How to Fly with the Disabled

Traveling with someone who is disabled or traveling with a companion with special needs might be a little intimidating. However, if you put a little time and effort into the planning process, flying with the disabled companion can be an enjoyable experience for you both. Here are some helpful suggestions for planning your flight.

Instructions

1. Bring a physician letter when traveling. This should include a general description of the disability and standard means of treatment along with any prescription information.

2. Check with your airline carrier for any requirements on flying with medical equipment. Most airlines are not allowed to transport medical oxygen or other hazardous materials in carry-on or cargo. Portable, battery operated options are allowed, but additional restrictions apply such as the person is required to sit in a window seat.

3. Request any additional assistance that may be needed upon arrival. If a wheelchair or attendant will be needed, they can note this on the reservation to ensure airport staff is adequate.

4. Consider travel times when booking a reservation. If your travel plans are flexible, consider traveling during the middle of the day or mid-week when the airport is generally less crowded.

5. Pack a light carry-on bag that contains a snack, a bottle of water and a two to three day supply of medication. Airlines don't offer the meal options they used to, but special meals may be ordered at the time of reservation when meals are available for longer flights.

6. Allow yourself plenty of time for the arrival and check-in process. Security is no less or no more strict based on a disability. If you beep going through the monitors, additional screening will be required.

7. Notify check-in clerks and attendants if assistance is needed in boarding or during any layovers when dealing with connecting flights. The boarding process usually begins 30 minutes prior to scheduled take-off. Most airlines will allow a passenger needing any special assistance to board the plane first regardless of ticket class or seating.

8. Communicate your needs to the flight attendants and personnel at the gate, as they have been trained to assist people with disabilities. Wheelchair storage is available, but space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Most airplanes are equipped with a service wheelchair for mobility around the cabin.

9. Communicate any needs your passenger has if deaf or hard of hearing at the check-in counter so the flight attendants are aware of the passenger's disability. Communication cards are pre-printed and available on most airplanes.

10. Trained assistance animals are also accepted on flights. They are allowed in the passenger cabin on the floor in front of or next to the passenger with disabilities. If the animal is too large to be kept in the cabin, you must provide a portable carrier so the animal can be transported in the cargo area.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan ahead, most airlines are accomodating whether by service practices or legal requirements. Just communicate your needs in a timely manner so the airline staff and flight attendants can meet those needs.

• Take a physician letter with any health conditions, allergies, prescription information and emergency contact information with you in your carry-on bag.

• Motion sickness is a common concern for airline passengers. Take an over-the-counter medication along in your carry-on luggage if this is a concern.

• Any device used for assistance such as canes, walkers or machinery that can be stowed are not generally counted against the carry-on allowance as luggage.

• Wear comfortable clothing in layers or bring a light jacket since you can't control the temperature in the plane.

• Consider reserving an aisle seat so you may get up and out easily.

• If you are going to be on a longer trip and require liquid oxygen, you may transport an empty container that has a valve showing the contents. Then it can be refilled at your destination.

• If you are traveling with a personal wheelchair that uses a wet cell battery for operation, the airline must be notified at least 48 hours in advance of travel.

• Persons with disabilities are restricted from the emergency row exit seats. These normally have more room, but the people sitting in those seats are expected to provide assistance to other passengers in the case of an emergency.

• Be sure that any carry-on medication is labeled properly both for your safety and the security process. Prescription bottles must be labeled with the passenger's name, and it is never a good idea to store different medication in the same bottle.