Special needs? Here are some tips for flying abroad
It's officially "shoulder season," the lull between summer's high season and winter's low. And that's good for three reasons: Lower prices, fewer crowds and ideal conditions for travelers with special needs.
Because it's not an overly popular time to travel -- kids are in school and beach weather is almost a distant memory -- there's more space on walkways, and lines for attractions and museums are shorter, both important considerations for those who have difficulty standing or use a wheelchair.
Flying abroad: If you're planning an international flight, it's important to know that while U.S. regulations mandate that American carriers cannot refuse passengers based upon disability -- except in extreme instances -- foreign carriers serving the United States might not be subjected to those rules. Most large airlines belonging to the International Air Transport Association voluntarily adapt similar rules, but smaller foreign airlines may not. Plus, they might not have accessible facilities. Check with all airlines you will be connecting with.
Only wide-body aircraft with two aisles are required to have fully accessible lavatories. Planes with 60 or more seats must also have an on-board wheelchair and employees must assist with moving the wheelchair from the seat to the area outside the restroom.
Flying Alone? U.S. airlines are required to accept your declaration that you are self-reliant enough to travel. But if you require oxygen in-flight, they may deny booking you or allowing you to board. If you request mobility assistance, U.S. airlines with 30 seats or more must provide access to the plane door, an aisle wheelchair, and a seat with removable armrests.
But airline personnel are not required to transfer passengers from wheelchair to wheelchair, wheelchair to aircraft seat, or wheelchair to lavatory seat. If you are not able to transfer yourself, you should travel with an attendant. And while that's prudent, no airline can force you to do so, except in special cases. If you have questions about accessibility, call the Department of Transportation Hotline 800-778-4838/800-435-9880 (TTY).
Traveling with a service or companion animal? If you're bringing your companion animal abroad, the animal must comply with quarantine regulations in countries you travel in or through. Be sure to verify those requirements. And know that when you return home, the animal will be subject to U.S. Animal Import Regulations.
Bringing vs. renting special equipment: If you are considering bringing your personal special needs equipment (wheelchair, scooter or oxygen equipment) to use during your trip, remember these items may be subject to restrictions or special handling and advance notice requirements. For example, oxygen concentrators must meet specific requirements, and wet-acid batteries in electric wheelchairs are often stowed in a separate compartment.
Hauling your equipment across the ocean or around the world is inconvenient and not always trouble-free. The equipment can be easily damaged or even lost in transit and it is not always easy to find replacement parts for your wheelchair, oxygen concentrator or other special needs equipment abroad. It might be better to lease equipment you require from a company that provides special needs equipment for travelers, like the Special Needs Group, which delivers wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen, listening devices and other equipment directly to cruise ships, hotels, resorts and convention centers around the world.
