Wheels Up: How to Travel With a Wheelchair

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimates that 25.5 million Americans aged 5 and older have self-reported travel-limiting disabilities while 3.6 million Americans with travel-limiting disabilities do not leave their homes due to being disabled or housebound. Living with a disability such as paralysis and using a wheelchair should not mean that you cannot travel — but it does mean you will want to know before you go what laws and accommodations are in place to make your trip safer and easier. Whether your travel plans include going by plane, bus, or car, you have rights. Read on to learn more about how to travel with a wheelchair.

Traveling by Air

When you fly, The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT), makes it illegal for American airlines to discriminate against you due to your disability. This legislation applies to all flights into, out of, or within the United States. For specific foreign equivalents of this law, it is best to call ahead to find out what compliance your destination country adheres to.

American airlines are required to provide certain arrangements, such as:

• Use of wheelchairs
• Assistance with boarding, deplaning, or flight connections
• Seating placement that meets disability-related needs

In addition, airlines will assist you with the loading and stowing of any assistive devices, which can be stored in the overhead bins, under the seat in front of you, in a designated storage area, or as checked cargo for no additional fee.

Before Your Trip

Always select the box for assistance when booking your flight for help with seating and check-in. If your flight requires a connection, allow at least 90 minutes between flights to ensure enough time to make it between the flight gates.

You should confirm that your wheelchair is of a suitable size to be stored in the cargo hold, especially important if you are flying on a smaller plane. You should also affix clear instructions for assembly and disassembly instructions before heading to the airport.

At the Airport

If your wheelchair is battery-powered, you must arrive an hour before regular check-in. You should also request that your wheelchair is returned to you on the jetway rather than the baggage claim at your destination; airlines are required by law to return wheelchairs as close to the aircraft door as possible.

At Your Destination

Once you land and receive your wheelchair, inspect it for damage. If you find any, file a claim immediately with the airline’s customer service. Similarly, if you feel that you have been discriminated against while flying on the basis of your disability, you may file a complaint with the DOT.

Traveling by Bus

The DOT’s Americans With Disabilities Act laws require over-the-road bus (OTRB) operators to accommodate riders with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. Companies must offer either an accessible OTRB with a lift or other device to help passengers board the bus as well as specific storing locations for wheelchairs or equivalent services.

When booking your bus travel, you should select the option regarding “passenger traveling with a wheelchair” or similar if you plan to travel while seated in your wheelchair and need help boarding the bus. Selecting this option ensures your bus is equipped for wheelchair boarding and traveling. If you are able to leave your wheelchair in the bus hold, you do not need to select this option.

If you do not see wheelchair access for the bus route you choose, contact the company directly.

Traveling by Car

When traveling by car as someone who uses a wheelchair, there are steps you can take to make it more comfortable.

• Map out accessible bathrooms on your trip route beforehand.
• Allow extra time for wheelchair transfer and maneuvering.
• Take items like a neck pillow, water, and snacks.
• Start small if you have not traveled for lengthier times to build your travel confidence.

Seeing the World With a Wheelchair

Traveling with a wheelchair can feel more complicated, but with proper planning and a positive outlook, you can enjoy seeing the world. Resources such as the Curb Free with Cory Lee blog can encourage you that travel is not only possible but can be a transformative experience.

At MYOLYN, we are passionate about helping people with paralysis move — and improve their quality of life. Learn more about our innovative MyoCycle and the benefits of functional electrical stimulation, or reach out to us to learn more.