Scooter & Airline Travel - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

MilliesMom · 04-02-2008, 01:55 AM

My BIL is a double amputee and this fall will be their first trip other than by car. They will be flying Alaska airlines to Vancouver (a smaller plane with 2 seats, aisle, then 2 seats) and also on a 737 (3 seats, aisle, 3 seats). They cannot take his electric wheelchair in their car so have decided to take the take-apart scooter. Walking is NOT an option.

I'm hoping someone on this site will be able to fill me in and what to ask the airlines when he books their airfare, what to do about the scooter at the airport, etc. We are at a loss as to where to start, and I want to find out as much information as possible to make this an easy trip for them. What also do we need to do to guarantee safe passage of his scooter?

I have already contacted RCCL special needs, they have a HA cabin, the hotel is a HA room ... the only thing not completed is airline reservations.

Thank you.

MilliesMom · 04-02-2008, 03:33 AM

I posted to the disability board for cruise critic regarding airplanes and the scooter. I mentioned that my BIL was a double amputee and would have his scooter. Also said that the flight to Vancouver was a commuter flight ... 2 seats, aisle, 2 seats. One of the people who is highly respected on the board, wrote the following in response:

Does he stand or walk at all? I am concerned about the plans to take the commuter flight, as with small planes the law does not require that they assist him onto/out of the plane and he would undoubtedly have to get into the plane via steps or a ladder. There is no way to use an aisle chair with these planes as you can with a larger plane that uses either a jetway or lift for it.

Generally you want to gate check a scooter if at all possible. I would strongly encourage him to also take a manual wheelchair with him so he can have the scooter already disassembled and packet up with bubble wrap, etc. before checking it. Anything easily broken such as controls should be removed if possible and hand carried onto the plane.

I was in shock that the airlines are not required to help someone on these smaller planes. I researched and researched tonight. US Airways and Air Canada do not have any flights from Portland to Vancouver. Alaska Airlines and United both use commuter planes from Portland to Vancouver. The only thing I could find was for them to fly into Las Vegas the night before, then the next day fly from Las Vegas to Vancouver. YIKES, what a hardship for the 3 of them (2 adults and a 5 year old).

We've been planning this trip since Apr 07. Never thought airlines would be an issue. Now am not sure that they will be able to go. I'm stressed to the limit on this. If we had known earlier, we could of scheduled a cruise out of Seattle (roundtrip) and they could of driven to the pier. He lost his 2nd leg back in October, so when we booked the cruise he could walk some. My husband and I have already purchased non-refundable airline tickets to Vancouver and return from San Diego, so changing cruise departure ports etc really isn't an option.

Hope someone has some good suggestions. Maybe we can still turn this around. Thanks everyone for listening.

stanford's girl · 04-02-2008, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilliesMom

I posted to the disability board for cruise critic regarding airplanes and the scooter. I mentioned that my BIL was a double amputee and would have his scooter. Also said that the flight to Vancouver was a commuter flight ... 2 seats, aisle, 2 seats. One of the people who is highly respected on the board, wrote the following in response:

Does he stand or walk at all? I am concerned about the plans to take the commuter flight, as with small planes the law does not require that they assist him onto/out of the plane and he would undoubtedly have to get into the plane via steps or a ladder. There is no way to use an aisle chair with these planes as you can with a larger plane that uses either a jetway or lift for it.

Generally you want to gate check a scooter if at all possible. I would strongly encourage him to also take a manual wheelchair with him so he can have the scooter already disassembled and packet up with bubble wrap, etc. before checking it. Anything easily broken such as controls should be removed if possible and hand carried onto the plane.

I was in shock that the airlines are not required to help someone on these smaller planes. I researched and researched tonight. US Airways and Air Canada do not have any flights from Portland to Vancouver. Alaska Airlines and United both use commuter planes from Portland to Vancouver. The only thing I could find was for them to fly into Las Vegas the night before, then the next day fly from Las Vegas to Vancouver. YIKES, what a hardship for the 3 of them (2 adults and a 5 year old).

We've been planning this trip since Apr 07. Never thought airlines would be an issue. Now am not sure that they will be able to go. I'm stressed to the limit on this. If we had known earlier, we could of scheduled a cruise out of Seattle (roundtrip) and they could of driven to the pier. He lost his 2nd leg back in October, so when we booked the cruise he could walk some. My husband and I have already purchased non-refundable airline tickets to Vancouver and return from San Diego, so changing cruise departure ports etc really isn't an option.

Hope someone has some good suggestions. Maybe we can still turn this around. Thanks everyone for listening.

Oh Mary, I'm so sorry to hear this.

I know how much all of you are looking forward to this cruise. Have you contacted the airlines and ask if they have someone who could help him? You could offer to pay the person something extra.

sue miller · 04-02-2008, 07:00 AM

Flying with Disability

MilliesMom · 04-02-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanford's girl

Oh Mary, I'm so sorry to hear this.

I know how much all of you are looking forward to this cruise. Have you contacted the airlines and ask if they have someone who could help him? You could offer to pay the person something extra.

Not yet. Trying to get all the information together so that when Dennis calls he knows what he needs to be concerned about. I'm sure at least in Portland we could get someone to help, the issue is the commuter plane they would have to take and that there may be stairs. He truly can't walk but a step or two and stairs would be out of the question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sue miller

Flying with Disability

Sue, great site. I'll print it out and send to my BIL.

stanford's girl · 04-02-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilliesMom

Not yet. Trying to get all the information together so that when Dennis calls he knows what he needs to be concerned about. I'm sure at least in Portland we could get someone to help, the issue is the commuter plane they would have to take and that there may be stairs. He truly can't walk but a step or two and stairs would be out of the question.

I know it will all work out, Mary!! That is a great site that Sue posted and hopefully it will give you all the info you need.