Its better also to call the airport regarding requirements to suit your medical needs because it different for every airport, and be sure to have medical certificate.
And incase you want to cover large area to visit, better to bring a companion. Because accessibility on the airport is only part of travel.

That sounds like good advice, I would personally fly only with a companion (my hip dislocations and chronic back pain let me walk for 5 minutes with a stick but I can't carry heavyish things like books or 2 litre bottles).

British Airways - Disability Info

Air Canada - Disability Info

Hope these links help

[zagam]

paragirl, on May 6 2005, 08:52 AM, said:

Are there people who will help me check my luggage?
What do you do about escalators( I'v heard someone say that you can ride them)
If you cant ride an escalator, are there elevators?
Who do you talk to about boarding the plane first?
Do you have to use a folding wheelchair, or will they let you take a rigid wheelchair?

Check your luggage early and tag chair, but say you want chair loaded at aircraft side and that you want it at aircraft side at destination. To do this you will need to know the weight and dimensions of your chair when folded.

Some airports (Stinkypore) check your chair near gate and then take it off you.

I had my stack with backpack on chair and case and laptop on me. There we signs saying no chairs on escalator at Frankfurt airport, but I could not find lift so I got on escalator anyway. The hand rails went at a different speed to stairs! I had walk to quickly with my fingers and made it, but it was scary.

Look hard for lifts they must have them unless 3rd world.

As they need load your chair after boarding they will board you while cleaning servicing the plane. Check in early an find exact boarding time from service desk near gate. Every airport and airline has different procedures that staff do no know. As travelling gimp it is your job to find out what they are so that can clearly instruct staff. It is hard to find anything written so hassle airline pretty hard for this.

No self propelled wheel chair is likely to work inside plane and will probably not fold to hand luggage. They will push you on a trolley (aisle chair) and take your hand luggage. They also may not assist you while you are on the plane so plan for the worst. Gas expands at altitude! Make sure have done B. on day you travel. Insist on own chair at airport so can prepare.

With small aircraft may not be able to load chair. Check this at time you make booking. I got a Proactiv Traveler after my old rigid frame Fortress Edge got mangled by Qantass.

[quadinva]

just an addition to everyones excellent advice...if you feel uncomfortable flying alone or cant have a companion come with you, many airlines will let someone accompany you to the gate and allow somebody to meet you at the gate at your destination. They issue a document that looks like a ticket to get them through security but doesnt allow them to board the plane.

Happy Traveling

-Bags-

[Ratticis]

Wow, what a wealth of information here. Good thing too, because in September I'll be flying for the first time post gimpdom. My sister will be coming with me, so that should make things a little easier. I am, however, worried about the arms and plastic clothing guards on my chair. They both detach very easily, and I'd like to make sure I have them upon arrival. Should I just detach them and take them with me as carry on?

[codakitty]

Vancouver, on Jul 20 2005, 05:30 AM, said:

These posts helped a lot. Thanks all.

What are the options for a six foot tall, heavy, single traveller transferring from wheelchair to airline seat when he has no movement from the neck down? Is a travelling companion mandatory, do you think, or are airline attendants okay with doing this?

you should probably tell them ahead of time your height and weight just to make sure they're ready to transfer you, but you do need a travel companion as well, depending on the length of the flight. most airlines will not allow a person to fly if they aren't ambulatory and can't get to a bathroom (well, unless you have an indwelling catheter but you still wouldn't be able to empty that yourself so you need someone with you to do that).

[WildKat]

codakitty, on Jun 2 2010, 02:28 AM, said:

Vancouver, on Jul 20 2005, 05:30 AM, said:

These posts helped a lot. Thanks all.

What are the options for a six foot tall, heavy, single traveller transferring from wheelchair to airline seat when he has no movement from the neck down? Is a travelling companion mandatory, do you think, or are airline attendants okay with doing this?

most airlines will not allow a person to fly if they aren't ambulatory and can't get to a bathroom (well, unless you have an indwelling catheter but you still wouldn't be able to empty that yourself so you need someone with you to do that).

I just thought I'd clear this up for anyone who might be worried. Airlines will let you travel if you can't get to the bathroom yourself. You just have to be able to get into the onboard aisle chair either by yourself, with the help of someone who is traveling with you, or with minimal assistance from the flight crew. I'm blind and am a C6 complete myself and have flown too many times to count both with people and alone. It's never been an issue even on international flights when flying by myself. I've also never been asked if I have an indwelling catheter or anything like that and would quite frankly would be shocked if someone randomly asked me that when I was at the airport!

Anyway, I just thought I'd let people know my experience in case someone read this and were worried that they wouldn't be able to fly etc.

[MikeFatty]

this is the first time ive clicked on this thread and boy does it have great info. i was gunna ask this question tonight cause i have a flight to oregon we are gunna make for my cousins wedding in the near future. im oober excited. =). cant wait to experiance flying for the first time since my SCI. i do believe it will be a wonderfull and easy thing. thanks again simon for pinning the thread.

[goldnucs]

Great stuff here:

http://www.wheelchai...heelchairs.html

r

[katrinky923]

I really thought this was some great information. My brother has never traveled due to being a bigger man, he always felt uncomfortable. Anytime we have ever gone anywhere was via car. In addition he has terrible skin breakdown on his tush and was always afraid for the seats in airplanes and the amount of time he would have to sit in them. Thank you all for your insight!!!

[Huw]

Transferring from wheelchair to aisle chair:
I'm not spinal injury but with MD with same kind of problems. No use of limbs and no body strength. Biggest hassle when flying was transfer from wheelchair to isle chair and from that to aircraft seat. I designed a sling with handles to slide under before boarding and the handlers pick me up by the handles not by bits of me (which could just dislocate or break). I sell to lots of disabled travellers but would like to see handling companies provide them. One company at LAX use the sling and one of the big UK ground handlers are thinking about it. In the mean time its up to each of us to do the best we can. If you can't self-transfer and find being manhandled a problem check out the website http://www.promove.uk.com

This post has been edited by Apparelyzed: 12 October 2010 - 02:22 PM
Reason for edit: Link fixed.