by Charlotte Bethune-Fisher
Last month, I gave an overview of how to start planning a trip, how to use a travel agency, and what to consider when using ground transportation. This month, we’ll look at how to use air travel.
The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 prohibits discrimination against air travelers with disabilities. For more information about this important legislation and how it affects you, you can order United Spinal’s free booklet Air Carrier Access by calling our toll-free publications hotline 800-444-0120, or you may order it online at www.unitedspinal.org.
Where there is a choice of airlines, check on their policy and attitude toward carrying people with disabilities; the facilities they provide for them (both on the ground and in the air); the type of aircraft and seats (some are more comfortable than others-a good resource to check is www.seatguru.com); the availability of special diets; the method of boarding and disembarking; and so on.
On the day of flying, always arrive as early as possible. The time of day for traveling can be important to someone with a disability, as can the difference between a nonstop flight and one that involves stopovers. Be advised that airlines cannot request a medical certificate based solely on the fact that a traveler has a disability.
Check In and Security Screening
At check-in, airlines must provide meet-andassist service (e.g., assistance to gate or aircraft) for people with disabilities who request them at drop-off points. At the screener checkpoints, individuals assisting passengers with disabilities are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints, however, these individuals must present themselves at the airlines’ check-in counter and receive a “pass” allowing them to go through the screener checkpoint without a ticket.
Ticketed passengers with their own oxygen for use on the ground are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints with their oxygen canisters once the canisters have been inspected. The limit of one carry-on bag and one personal bag does not apply to medical supplies and/or assistive devices.
All persons allowed beyond the screener checkpoints will be searched. This is usually done using a hand-held metal detector or pass-thru X-ray screening device. Passengers in a wheelchair, however, are usually patted down. Request for a private screening remains an option for travelers in a wheelchair and can be requested as well.
Service animals will be inspected as well to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed. Assistive devices, backpacks or side packs on a service animal or wheelchair as long as it is not concealed and inspected or put through an X-ray machine will be permitted onboard an aircraft. The service animal’s halter may be removed for further inspection.
(Incidentally, if you are flying overseas with a service animal, be aware that they may be subject to quarantine laws at your destination and will only be permitted to fly following clearance. This will involve obtaining veterinary certification before flying. There should not be an additional expense for your service dog because it is not considered in the same category as flying with pets.)
Syringes are permitted onboard an aircraft once it is determined that the person has a documented medical need for the syringe. Manual non-powered personal wheelchairs will still be allowed to be stowed on board an aircraft. Personal power wheelchairs and scooters may still be used to reach the departure gate after security inspection, but, the airline representatives for gate checking will take them. It is best to check any power wheelchair or scooter in at the airline check- in counter for proper stowing aboard the aircraft.
Transporting Wheelchairs
It is strongly recommended that you use gel or foam-filled batteries to power your chair. Normal acid filled batteries can be used to fly, though check-in staff will be required to remove them, whereupon they will be specially packed for the duration of the flight.
Manual fold-up wheelchairs can actually be stowed in the onboard coat closet, though there will only be room for one wheelchair. Airlines work on a first-come, first-served basis for storage of wheelchairs onboard. If you cannot secure coat closet space, the airline will gate-check your wheelchair with the main luggage. This will not affect your luggage allowance.
On aircraft with 100 seats or more, priority space in the cabin is generally given to a passenger’s wheelchair. These aircraft must also have one lavatory available with sufficient room for the passenger to maneuver using an onboard wheelchair.
As with all luggage, tag your chair with all your contact details: name, address, telephone number, and hotel address in the unlikely event that your chair goes missing. Ideally, you should also attach to your chair a photocopy of instructions to dismantle. If your chair requires any special equipment for disassembling, discuss this with the airline in advance so that they can accommodate your needs.
If your checked luggage is lost or damaged, US-based airlines will only reimburse up to $2,800. Wheelchairs or other mobility devices, however, are exempt from liability restrictions for loss, damage or delays to these items for both domestic and international travel.
Oxygen and Other Special Services
To avoid any problems on the day of flying it is a good idea to provide at least 48 hours advance notice if you require the use of medical oxygen, a supply of electricity for a respirator or any accommodations if traveling by stretcher. Often airlines charge an additional fee for such services. Oxygen rates are charged per bottle and vary with each airline and you will be required to have full medical clearance from the airline. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a physician’s statement outlining your need for oxygen. Some airlines require a minimum of 7 days prior notice. Check with your specific carrier. If the airline does not receive an advance notice, then it is not bound to provide special services to a traveler with a disability.
Connecting Flights and Co-Terminals
If you have a connecting flight, take into account that you are likely to be the last to leave the aircraft, and any tight connecting flights may be hard to maneuver, as you will have to wait to collect your wheelchair between flights. It is advisable to allow at least one hour reaching a connecting flight. It is often a good idea to ask one of the flight attendants near the end of your flight to radio ahead for a straight- back chair to be at the gate or tarmac when you arrive. This can help save you precious time. (TIP: Book a direct flight if possible.)
There will inevitably be instances, where due to unforeseen circumstances; an airline will not be able to accommodate those features of accessibility requested. Generally, this tends to be the case when, for safety reasons, the original aircraft may have to be replaced at the last minute. Passengers are generally not given any type of compensation if this does occur, and the airlines are not required to do so. The airlines are only obligated to provide transportation from original origin to destination. Airlines are allowed to fly into an alternate airport known as a co-terminal, e.g., in New York City, co-terminal airports are JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark if the original destination is not available. In addition, they are not obligated or required to provide ground transportation from the alternate co-terminal airport back to the original destination airport.
ABLE to Travel
Keep in mind United Spinal’s ABLE to Travel service can get you discounts on flights, cruises, hotels and other travel needs. Remember that ABLE to Travel is exclusively an accessible travel service staffed by agents with years of experience and is a benefit of your membership. When planning a trip, visit abletotravel.org or call toll-free 888-211-3635.
Next Month: Cruises
Charlotte Bethune-Fisher is a case worker for Hospital Services.
ABLE to Travel
A full services travel agency for United Spinal Association members
For more information, call ABLE to Travel, toll free, at 888-211-3635. Or visit our Web site: www.abletotravel.org
