What to know before flying with a wheelchair for the 1st time
Our journey through life is not always on a road that is smooth, straight and simple. What once was an easy and often thoughtless task — such as getting through the airport — can become what feels like an insurmountable feat.
At some point, many of us may, for a variety of reasons, find ourselves in a situation where the spirit is healthy and the attitude is positive, but the body is reluctantly challenged by age, illness or injury. We recently had the privilege of traveling with a family member that falls into that category due to a serious health problem that occurred last year.
While she can perform everyday chores and move about at home at her own pace, her mobility is somewhat restricted, meaning anything beyond her typical level of physical exertion — like navigating through a large, busy airport — can be difficult.
So, how does her experience of flying with a wheelchair compare to ours — and what should you be aware of if you're new to traveling with a wheelchair? Here's everything to know before you arrive at the airport.
Related: These are the most wheelchair-accessible cities around the world
Requesting wheelchair assistance
When we decided to plan a family vacation to see fall foliage in North Carolina and Tennessee this past October, we looked for wheelchair assistance options when booking our flights.
While the exact process varies by airline, typically, requesting wheelchair assistance on the carrier's website is possible in one of two places. You may have the option to request "special assistance" during the booking process itself. If the request cannot be made as you book, you may instead find a way to ask for extra assistance within the trip details section of your airline account after your reservation is finalized.
Should you wish to avoid navigating airline websites to find the appropriate place to make your request, you can also pick up the phone to request a wheelchair or other assistance from your chosen carrier.
Like my relative, you do not need to regularly use a wheelchair at home to take advantage of this service. While you're welcome to bring your own wheelchair and receive assistance using it, you can also utilize one provided by the airport.
Additionally, you can customize how the airport's staff assists you when submitting your request. When we put in our request, we asked that assistance be provided at all involved airports, from the terminal arrival to the boarding gate and then again from the departure gate to the terminal exit. However, depending on your particular situation, you may not need as much assistance. If that's the case, note how much assistance you're looking for when making your request so the airline and airport are aware.
Related: Here's what my dream travel day would look like as a wheelchair user
Using wheelchair assistance
As we entered Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), we quickly found our airline's wheelchair storage area and its attendant. The site was adjacent to the check-in and baggage drop-off area on the main floor of the terminal.
At IAH, it appeared that each airline in the terminal had a similar setup. The attendant greeted us and was already aware of our request for wheelchair assistance, so after scanning my relative's boarding pass and checking her ID for verification, he helped her into a wheelchair, loaded her personal items and proceeded to push the chair toward the airport's security screening lines.
All members of our party were advised and encouraged to stay together as a group, and we soon found ourselves at a special wheelchair access point at the front of the security lines. We essentially received priority passage to the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint and subsequent scanning process.
The airline representative remained with the wheelchair and our relative throughout the procedure and helped secure personal belongings and luggage from the conveyor belt after each item exited the X-ray machine. He then pushed the wheelchair to our departure gate and asked if we needed to stop for food, snacks or a restroom break along the way.
At the gate, he ensured everything was OK and that we were comfortable before leaving to assist others.
We had only been at the boarding gate for a short period before the gate agent approached and asked if we needed help getting down the ramp to the plane. Our travel companion declined, saying she thought she could make it on her own. We were then advised that we could board early when the agent called for "those that might need additional time in the boarding process." Once again, our group of three was told to stay together. This proved beneficial and essential, as we could help carry items and store them in the overhead bin for our travel companion.
Related: 7 air travel tips for wheelchair users
After a comfortable two-hour flight from Houston to Atlanta, we waited to exit the aircraft until everyone else had deplaned, as we were advised that this would be the best course of action to facilitate the process for the other passengers. As we exited the now-empty aircraft, a smiling aide with a tablet displaying my relative's name was waiting with a wheelchair. She scanned the boarding pass for the connecting flight, and up the ramp and into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) we went.
Similar to our experience at the smaller Houston airport, we were offered time to get refreshments or use the restroom as we made our way through the much busier Atlanta airport. Our next flight was departing from a different concourse, so we had a much farther journey this time that required traversing two concourses and catching the Plane Train, the airport's automated people mover.
Our aide knew where we were going, so we followed her lead. It almost felt like having a personal guide leading us through the airport.
Since we'd traveled quite a considerable distance by this point — 956 steps, plus an escalator, within ATL alone — our travel companion opted to use the wheelchair all the way to the plane's door. We once again had the option to board early, giving us ample time to get seated and settled before the regular boarding process began.
At our final destination, Chattanooga, Tennessee, there was again a wheelchair attendant ready and willing to help us make our way through Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA). Before long, we were exiting the airport to begin our leaf-peeping adventure in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Related: A day in the life: What it's like to travel through an airport and on a plane as a wheelchair user
Tips for traveling with mobility issues
In addition to requesting wheelchair assistance at airports, there are other ways to make travel a little easier if mobility is a challenge or concern.
Those using rental cars should remember to bring their disability parking placards from home if they have them. This perk can prove invaluable in reducing the distance that has to be traversed at restaurants, shops, attractions and more.
Additionally, when booking lodging, make sure to request a room that is by an entrance, on the ground level or close to the elevator if the first floor is not an option. Every step saved may be the difference between a good experience and an unpleasant one.
Also, know what you're capable of handling and avoid overexerting yourself. My relative noticed her energy was low at one point during our trip, so she opted to take a day off from activities to recharge at the hotel. This relaxing down day went a long way in keeping her comfortable for the rest of our vacation, as it made sure she could fully enjoy and partake in everything else we had on our itinerary.
Related: Planning an accessible trip? These travel resources can help
Bottom line
Traveling with mobility issues may require a little more effort, but with careful planning, it is, without question, feasible. Airports across America offer free wheelchair assistance so you (or those in your travel group) can get from point A to point B without encountering too many challenges.
Sure, there may be issues you come across along the way, as no system is perfect, but you can rest easy knowing you'll have help from a staffer who knows the ins and outs of the airport you're traversing. By taking advantage of all the resources available to you, you can save energy and be more present while out exploring your chosen destination.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.