Tips for Traveling with Your Wheelchair

Planning an upcoming trip? Perkowski, Morris and Lengel all suggested a few steps you can take to protect your wheelchair while flying. 

• Talk to the airline. “Talk to them when you buy your tickets and call them multiple times before your trip to remind them that you are traveling with a wheelchair,” Perkowski advises. “Get the names of everyone you speak to.” 
• Tape instructions to the wheelchair. Both Lengel and Morris suggest taping specific instructions to the wheelchair, specifically detailing any actions baggage handlers might need to take to load your chair onto the plane. Perkowski says to go one step further, especially if the chair belongs to a child. “Take a picture of your child and tape it to the chair or stroller with a sign on the chair that says, ‘My wheelchair is my legs.’”
• Remove any and everything you can. Wheels, joysticks, headrests, cushions. If it comes off the chair, take it off before your wheelchair is loaded into the cargo bay. 
• Document the condition of your equipment before and after your flight. Prior to getting on your flight, document the condition of your mobility equipment from every angle. When the wheelchair or device is returned to you following your flight, go through the process again, documenting any damage. “If something is wrong when you land, do not sign for a replacement at the airport,” Perkowski warns. “Make sure to tell the airline you want your original provider to evaluate the chair for damages as soon as they can to ensure nothing is missed.” 
• Drive your chair as far as you can. When it’s time to gate check your chair, talk to the people who will be handling it and explain any specific actions they should or shouldn’t take, like turning the chair on its side. “If you can watch them load your chair onto the plane, do it,” Perkowski recommends. 

To learn more or plan for an upcoming trip, permobil.com/travel-support.