Ok that makes me feel better about travel. Part of his concern is probably physically being able to travel across the airport during the layover if he doesn't have anyone to push the wheelchair, I guess I could tell him this, although I would worry about him traveling alone due to other issues such as his memory. I guess if he really needs to go somewhere by plane I'd have to look into using time off to go with him, but make sure the airlines know he has needs.
I’ve seen employees pushing wheelchairs through airports many times. I’m not sure how far they will go; they also have a motorized vehicle they can use that will transport him between gates. DHS grandmother flew yearly to Hawaii through her early 90s and used these services, preboarding, etc.
Ok that makes me feel better about travel. Part of his concern is probably physically being able to travel across the airport during the layover if he doesn't have anyone to push the wheelchair, I guess I could tell him this, although I would worry about him traveling alone due to other issues such as his memory. I guess if he really needs to go somewhere by plane I'd have to look into using time off to go with him, but make sure the airlines know he has needs.
For as much shit as airlines get for crap that they pull, they really do have their act together when it comes to assisting passengers in wheelchairs or who need assistance. Our family has used Southwest and American to fly family members across the US who needed extra help with mobility. Airlines do offer a gate pass for passengers that need assistance; they will allow a non-ticketed person to accompany the passenger to the gate. So if he has family on both ends, you can get a wheelchair escort and a gate pass to make things easier.
I am really surprised how well airlines seem to do with limited mobility, according to those on this thread. They have a terrible track record when it comes to breaking/losing wheelchairs (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/11/22/airlines-department-transportation-report-damage-wheelchairs/4270695002/). My coworker has multiple stories of his chair being damaged or lost for days at a time after flying.
My sister has a disability that makes it hard for her to walk long distances, thus making it extremely difficult for her to make it through an airport. She flies alone almost monthly and never has any issues as shes always escorted to the gates from security by either wheelchair or one of those vehicles that drive through the airport, same for when she lands.
I also hate how difficult air travel is now. My poor dad is semi-handicapped at 70 and has determined he's not going to fly again in his life. He missed a big trip to his hometown due to a bad fall and now worries he'd need a wheelchair and a traveling companion just to get through the travel, esp where he goes never had a direct line. These thoughts come from a place of privilege, but as we've said here, not everyone can live near family/friends whatever they need to fly too, and shouldn't be limited because of kids or physical ability.
Many PP have spoken to this already but let me add: My dad has flown to see my sister. He is late 70's with heart problems now. When he books his ticket he can ask for a "transport". When he is dropped off at arrivals have him (or whoever is with him) remind the staff that he is to have a transport. The staff should arrive with a golf cart and cart him off through security and to his gate. He just has to remind people at each airline that he is to be taken by transport.
My dad couldn't get over the fancy treatment (felt fancy to him) but they want to help, and they have staff to do this. My dad is no longer cleared to fly, but it was nice when he could get it. Good luck to you, and your dad, when traveling!
Ok that makes me feel better about travel. Part of his concern is probably physically being able to travel across the airport during the layover if he doesn't have anyone to push the wheelchair, I guess I could tell him this, although I would worry about him traveling alone due to other issues such as his memory. I guess if he really needs to go somewhere by plane I'd have to look into using time off to go with him, but make sure the airlines know he has needs.
My dad travels regularly and books a wheelchair with the airline. He doesn't use a wheelchair in his daily life, so I can't comment on the treatment of personal wheelchairs sent as baggage. They take him from the check in desk to the gate via wheelchair, and he tips the airport employee who pushes him (even though he usually travels with his wife, when you book the airport wheelchair they have someone to push you). He walks on and off the plane himself - his issue is with longer distances - and there's someone waiting for him at the gate when he lands to reverse the process or get him to/from connecting flights. He usually gets to cut customs, immigration and security lines in the wheelchair as well.
Ok that makes me feel better about travel. Part of his concern is probably physically being able to travel across the airport during the layover if he doesn't have anyone to push the wheelchair, I guess I could tell him this, although I would worry about him traveling alone due to other issues such as his memory. I guess if he really needs to go somewhere by plane I'd have to look into using time off to go with him, but make sure the airlines know he has needs.
I recently bought plane tickets for my grandparents and I was able to select an option that said they needed wheelchair assistance in the airport. I'm sure most airlines have some sort of assistance available. They should be able to board the plane in the first group, too.
Ok that makes me feel better about travel. Part of his concern is probably physically being able to travel across the airport during the layover if he doesn't have anyone to push the wheelchair, I guess I could tell him this, although I would worry about him traveling alone due to other issues such as his memory. I guess if he really needs to go somewhere by plane I'd have to look into using time off to go with him, but make sure the airlines know he has needs.
I recently bought plane tickets for my grandparents and I was able to select an option that said they needed wheelchair assistance in the airport. I'm sure most airlines have some sort of assistance available. They should be able to board the plane in the first group, too.
All of this makes me feel better. Thinking further ahead the family/friends he would go visit are older, and live at least an hour away from the airport, so he'd probably require me to go. Before he would rent a car and drive out there as to avoid needing a ride/assistance. I'm sure he could pay for a van service, if it goes out to the area he goes, but then that's another expense. That's probably part of his concern, not making someone else take time off to go to something they wouldn't care about. I just hate the thought of him never going further than the state where he lives, but that's his choice.
I am really surprised how well airlines seem to do with limited mobility, according to those on this thread. They have a terrible track record when it comes to breaking/losing wheelchairs (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/11/22/airlines-department-transportation-report-damage-wheelchairs/4270695002/). My coworker has multiple stories of his chair being damaged or lost for days at a time after flying.
all the positive stories I’ve heard are people who need assistance with mobility so use an airport wheelchair, but don’t use a wheelchair in daily life/don’t check one as baggage. I’m not surprised by your article based on how my suitcases are handled. Baggage is a mess.