Traveling by Plane with A Wheelchair

Traveling can require a lot of pre-planning. But, when a traveler is someone with special needs, especially a child, that drive to plan and prepare is heightened.

To better prepare, read Travel Channel’s Air Travel With Your Wheelchair, which explains compliance guidelines related to wheelchair accommodations. The article Traveling with a Wheelchair: 19 Tips to Make it Easier provides additional information on the steps to take upon arriving to the airport and boarding a flight.

The big point to take away: be prepared. Remember to store the correct ID on the wheelchair, as well as assembly and disassembly instructions in multiple languages. Always try to book a flight with airlines that offer special details like movable arm-rests and give ample time to catch connecting flights.

When looking for additional resources, read the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which mandates special-needs access on all flights to and from the United States. It’s also not a bad idea to carry a copy of the ACAA in case any challenges occur. Those with special needs can call a disability hotline operated by the US Department of Transportation at 1.800.778.4838 with any access-related questions.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.