Barrier-Free Air Travel - Accessible Airline Travel

"The air travel environment can be overwhelming for most people ... even more stressful for travelers with disabilities. Knowing ahead of time about procedures for boarding the aircraft, stowage of assistive devices including a wheelchair, assistance from the cabin crew, etc., is the key to having a smooth trip", states Terry Moakley of the United Spinal Association.

Accessible Air Travel looks at the incredibly useful guide for any passenger with a disability or restriction who may fear air travel, and just wants to know the ins and outs of flying. And it is important to know procedures - I have assisted passengers who cannot simply stand and walk through airport screening and advised them they would be likely be dealing with a manual screening if they set the machine off. Or that on an off-bridge gate area a mechanical lift can bring the passenger on board, but that it takes time and you need to be there before general boarding commences whenever possible to avoid flight delays and so that you can settle in before other passengers enter the plane.

After originally writing about this guide, Mobility International USA sent along a really well-researched, straightforward feature on air travel tips for people with disabilities. What I like about it is not only does it have lots of practical tips such as advising the airline in advance of any mobility devices that may be brought along - but it also includes a certain degree of non-specific advice such as being prepared and flexible for difficult situations that may arise. Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities looks at, and links to, this helpful article.

Another informative read is an interview conducted by Nancy Parode, About.com's Guide to Senior Travel, with Candy Harrington. It includes travel tips for accessible travel.

Accessible Air Travel
Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities

image courtesy of Arlene Fleming