Tips for your Flight

--Is an onboard wheelchair provided?

--Do you need a seat with a moveable armrest? Request special seating, if required. You may need extra space to store a walker or crutches. If the seat you need is already assigned, you may, by law, request its reassignment to you.

--Make arrangements ahead of time to have your wheelchair checked as priority baggage.

--Do you need room on the plane to store a walker?

--Is help with check-in available?

--What ground transport is available to and from the airport?

--Do you have to change planes en route? If so, what ground transport is available between airline gates or terminals?

--Where is special parking for handicapped located? Maps of terminals can be obtained ahead of time from the airport, a travel agent or from the Internet.

Once on board, it’s important to know that airlines do not generally provide services to help with eating, drinking, taking medication or help inside a washroom.

If you have a medical attendant, reduced fare may be provided for them, but medical documents are needed as proof when booking your flight. Check into airlines that offer permanent medical cards (called a FREMEC). You are not required to pay extra for any disabled services. However, hook up for a respirator and stretcher travel are not services airlines must provide. Don’t take anything for granted.

For international travel, service dogs require a health certificate and proof of vaccination. Some countries and cruise ships do not allow service dogs. Britain is one of those countries, but there are plans in the works to change their law.

Second, after arrival, check your wheelchair or electric cart before you leave the airport. Airlines are responsible for their repair, but you must deal with any problems at the airport on arrival.