When you head for the airport:

By Herb Drill

Many of the attendees at the World Congress on Disabilities and products/services exposition in Orlando, FL got there on a jet plane. So, for future attendees and us sometime air travelers, and compliments of Access-Able Travel Source (www.access-able.com), here are some Air Travel Tips for Wheelchair or Scooter Users.

            The key to a safe and comfortable trip is planning, therefore, when making airline reservations: make your reservation as far in advance as possible; tell the reservations person you will be traveling with a wheelchair or scooter; inform them if you need boarding assistance - aisle chair to get to your seat. An aisle chair is a narrow straight back chair with wheels underneath. It’s designed to fit down the aisle of an airplane and is used to assist passengers who can’t walk.

            If it’s a long flight and you are able to use a standard plane restroom but are unable to walk to the restroom, ask that they make an aisle chair available during the flight. Some airplanes have a privacy curtain which includes the aisle, which would allow a companion to assist you. Remember, airplane restrooms are small.

            On newer and refurbished wide-body jets (two aisles) there is one accessible restroom. It’s large enough to fit the aisle chair inside, making it possible to transfer to the toilet. These planes generally carry an aisle chair, but it’s a good idea to confirm one will be on board.

            Also, always confirm they have a record of your requests 48 hours prior to departure.

            Some newer planes have lift-up arms on some aisles, and you can request a seat there if it’s available to make transferring easier. Some passengers prefer bulkhead seats which have more legroom, but the arm rests on these seats don’t lift up.