Things to consider when flying with your Wheelchair: Part 1, (aka the rules and your rights)

I was just going to call this post ‘Flying in your Wheelchair’. But then I had all manner of Aladdin connotations flying through my mind, and I though that I’d better broaden the description. Flying carpet anyone?

I also think a brief recap of me, my condition, my experience etc., provides a little more context.

Me & My Condition

I’m a 50 year old bloke with MS and as I’m writing this, (March 2019), I’m a full time manual wheelchair user. I have 2 children – both of whom are at an age where they either go on their own holidays or, if they do come away with us, they help with pushing me or the luggage.

My ‘Legs’

My chair is a rigid frame, manual wheelchair that I self-propel, in the main. Through 2018, I’ve used a Freewheel to deal with cobbles, lumps and bumps etc. During 2016 & 2017, when I could still mobilise a little, I took a mobility scooter on holidays. So I also have some insight into travelling with a scooter as well.

I now have a power add on for the wheelchair. But I’ve not flown with it yet. Roll on Summer!

Now for the ‘what nots’:

• This is not a guide to flying with an electric wheelchair. I have no experience of this; and,
• It’s not a guide to travelling with other mobility equipment, e.g. hoists, lifts etc., because – for the time being – a wheelchair is the only equipment that I use.

My experience

I love holidays – who doesn’t? You don’t? Are you bonkers?

But, I don’t do travel blogging for a career, more’s the pity. I am, in essence, a blogging ‘virgin’, who’s only flown with my chair, (or scooter), about 10 times. The post is also limited by my experiences of flying – as a wheelchair user – in the EU.

Consequently, this post reflects the EU legislative and regulatory framework the carriers MUST adhere to. Other territories will have their own rule books to follow.

Is my stress level higher or lower now that I’m a flyer with a disability?

via GIPHY

Quite simply, it’s higher all the way!

Unfortunately, and in my experience, increased stress is completely unavoidable. It comes with the territory. You have no choice. Nada. Zip.

I’m in a wheelchair full time now, so for most things, I’m dependant on Lisa. I don’t feel great seeing her do the grunt work – the lifting & shifting – but that’s our reality. So I make sure she’s repaid in bucket loads of Gin & Tonics and Prosecco. Everything has a price.

I used to bounce up the plane steps with the ‘sure footedness’ of a mountain goat. I used to do my fair share of the lifting and shifting of the suitcases. Now, because the everyday ‘simple’ things, such as walking, are a distant memory, getting around the airport, onto the plane etc., is all in the hands of 3rd parties.

When you transfer from your chair and give it to the ground crew, you are literally giving your legs away. This in itself is stressful. Never mind the additional stress of worrying whether your legs will be waiting for you at the other end, and in working order. And I’ve not even mentioned airplane toilets yet!

Putting your faith entirely in the hands of others makes travelling a challenge. But it’s a challenge worth taking. As I said earlier, I absolutely love travelling. For me, I’d be massively worse off, (as a person, a parent, or just a friend), if I didn’t travel. Experiencing different places, cultures, people, food etc., is a massive buzz.

So while I can, I’m going to keep travelling. I’m fortunate that Lisa’s of the same mind. Her current favourite saying is “We’re here for a good time; not a long time”.

Learn how to research like a Professor

So, how can you mitigate the travel stress, (without resorting to excess alcohol or Tramadol?)

Be prepared to put your faith in others, and accept that things might go wrong. Try and find out what the pitfalls might be and the steps that you can take to minimise the risks. You have to do an inordinate amount of research before you fly, so you know what to expect and what your rights are. And after you think you’ve got the answers, do more research, (and then more research).

The Civil Aviation Authority

Who are the CAA?

They’re the body that ‘polices’ the airlines and the airports in the UK. The CAA is an independent body established by Parliament. Essentially, they ensure the aviation authorities operate high standards and that travellers are protected and treated fairly when they fly.

What about passengers with a disability or reduced mobility?

In the UK, thanks to the CAA, (who follow the EU’s rules):

If you’re a passenger with a disability or reduced mobility you are legally entitled to support, commonly known as ‘Special Assistance’, when travelling by air.

This means airports and airlines must provide help and assistance, which is free of charge, and helps ensure you have a less stressful journey.

Special assistance is available to passengers who may need help to travel such as the elderly, those people with a physical disability, such as wheelchair users…

Civil Aviation Authority

I’ve attached below a link to the CAA website because, (IMO) it provides well written advice on your rights when you travel https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/PRM/Passengers-with-disabilities-and-reduced-mobility/

What might change with Brexit?

I added this because I am writing the blog during the week when Brexit should have happened in the UK and it’s all over the news. The short answer is how the @!*} should I know? After watching the Brexit drama unfold over the last 3 years, I’m still not convinced that anyone does know. It is definitely a case of ‘watch this space’.

Special assistance

This is the ‘main event’. Special Assistance is the key phrase that you need to be aware of when you travel with a disability.

References to Special Assistance are what you need to look out for when you’re trawling the Net for flights and holidays. They’re the two words that start to unlock the door on web sites or when talking to the airlines, holiday companies and travel agents.

You just need to mention that you need Special Assistance and you hear the gears start to move in the travel professional’s head. They just get it.

I’ve attached below another link from the CAA’s website https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/PRM/Special-assistance-guidance-from-airports-and-airlines/ This is a great link, (and not just because I’ve shared it). But because it provides ‘click thru’ links to the Special Assistance guidance published by all UK airports and major airlines flying from the UK. It really is essential reading.

Over to you

That’s it for Part 1 of this blog. I hope that you’ve found the links useful. I’ve literally had people look amazed when I mention that we still travel. More worryingly, I’ve had other wheelchair users give me a look that says ‘it’s just too much like hard work’.

I get that travelling’s not necessarily the walk in the park that it used to be, in my pre-disability life. But it is still do-able.

In Part 2, I’ll share some of my experiences of Special Assistance. I’ll post Part 2 next week. Bye for now.