Carrying Mobility Equipment on Plane: I'm flying to take a cruise. I'm recovering from lower back surgery and my mobility is pretty good without a walker, but its the standing in line...

Moose Loc: North Carolina

I'm flying to take a cruise. I'm recovering from lower back surgery and my mobility is pretty good without a walker, but its the standing in line that causes me problems. So I need to take a walker or better yet, a rollader (a walker with wheels and seat) to use in those cases. My concern is with getting the equipment on and off the airplane and ship. I do have cruise transfer coverage, so they probably will take care of getting the equipment and baggage to the ship. Its the airplane part that has me the most concern. How can I handle that? I'd like to have it to use while queuing up through security, so I guess they could check it after I board. Anyone have any experience with this situation?
Appreciate your help.

aggiedad Loc: Corona, ca

No problem. You can take your walker up to the plane door, and they will stow it for you and have it waiting for you at the plane door when you arrive. I’ve doe this with my mobility scooter several times, and it works like a charm.

TonyBot

aggiedad wrote:

No problem. You can take your walker up to the plane door, and they will stow it for you and have it waiting for you at the plane door when you arrive. I’ve doe this with my mobility scooter several times, and it works like a charm.

But ... while you may get to board earlier than anyone else, you will probably have to wait until everyone disembarks before you can exit the plane. It all depends on the carrier. You should speak to a live customer agent to get their policies.

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

Good question,thanks....

Moose Loc: North Carolina

TonyBot wrote:

But ... while you may get to board earlier than anyone else, you will probably have to wait until everyone disembarks before you can exit the plane. It all depends on the carrier. You should speak to a live customer agent to get their policies.

Thanks so much for the information. I feel much better now knowing I won't have to try and put the equipment in the baggage hold.

alolewis

Most major airlines have a special needs department, call them and tell them your needs. I suggest asking for a wheelchair at the airport which will allow you to avoid standing in TSA lines. In San Francisco for example United has a special needs counter.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Moose wrote:

I'm flying to take a cruise. I'm recovering from ... (show quote)

Fly business class.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

aggiedad wrote:

No problem. You can take your walker up to the plane door, and they will stow it for you and have it waiting for you at the plane door when you arrive. I’ve doe this with my mobility scooter several times, and it works like a charm.

They do this with baby strollers all the time, so this is not an unusual thing for them.

TJBNovember Loc: Long Island, New York

Moose wrote:

I'm flying to take a cruise. I'm recovering from ... (show quote)

When my wife was awaiting hip surgery and walking with a cane she was offered a wheelchair and assistance from drop off to boarding here at JFK international and the same at destination airports, including Seattle/Tacoma and Buffalo International while flying JetBlue. I'd suggest checking with your airline as to what is available. PS it also usually got us through security and customs quicker.

buckwheat Loc: Clarkdale, AZ and Belen NM

My wife used a mobility scooter. When I bought the plane tickets I told the agent, and there was no problem. She got priority going through TSA, boarded first and rode her scooter all the way to the door of the plane. They even let me go through TSA with her, so I didn't have to stand in line, either.

RolandDieter

You should have no problem even if one of your flights is at an airport where you will not have a jetway. On a recent trip I had four occasions where they bus people to stairs to get on the plane. But for me, and for others with a problem, they use van-like vehicles that raises to load you through the door where they load food and other supplies on the plane. These vehicles have seats and wheelchair tie-downs.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

traderjohn wrote:

Fly business class.

I wish!!

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks all for your suggestions and information.