Trying to navigate the airport can be a daunting task for anyone, but especially a wheelchair user. I’m no expert, but I just flew for the first time since my accident, so I want to share my experience. Hopefully these tips will help ease your worries about flying!
Travel Essentials:
SmartDrive — this is a power assist motor that attaches to the back of my wheelchair. The motor is activated by a bracelet you wear that’s connected to the SmartDrive via Bluetooth. Having a power assist is such an energy saver when pushing around a huge airport. ( SHOP HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y14YCHL?tag=onamzemma-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=B06Y14YCHL&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2BH7KP1SVDXDY )
Backpack + Carry On — keep your backpack on the back of your chair and keep your carry on in your lap as you’re rolling through the airport. I put my laptop, book, and snacks in my backpack and kept it under my legs on the plane. Then I kept extra medical supplies/medications in my carry on in case my luggage got lost. I stored this bag in the overhead compartment.
Compression Socks — after sitting on a plane for multiple hours, your ankles will swell a little bit. I didn’t wear compression socks but probably should have since it was an 8 hour flight.
Jacket — because I’m always cold:)
Snacks
AirPods
Leg Bag/Water Bottle — if you have a catheter you’ll want to bring a leg back or water bottle since you can’t get up once you’re in your seat. I have my catheter capped off so I can empty when I want, so I just empty into a water bottle and have whoever is with me dump it in the bathroom. If you’re alone, a leg bag might be the better option.
Checking In:
Check Luggage — when you’re checking your luggage, tell the attendant which gate you’re going to so they’ll know to have someone waiting for you with the aisle chair.
Inspection Tags — this tag has information about your wheelchair like type of chair, frame color, etc so the airline can document your chair. The tag goes on your wheelchair.
Security:
If you’re not able to walk through the scanner, security will be a little different.
Put your backpack or carry on in the bin to get scanned. I was able to leave my shoes on but it might be different for you.
Wait to the side so you’re not in people’s way.
A TSA agent of your gender will come to you to do a full body pat down and inspect your chair.
At the Gate:
Arrive Early — always plan to be at your gate at least 40 minutes early. This way you can grab any last minute snacks and use the bathroom before you board.
Talk to Attendant — talk to the attendant as soon as you get to your gate to make sure they have an aisle chair and assistance ready when it’s time to board. Be very clear about what you need help with during the boarding process.
Boarding:
Transfer to Aisle Chair — specially trained attendants can assist in your transfer if you need it. Then they will buckle you in and wheel you backwards onto the plane. You will board before anyone else.
Store Wheelchair — typically, your wheelchair will be stored under the plane with the luggage and strollers. I know how dangerous this can be for my wheelchair so I called my airline a few weeks prior and asked if I could store it in the cabin with me. They told me to measure my chair to see if it would fit in the storage closet at the front. I had someone who was traveling with me take the wheels and luckily it fit! **This is another reason to arrive at your gate early as the storage closet is first come first serve.
Store SmartDrive — I kept my SmartDrive motor in the overhead compartment so it would stay protected.
Deplaning:
Transfer Back to Wheelchair — specially trained attendants for the airport you’re landing in will come once all others have left the plane. If you need assistance, they’ll help you transfer back to the aisle chair and push you towards the front of the plane. If you’re traveling with people, have them grab your wheelchair from the storage closet so you’ll be ready to transfer when you get to the jet ramp.
Quick Tips:
Check a medical supplies bag. I flew American Airlines and they let me check a bag solely for medical supplies completely free. Not sure if this is the case for all airlines, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Be sure to do pressure reliefs if you’re able. I just shifted my weight and pushed myself up about every hour.
Sit in the window seat. This way people don’t have to climb over you if they need to get up.
Wear comfy clothes. It’s important to wear something easy to transfer in and that’s not going to harm your skin while sitting for hours on end.
Well, that's all I've got! I really hope this helps you the next time you're at the airport! If you questions don't hesitate to leave a comment or message me on Instagram @emma_c_bailey .
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