Inform issue 26 – Summer 2019

Our advice
informonline.org.au
19
let the airline know that you will be
bringing a mobility aid early, as many
aeroplanes can only accommodate a
small number of these, and there may
already be other people who have
booked a spot for a wheelchair or
scooter on your flight.
Communicate early and often
Once upon a time airlines understood
“I need mobility assistance” as
“I need a wheelchair”, but these
days you can communicate your
needs with a level of nuance.
Communicating your specific needs
with the airline well ahead of time will
ensure you have the best possible
experience. Start by calling when you
are booking your ticket to ensure
the airline can accommodate your
needs. Then call again the day
before your travel, to confirm your
plans and go over what will happen
when you arrive at the airport. Finally,
ensure you arrive at the airport
with plenty of extra time, as it may
take you longer to get to your gate.
Whatever your specific needs are,
if you communicate them early and
often you are more likely to get
the individual support you require,
rather than being treated as ‘generic
disability’.
When you arrive at the airport
If you give them enough notice some
airlines will meet you at your car
with a wheelchair. You can request
a golf buggy ride if you are more
mobile, but may still find the long trip
between check in and the final gate
too long and strenuous. If you use
crutches or walking sticks let the staff
at security checkpoints know that you
require these aids to walk – if you
communicate your needs, they can
pass your walking stick(s) through the
scanner, and then bring them back
to you, to allow you to walk on your
own through the security checkpoint.
Alternatively, they may provide a
wheelchair to get you to the other
side. Finally, if you are checking in
a wheelchair or scooter, ensure you
bring the manual and any tools you
may require to disassemble it. Most
airlines will require that tall backrests
are removed, or they may have other
requirements. Ensure you arrive with
plenty of time to undertake these
tasks, and that you bring someone to
assist you, as airlines may not be able
to do so.
On the plane
Remember that being on the plane
itself may take some planning. Airline
staff are not expected to assist with
eating, administering medication,
using the toilet or lifting or carrying a
passenger. If you are likely to require
this type of assistance, you’ll need
to bring someone with you who can
perform these tasks. If you need
a carer, they may be eligible for a
Companion Card discount from the
airline, which can provide tickets at a
significantly reduced cost.
Touchdown
If you have a stopover, it’s worth
checking whether you will have
access to your mobility aids. If
they have been stored under the
aeroplane, the answer is likely no, so
come up with a plan for the stopover
ahead of time in consultation with the
airline. It’s also important to plan what
will happen at your final destination.
Talk to the airline about where you
can pick up your mobility aids, or
what assistance may be available
in terms of commuting through the
airport to pick up your luggage.