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If you are not using your own wheelchair, but have
difficulty getting to or from the aircraft you can request a wheelchair
from the airline. At some airport the airlines have golf carts for
passengers that require assistance to make the trip to and from the flight
a bit easier. If you require such assistance, do ask as not all physical
limitations will be apparent to an airline employee.
Some aspects
of an aircraft itself, beyond the question of seating, can make air travel
uncomfortable. On the day of travel, bear in mind that most restrooms on
board an aircraft are not wheelchair accessible, so depending on your
physical limitations, it may be advisable to use the facilities prior to
boarding your flight. The aisles can be difficult to navigate, so if you
are able to walk, but only short distances, make sure that you are not the
farthest from the toilets on board.
When planning your air
travel itinerary, it is essential to advise the airlines involved of a
number of things. Most importantly, advise the airline (or travel agent
you are booking with) in advance so that appropriate seating is arranged
like bulkhead seating, or seats with liftable armrests. Advise of mobility
restrictions - whether assistance is required to reach your seat or the
toilet, and whether you can ascend steps, or walk down the ramp of a
bridge to the aircraft (if you cannot, an airline agent will usually
insist on helping you do so both to avoid passenger injury and possible
legal action).
Another consideration when booking your travel is
to advise the airline of the type of mobility equipment you use. The
reason why this is important is that motorized vehicles which use wet cell
batteries may or may not be restricted. Contact the airline to see if they
will transport it, and if so, what special packing measures may be
required.
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