Traveling with a wheelchair bound companion can be quite the adventure, especially when trying to plan extended trips through places like historic sites in Europe. This is the exact sort of trip I was planning for in the late summer of 2017. Four cities in three weeks while traveling with my grandmother in her wheelchair presented travel arrangement challenges that I hadn't confronted in the past. For this addition of my "Wheelchair Accessibility" series I will focus on transportation during air travel. Here are some of the things I wish I had known, and what I discovered during the booking process - particularly with airlines - and on the ground that is important to consider when traveling with a wheelchair companion.
FLYING WITH ACCESSIBILITY; GETTING STARTED
The first element of the process that needs to be addressed is planning the transport. For flights, make sure that during the checkout process you select the accessibility option for the ticket that will need the assistance. It will be in a slightly different place for every airline, but can generally be found after the passenger information has been input. After that option is selected there is generally a drop down that allows you to select what level of assistance is needed. The three options that I have encountered most often are: help to the gate, help to the aircraft door (down the gang way), and help to the aircraft seat. Each level of help has pros and cons, and of course are going to change depending on what the passenger needs.
One helpful aspect to traveling via the airport (any large airport I have been to at least) with assistance is that the disabled person and a companion will be able to go through accelerated security (basically move to the front with the family security line). Most of the time airports only allow one companion, but will sometimes make and exception depending on the location and number of people. This becomes very helpful in arriving to your gate early and reducing the stress of the security line hassle.
These accessible services should be free via the airports you are traveling to and from (at least in the USA and Europe, where I have needed them in the past). Keep in mind though that the person assigned to help you is providing a service, and while it isn't required to tip, if they are kind and/or efficient it is polite and greatly appreciated. Depending on the amount of time and help provided $5-$15 is a good starting point for average service (depending on length of assistance throughout the airprot), and $15-$20 is good for service that was exceptional.
Be aware that you will want to arrive a little early to the airport to get checked in, and then find the accessibility office/kiosk so that the airport may assist you to your flight in a timely manner. This is especially applicable if you select the third option, Help all the way to the aircraft seat, as the airport staff will need the extra time to assist you.
ASSISTANCE TO THE GATE
This is good for people that need assistance through the airport, but can make it from there to the aircraft on there own, even if they need to board first and have that extra time to get down the ramp to the aircraft. This is typically good for passengers who have crutches, a walker, or something similar where it is going to be difficult to travel long distances and/or need help through security. If you have an item to assist you walking that you would like to check at the gate or before you make your way through the airport, and can walk down the ramp on your own (or at least with the assistance of your crutches etc. until you drop it off at the bottom of the ramp), this is probably a good option for you or your loved one.
ASSISTANCE TO THE AIRCRAFT
If you are able to walk down the aisle of the aircraft of your own, but need assistance there (especially if you have a wheelchair that you would like to check, and use the airline wheelchairs from check-in to the gate) then this is the best option. If you can get away with this option at all, even if it means selecting a seat near the entrance so that there is minimal walking, it is a great way to travel. Typically the passenger will be brought down to the end of the ramp, and then walk from the door of the aircraft to the assigned seat.
NOTE: Some airlines do have the accessible entrance at the back of the plane, so be aware if you are booking on a flight with a smaller plane. This has many factors including what airport it is, the size of the plane, and the gate you happen to be at. Generally speaking, if you would have to bored the plane via a staircase, this is a possible option for the airport to use. If the distance from where you board to your seat is an important factor for you, I would suggest calling the airline to book your tickets as they should know what the airport protocol is, or calling the airport to ask if you don't know yet what airline you are using.
ASSISTANCE TO THE PASSENGER'S SEAT
As far as the three options go, this one is the most extensive. If you can get away with walking to your seat on your own, I would recommend it over this option. This is because at the bottom of the ramp, the airport will have to move the passenger from a wheelchair to a special device to help you down the aisle and into the seat. Which isn't bad by any means, just time consuming. If you plan around it by arriving to the gate around 30 minutes before boarding, there are shouldn't be a problem, but always check with your local airport to be sure that is plenty of time.
OVERALL
When booking flights where wheelchair accessibility is something that needs to be addressed, the best resource will be calling your local airport and arriving early. When I planned my families wheelchair accessible trip I figured it out as I went, and calling the airport ahead of time definitely would have helped alleviate some stress. Even if the process was the same, knowing what to expect would have been helpful. As overwhelming as this process may seem the first time that you go through it, the benefits of traveling greatly outweigh the booking process and extra time at the airport. If there are any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Wishing you luck on all of your current and future travels.
All the best,
The Vintage Travel Team