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

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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.