Vacations are amazing. I always love going to new far off places to see the sights and eat delicious food. In order to get to these exotic locations we need an airplane. For many people, air travel is a very stressful situation. There is the dealing with security, waiting in lines, and dealing with baggage just to name of few. But for those of us with disabilities that is just the tip of the iceberg. So how do we figure this out.
Where Are You Going?
There are some places that are just easier to go to than others. When choosing places to travel, do some background research on the location to see if they have the facilities to accommodate your needs. Remember that there are plenty of countries that are doing much better than Canada, so don’t feel like traveling is completely out of the question.
Booking Your Flight:
Great you decided where you want to go and now time to book the flight. Now according to the Canadian Transportation Agency all flights within, coming to or leaving Canada are “suppose” to meet or exceed Canada’s standards for transporting persons with disability. Now each airline is different and it is best to call up each airline that is flying to your intended destination and ask if they are able to accommodate your specific needs.
Also when booking you can add IATA (International Air Transportation Association) code to your flight ticket. The IATA is the trade association of the world’s airlines. Having these codes on your ticket can help you notify staff of your condition and needs. Some of the common codes are listed below:
- WCHR – (Wheel Chair Ramp) Person can use stairs but needs a wheelchair or other means of transport for longer distances.
- WCHS – (Wheel Chair Stair) Passenger cannot use stairs and needs a wheelchair or other means of transport for longer distances.
- Deaf – Person is unable to hear
- Blind – Person is unable to see
- DPNA – (Disable Passenger Needing Assistance) Person has developmental or intellectual disability.
What To Ask:
Everyone’s needs are different so try to think about how your disability affects you and what are the things you need specifically. Let’s talk about a few of the common areas.
Medication:
Normally medication is exempt from the maximum limit for liquids, but always confirm with the airlines before hand. Ask if you need to bring documentation outlining your need for these medications. Also remember that some drugs that are available over the counter in Canada may need a prescription in other countries, best to double check that won’t be an issue with the airlines and foreign embassy of that country.
Transportation:
Getting from one airport to another has many steps and you need to ensure that you can be accommodated at every step.
- Going through Security
- Some airlines will allow to bring a support person with you help you with security or assign someone to help
- Getting around the terminal
- Most airport I have been to have small vehicles that can transport you within a terminal.
- You can also ask the travel agent or airlines at the time of booking to insure there is enough time for you to make your connecting flight.
- Getting from the gate to the plane.
- Ask how you will be transported, will it be a bus, do you need to walk or is it an air bridge
- If you are not using an air bridge, ask how will you get from the ground to the plane.
- Getting from the aisle to your seat.
- Once on board a plane will there be someone to help you with your luggage and getting you on your seat
The Canadian Government has a pretty in depth checklist of additional questions to ask with the airlines to help ensure that you accommodated with your travel plans. See link below.
http://www.accesstotravel.gc.ca/58.aspx#cognitiveImpairment
This was a bigger topic than usual, part 2 of this post will cover what additional services might be available to you and going over what to do day of your trip.