The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made airports largely accessible with curb cuts, ramps, automatic doors, and wheelchair-accessible phones and restrooms.
Still, even a short flight can require special accommodations. Arranging for assistance in advance and knowing where to turn to for help while in transit can make for a more relaxed, enjoyable journey. Here are some steps to help the planning process.
Disabled Travelers Must Know Their Specific Needs
Know what accommodations you’ll need and where to get them. Use airline and airport websites and resources such as USTravelAbility. Make calls, send emails, and take contact information with you. Questions to consider include:
Does my airline offer curbside check-in?
Is inter-airport transit accessible?
Do the car rental agencies have hand-controlled vehicles and/or vans with wheelchair lifts—do reservations require more lead-time?
Where are the TTY (text telephones) located?
Know Who to Approach for Assistance
In planning, consult the airline first. Most have 1-800 numbers and will provide support at both departure and arrival gates. Once in transit, you’ll find most airport personnel happy to assist you. After deplaning and arriving at an airport gate, there are usually airline personnel waiting to assist passengers. Organizations such as Traveler's Aid International have volunteers at most major airports, including 350 at Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC. These volunteers can provide answers, tourism assistance, and help people with physical and mental challenges.
Know All Processes Associated with Accessible Travel
If a disabled traveler needs assistance getting to or from an airport gate, they can usually arrange a special pass at the airline ticket counter that enables a friend or family member to accompany you to a departing gate or meet an incoming flight. The pass enables the designated person clear airport security checkpoints. Valid personal identification is required.
Know Layover Logistics
Airports are vast. Trekking from one terminal to another can be taxing for a wheelchair user or a dialysis patient with diminished stamina. A situation that many travelers don’t think about is navigating intermediate airports and hubs. A flight connecting through Dallas-Fort Worth might require a 10-minute-train ride to another terminal. Knowing this in advance eliminates stress and surprises.
Learn About Airport Services Where You’re Flying
Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports have what’s called the "Purple Plane." This is an emblem one can download from the Chicago Department of Aviation website and display when traveling. Airport personnel are trained to recognize those wearing the plane emblem as one who might need some additional assistance. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport provides Paging Assistance Locations (PALs) where disabled travelers can send and receive messages.
Enjoy Disabled Travel’s Unexpected Perks
A visually impaired traveler might find his or her gate without assistance. Apprizing the airline of their disability, however, can mean pre-boarding ahead of even first-class passengers. This privilege is especially pleasant: it precludes that stressful wait as other passengers stuff baggage-fee-avoiding carry-ons into the overhead compartments.
Know Help is at Hand
One in six travelers has some form of disability or activity limitation—a percentage that rises as the population ages. Airlines and airports are working to better serve this growing demographic. Part of this is ADA compliance; but the bigger reality is the business need to provide superior customer service.
Finally, be confident in your right to fly. Air Carrier Access Act and the US Department of Transportation rules ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunity as anyone else to enjoy a pleasant flight.
Andrew Leibs - Andrew Leibs is Suite101’s Feature Writer for Accessible Recreation. He is a longtime chronicler of the disability movement with ...
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