Tips and Tricks for Traveling with a Disability
It is February 2022. I am sitting at the gate, waiting to board my flight. My wheelchair is to the right of me, with my navy-blue backpack resting on my seat cushion. I look around and see people walking to their gates, some getting coffee or something to eat along the way.
I’m flying to New York to celebrate my friend’s baby shower, as well as the publication of my new book, An Untethered Truth: A Medical Journey. This is the first time that I will be flying as a paraplegic.
I was excited to travel, yet I also felt a bit nervous. My biggest fear was the airline breaking my wheelchair. Sadly, this happens far too often to travelers with disabilities. According to a report by The Washington Post, airlines have lost or damaged more than 15,000 wheelchairs since late 2018.
As nervous as I felt, I knew that I needed to plan ahead and think proactively.
Here are four tips that I learned from my experience of flying as a paraplegic. Hopefully, these tips can be helpful when preparing for your next trip.
Tip #1: Call the airline ahead of time.
The week before your flight, call the airline. Ask to speak to someone to talk about the accommodations that you will need to successfully fly. Accommodations can range from needing an aisle wheelchair, assistance with carrying luggage, or assistance getting to the gate safely.
If you are a wheelchair user, call the airline 48 hours before your flight. You can ask if the chair can be stored inside the cabin. In some cases, the airline will block off an entire row specifically for your chair if they have advance notice.
Tip #2: Pack your medications in your carry-on bag.
The last thing that you need is your luggage getting lost with your medication(s) inside it. When you pack your medication in your carry-on bag, bring the bottles, especially if you take any controlled substances. You can also bring an extra carry-on bag with medical necessities to be checked at no additional cost.
Tip #3: Pack all other essential items in your carry-on bag.
When you are packing a carry-on bag, think about the key things that you would want with you in case your luggage gets lost. If you struggle with bladder control, there is bladder leak underwear. Always Discreet Boutique Underwear is a hipster style. They feel like real underwear, look stylish, and come in a variety of sizes.
A portable battery charger is helpful, especially if you do not have access to an outlet. Usually, you can use a portable battery a few times before the battery needs to be charged again.
If you are someone who retains fluid when you fly, compression socks can combat the swelling and help with circulation. They come in various colors and patterns, and you can use a measuring guide to help determine which size is appropriate for you.
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Tip #4: Label your mobility aid.
If you or your loved one use a mobility aid (wheelchair, walker, or cane), make sure to label it. Provide your information on it, including your name and the best way to contact you. Labeling your device creates a way for someone to contact you in case it gets lost by the airline.
Overall, traveling with a disability can be stressful, and things can change in the blink of an eye. However, I enjoyed a successful trip to New York, and traveling with my wheelchair went smoothly because of my advance preparation. I felt prepared for my trip and equipped to handle an emergency if one arose. I also grew more confident in myself. Do not hesitate to speak up for yourself on your travel journeys. You are your own best advocate!
Tracy Coval is an author, artist, and disability advocate. Her mission is to incorporate the creative arts into disability advocacy. Her first book, An Untethered Truth: A Medical Journey, focuses on the importance of self-advocacy with our broken healthcare system.