Travelling on a plane

[Ian Anderson]

Hi - I am planning to go on holiday to Crete in June and looking for some advice regarding the flight. I am planning to take my powered wheelchair for the first time on a plane and wondered how best to do that.
1. What should I remove from the wheelchair before it goes into the plane hold.
2. Should we take anything we have removed into the cabin with us?
3. What should we do with the charger?
4. I also have a breathing machine which I use overnight...what should I do with that?

If anyone can help...please respond!
Thanks
Ian.

[Deb]

Hi Ian,

I'll do my best to help you. We are very lucky to have an adapted apartment in Spain and so we fly fairly frequently. I have no movement in my legs so I need a full assistance package which we book when we book the flights. You are entitled to free seats near the ambulift and I warn them I will need the aisle wheelchair and lifting to my seat. I stay in my power chair on the lift. My husband disconnects the power but we don't remove anything.

You are entitled to free cabin bags for medical equipment and the wheelchair charger goes in there. I don't have breathing equipment so I can't help you there but I'm guessing that would be in your additional cabin bag in case you need it on the plane.

You do need to ensure that the airline has all the dimensions of your powerchair and I take a copy of the manual.

It sounds like alot of hassle but it's worth it for us to sit in the sun. Good luck,
Love Debbie x

[JamesW]

Hi Ian,

I hope you have a great trip 👍 make sure you make full use of passenger assistance at your airports. My experience of using them was extremely positive.

[Ellie]

Ian Anderson A warm welcome to the forum, Ian.

As soon as you know which airline you’ll be flying with, and before you book, look on their website (or contact them) to see their policy on carrying your wheelchair and NIV machine (mobility aids and medical equipment). Your NIV machine may require a letter from your doctor and, if the machine has an internal battery, it may need to be declared - airlines can differ in their regulations but they will all carry your chair free of charge.

Once your chair is booked, be sure to book special assistance for the airport and/or aircraft.

Have you travel insurance? xx

[floflo]

when I fly my experience is similar to deb. I remove my control and a footplates and bring on board. I take my cushion to sit on too. more recently I bought a pro more sling to help with the transfer to the plane seat. every airline I've flown with makes me sit on the window seat and transfers have been less stressful and more comfortable with the sling

[Ellie]

I bought a pro more sling to help with the transfer to the plane seat.

That's interesting floflo Do cabin crew assist in moving you in the Pro Move sling or can you manage with one travelling companion? xx

[floflo]

the special assistance crew transfer me as it requires at least two people to use it. some uk airports have there own,usually kept in the ambulift,and I came across them when one crew used it with me. I chose to get my own as they are thin and comfortable enough to leave in place during the flight and I'm ready to go the other side.

[Ellie]

Thanks for that floflo