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The Day of Flying

On the day of flying always arrive as early as possible. Even if you are embarking on a long-haul flight, and the prospect of spending even more time at the airport may be unappealing, having the extra time to organize everything is essential.

Flying with Disability strongly recommends that you use gel or foam filled batteries to power your chair. Normal acid filled batteries can be used to fly, though security 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 on board coat closet, though there will only be room for one wheelchair. Airlines work on a first-come, first served basis for the storage of wheelchairs on board If you cannot secure this space, the airline will store your chair with the main luggage. This will not affect your luggage allowance.

If you have a connecting flight, take into account that you are likely to be the last to leave the plane, and any tight connecting flights may be hard to manoeuvre as you will have to wait to collect your wheelchair between flights.

Flying with Disability advises that you allow at least one hour to reach a connecting flight. Discuss this with your flight operator to ensure that travel connections run smoothly. They will be able to provide in-depth information about the layout and size of the airport, and those provisions required for wheelchairs.

If you do have a tight connection, inform the airline so that they can arrange to get your wheelchair and luggage ready for collection as soon as you disembark and check it in to the connecting flight.

It is often a good idea, to warn one of the flight attendants near the end of your journey to radio ahead for a wheelchair to be ready at the tarmac for when you arrive. This can help save time.
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