Whether it’s to visit family and friends, explore new places or embrace adventure travel can bring us a great deal of pleasure. However, when we become travel companions for those with mobility limitations or medical conditions, there is a little more planning needed to avoid disappointments and confusion along the way.
In Canada transportation providers are required to provide services to passengers who are not independently mobile and/or use a prescribed mobility aid or other assistive device. They must provide the passenger and their caregiver with an appropriate place to wait, provide ongoing assistance to board, safely pack and transport a single mobility aid at no extra charge and promptly return them on arrival. It is not the same everywhere… so do your homework.
Before you go…
1) Booking: From the start try to choose direct flights or train trips to minimize the number of transfers. Don’t book turnarounds that are too tight. If you do need a layover be sure to leave at least 90 minutes for delays, customs, security and baggage claims if necessary.
2) Speak up: Notify the carrier (s)that you or your partner will need assistance when you are booking your ticket. Ask for an aisle seat or bulkhead to make transfers easier. Recheck your booking closer to your travel date and check the accessibility of the airport, train stations and parking lots.
3) Map out the easiest way to navigate your entrance and get to the correct heck-in area. Sign up for travel advisories on your phone and email so that you are alerted to any changes or delays in advance or while you are in transit.
4) Confirm your arrival transportation arrangements and meeting/pick up places. Make sure you remind them of your mobility / equipment transportation requirements. Carry a phone number and the name of your driver.
Check list and packing
Take pictures of your devices and label them with your name and contact information at both ends of the trip and mark fragile. Be familiar with the regulations, dimensions and weight of mobility devices and batteries. Remove any loose parts, decorations etc. Take cushions into the cabin with you for use during the flight. Mask wearing is optional but advised for those who may feel vulnerable or at risk in crowded airports and planes.
On the day
Arrive early with the device you wish to transport labelled. Be prepared to remove additional parts such as armrests and footrests. Re-confirm your arrival transportation arrangements to ensure a smooth passage to your destination.
Pack as lightly as possible and be sure to stay within the weight guidelines for suitcases. There should be no charge for mobility equipment. Have essential items such as medications, personal care items and supplies in carry-on bags that can ideally fit on a wheelchair users lap. You should get or be able to ask for priority boarding so that you have extra time to settle into your seat.
When you arrive
Expect to be last off after other passengers have de-planed. Unfortunately, accidents happen so check your devices carefully when you claim them. Stay calm but report any damage immediately and don’t leave the airport without filing a claim. Be persistent in seeking a resolution and compensation.
In our next issue we’ll talk about accessibility, hotel and resort bookings and other general information that might help you when selecting a destination.
Consider wearing a Sunflower Lanyard
For those with invisible disabilities the voluntary use of the Sunflower lanyard is a discreet way to indicate to airport staff that you may need extra help or time. You can pick one up at the airport information desks.
Created at Gatwick Airport in 2016 as the Accessibility Team at Gatwick realised the difficulties many passengers with disabilities faced during their time at the airport. You can use the lanyard for any hidden condition you may have, whether it is a medical condition such as a chronic illness, a mental health condition such as anxiety, a learning difficulty, or a neurodevelopment disorder such as autism.
Photo: CanStock
