5 Airport Tips for Holiday Travel

For wheelchair or mobility device users airport travel can be tricky at times. Lift and Transfer Specialists would like to offer you some tips for as trouble free flight as possible:

Arrive Early

It’s always stressful when you have to feel rushed during a trip, but there are always additional things you have to account for when you’re traveling with limited mobility. Things such as communicating with airport personnel about what you need and using the handicap bathroom before the flight can all take up additional time.

Use the Bathroom Before You Board

Airplane bathrooms are hard to maneuver even with fully mobile individuals.  Use the handicap-accessible bathroom before the flight starts.

Prepare for a Pat-Down

You wheelchair will set off the metal detector, so you won’t be able to use that. This means the TSA will pat you down and check your chair for explosives. They will also ask you to remove your shoes, which can add time to your travel.

Choose a Spot Near The Front of the Plane When You Make Your Reservation

Many airplane employees will reserve seats near the front for the differently-abled, so you may not need to have first-class tickets to get one of these. Politely ask the employees if there is anything they can do for you. They may not be able to, but it doesn’t hurt to communicate!

Time Your Boarding

You want to be with either the first or last wave. Most places will let the differently-abled board first, but if you miss that, board with the last wave. It saves you from having people pile in around you as you get out of your wheelchair and into your seat.

The holidays truly are a wonderful time of the year, and we hope you’re able spend it with the people you care about.