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 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.
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.
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.
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.