When planning an overseas trip, you'll naturally take into account your children's disabilities and needs. The UK government's Travel Advice page offers comprehensive details about different countries provisions. Disability organizations in the UK and abroad can help hugely by sharing their insights regarding the ease of wheelchair travel at your destination. It's understandable however that many parents are also discouraged by the stress of the airport, and the flight.
We offer Travel medicine for complex children but we also have much experience of the travel practicalities! Below I share some tips on the logistics of airport transit and air travel with a wheelchair for first timers.
Preparing to Fly with Mobility Equipment
Before you fly, inform your airline about your child's mobility aid, including the make, model, weight, and size. Let them know if it’s collapsible. This all helps to ensure that it is loaded and stowed safely during the flight.Â
Pack the operating manual of any mobility equipment.
Here is a simple wheelchair handling leaflet to give to the ground staff as well: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1163891/powered-wheelchairs-guidance-for-ground-handlers-a4-leaflet.pdf
You or your child may be allowed to stay in your own chair up to the boarding gate (depending on the severity of your disability and if your wheelchair can be loaded at the gate). If not, you will be transferred to a boarding wheelchair and your own chair checked in. When you contact the airline in advance you can enquire about the airport layout and the distances involved, for instance from check in to the departure lounges and gates. Ask where you can make your arrival known in the departure lounge. Help points should be clearly marked, but signage may be unfamiliar overseas so ask for a picture of what the help points look like. None of this will be new to the airline and they should be happy to help.
At the airport on the day of travel
You can carry up to two mobility items on all flights out of the UK free of charge. Wheelchair users are usually boarded first, and you can specifically ask to be pre-boarded when you check in. If you are hearing or visually impaired, you may wish to tell staff at the gate, so that you don't miss announcements or changes to departure display screens.
The Airlines are liable for damage to mobility equipment all the way to your destination, however the compensation amount is often limited to around £1,300. Clearly electric equipment can be much more costly so you should additionaly take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover your wheelchair.
The airport is responsible for temporary alternatives for lost or damaged equipment, but this does not have to be on a like-for-like basis. They may give you an adult wheelchair or a baby stroller for example.Â
Key tips
Contact airlines, hotels, and travel providers as soon as you book and clearly state your children's needs and any assistance they will require.
Online check in – you should be able to confirm the assistance you require and select the most appropriate seat.
Arrive early for your departure on the day. If a disability makes queuing difficult, make yourself known to check in staff – they must provide assistance.
Confirm pre-booked assistance when you check in.
You wheelchair will be checked thoroughly at security including seat pads so you will need to lift your child or raise enough that this is possible.
Once on board do ensure that onboard staff are made aware of any concerns you have.
I would love to have a conversation with young people or parents who have experience of wheelchair travel, please tweet me @CTraveldoc or contact me directly here —https://www.childrenstraveldoc.com/ask-a-query
To book a consultation: https://www.childrenstraveldoc.com/booking