Navigating the Airport by Wheelchair: 5 Things to Know

Have you ever tried to navigate the airport during the holiday season or some other busy time? Now imagine doing it from a wheelchair.

Today, most airports comply with federal and state regulations to make areas accessible to those faced with mobility challenges, but there is still room for improvement. If you or someone you know is wheelchair bound, the following are some helpful things to keep in mind.

Barriers to Travel for Wheelchair Users

Airports can be busy and confusing places for people – especially when that person is faced with mobility challenges. Whether you or someone you love is traveling by wheelchair, pay attention to the following, potential barriers. How many of these are barriers to mobility at your local airport?

• Terminal parking
• Ticketing counters
• Security
• Transfer to aisle chair and airplane seat
• Wheelchair storage
• Transferring back to a wheelchair
• Baggage claim
• Etc.

Tips to Better Navigate the Airport by Wheelchair

#1 – Plan ahead.

Barring family events or visiting friends, when you plan a trip, be diligent and consider traveling to places where there is plenty of accessibility. For example, did you know that you can take a wheelchair accessible trip to Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands or the Amazon rainforest? This may mean being a little more selective in your travel destination.

#2 – Call ahead.

Even if you’ve traveled with a wheelchair before, it is still prudent to find out what sorts of restrictions may apply to you or a loved one when traveling by wheelchair. For more information, call the disability hotline operated by the US Department of Transportation at (800) 778-4838 with any mobility/wheelchair access-related questions.

#3 – Reserve a wheelchair in advance.

Are you traveling with an elderly parent or someone with limited mobility? Wheelchairs are available free of charge at most airports, and in most cases, an airport employee will be available to take you by wheelchair (or electric cart) to your gate.

Reservations may be made up to a few days in advance of your flight. Simply call your local airport and let them know that you need a wheelchair. They will ask you a few questions about your level of mobility, which will help them best determine what type of wheelchair access you need. If you are traveling with someone who needs a wheelchair or who has a special type of wheelchair, this is also a good time to speak to an airport representative. He/she will help ensure that your visit to the airport goes as smoothly as possible.

#4 – Consider a travel agent.

If you are planning travel outside of the country or are traveling alone to an unfamiliar area, it may be worthwhile to hire a travel agent who specializes in disabled travel. Specialized travel agencies are knowledgable about and can reserve transportation, flights, hotels, tours and more that accommodate wheelchair users. In some cases, you can even request a certified travel companion and special medical equipment rental.

As with other types of travel agents, you’ll want to do your due diligence to ensure that the travel agent you hire is experienced and vetted.

#5 – Know where to park.

Parking can be tricky at most airports. If it’s your first time flying out your local airport in a wheelchair or with a wheelchair user, it may not be a bad idea to do a “dry run” the week before you’re schedule to fly out. This will allow you time to get the lay of the land, figure out where to park and ask questions of airport staff while there.

Finally – be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to navigate the airport – from the time you park to the time you arrive at your gate. Doing so will help improve your travel experience.

For more information about mobility accessories for wheelchair users, contact Van Products today (800) 209-6133.