Travelling on a plane

wheelybabe

I wish to g to Australia but have reservations about flying as I have put put off many times. Being in a wheelchair and unable to transfer on my own I can’t get a straight answer from an airport how they would deal with this. Also about taking my electric chair with me, is
it possible or not.

Richard_Scope

Hi @wheelybabe
I have found some tips for travelling with a power chair http://wheelchairtraveling.com/air-travel-with-a-power-wheelchair/ 
Have you tried any specialised travel agents?

markyboy

Hi i went to Australia  last Nov with emirates if you are disabled you get 1st class service from them 
When you book your holiday as i did i went to a travel agent you tell them that you need special assistance and the airline will ask if you need wheelchair assistance at airports also they will book you a isle seat free of charge but if you go with a partner they will have to pay to get a seat next to you its about £20 per journey
I will tell you my story i arrived at manchester to check in there was a seperate isle for disabled so straight to desk i took my electric scooter with me which i pre booked  free of charge with airline, they will want to know weight and dimensions their main concern will be the battery majority of scooter or wheelchair batteries are dry cell and they are ok to travel  i took proof that the battery was compliant
I was allowed to take my scooter to the gate where i was put in a wheelchair to the plane  and at Dubai we had a wheelchair man met me at the plane and got me on the plane to Perth where i was met with a wheelchair to baggage area to find my scooter there it's so easy i was worried before i went now i am going again soon
Majority of Airlines that fly to Australia are really good with assistance
Good Luck

markyboy

Just to add if you require wheelchair assistance on the plane to go to the toilet they have one on board which fits up the isle and the stewardesses will help you

wheelybabe

 Thank you for your feedback, I have one extra question for you what about the fact I am unable to transfer  from my wheelchair to Another surface without assistance?

markyboy

Not sure how far the airline staff are allowed to assist best to decide who you want to fly with and ring the customer services to get the facts.
Travel agents never seem to have the answers 

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @wheelybabe, you may find some of Simply Emma's blog posts about accessible travel to be helpful too!