Consult a physician before traveling and be sure to have a sufficient supply of prescribed medications. The doctor can make any suggestions for the trip based on the handicapped traveler's condition. This helps avoid any unnecessary emergencies during the flight and at your destination.
Plan the trip as far in advance as possible. The more time allowed for preparation will save money and gives the airline adequate time to prepare for the handicapped traveler. This also gives you the opportunity to make any changes or necessary preparations well in advance of the trip. Be sure to mention the handicapped passenger's exact disabilities at this time (for example, whether he can walk or not) and that you will need full travel accommodations.
Reconfirm the flight by telephone two days before and at the boarding gate when you arrive. Again, tell them that you are traveling with a handicapped passenger and request boarding and full travel assistance. Proper communication makes everybody aware of the handicapped passenger's needs.
Confront all storage issues before boarding. Wheelchairs need to be stored. If traveling with a folding-type wheelchair, confirm that it can be stored on board. If traveling with an electric wheelchair or scooter, it will be stored underneath the plane. Be sure to provide this information at the gate, requesting to check the chair at the gate before boarding and that it be brought back to you upon arrival. Be sure to take any removable cushions and other items with you that can get lost or stolen.
Determine seating requirements. If the passenger is semi-ambulatory and the seats are available, request either a bulkhead seat with extended legroom or a seat with fold-down armrests. If the passenger is not ambulatory, an aisle chair may be the only option to get the passenger to his seat. Aisle chairs are seats on wheels that are narrow enough to fit in the aisle. Also, take bathroom requirements into consideration and check with the flight attendants. Most planes do not have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, so consider catheterization for a long trip.
Repeat these steps on the return flight, being sure to keep the airline informed of your situation and travel dates and times.
