Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities Eric Lipp Open Doors Organization Kris Cichowski LIFE Center Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Creating a Positive Air Travel Experience Key Areas Know your Rights Reservation Check List Check In Process Transport to and from the Gate Getting through Security Getting on the Plane Stowing Wheelchairs, Equipment, Devices Getting off the Plane and to Baggage Personal Considerations © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Know your Rights Check with Airline and/or Airport website for full accessibility information. Air Carrier Access Act ations/HorizonsPrintable.doc DOT hotline - M-F 9am-5pm Voice TTY Complaint Resolution Officer (CRO) CRO’s are designated to assist travelers with disabilities. Direct all concerns / complaints to the CRO via DOT hotline for airline travelers. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Reservations What assistance do you need? Identify your travel date, destination Identify your Disability Physical – mobility Sensory – hearing, vision Cognitive / Communication Hidden – allergies, sensitivities Identify your specific needs Note: Special Service Request (SSR) codes are entered into the airline computer system at the time you make a reservation. Codes vary by airline. Speak with an airline representative to convey specific needs. Do not make reservations online. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Reservation Check List  Non-stop flight Also mention your need for additional time to get through the airport to the plane.  Escort Service Identify your need for assistance to & from gate and/or upon arrival from gate to baggage area. Reserve wheelchair or guide service. (vision, cognitive/communication, developmental impairments).  Special Seating Request aisle seat, close to door, with moveable arm rests on either the right or left side. Bulk head seating is released hrs before flights. You are entitled to the bulk head only if you have a locked lower limb (leg can not bend) or use a service animal. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Reservation Check List If you are using your own Wheelchair  Provide the type, dimension and weight of your wheelchair Manual Wheel Collapsible chair can be stowed in cabin on a first come first served basis, otherwise treated as luggage. Power Chair / Scooter Know what type of battery you have. Dry cell/gel can stay attached to the chair if it is an approved battery. Confirm with reservation agent. If wet cell, must box battery separately in special air-tight container according to FAA hazardous material law. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Reservation Check List  Boarding Assistance Verify Jet-way verse Outside boarding Outside boarding by stairs may require a request for a power lift or ramp. Airline is not allowed to carry a person up a stair way. Take note that some Jet-ways can be steep with no hand rails. Identify need for an Aisle chair Request for getting on & off plane. This may be helpful if you require a walker or other assistive walking device unable to fit down aisle. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Reservation Check List If you use a Service Animal or an Animal for Emotional Support  Identify the type of animal, size and weight Service animal must wear identifying vest or harness. Bring health certificates and proof of vaccinations. Check international requirements if traveling overseas. Bring letter of verification by Doctor or Psychiatrist for animals used solely for emotional support. Best to relieve animals before going through security. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Reservation Check List If you require Oxygen  Identify yourself as an Oxygen user Must provide instructions & medical approval at the time of check in. Refer to airline website for details. Portable O2 Concentrator (POC) You can use your own airline approved Oxygen concentrator and are required to bring batteries that will last 150% of the estimated flight time. Compressed Oxygen Tank You can use your own tank supply while at the airport, but must change to the airline’s tank when boarding. Personal tanks must be emptied before checking / stowing on plane. Schedule for a full tank upon arrival. See airline website for their specific policy. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Packing Picture Identification One carry-on bag + one personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop) per person. No sharp objects. 311 Rule – Three 1-ounce items in 1-quart zip-lock bag for gels and lotions. Includes liquid medications. Carry-on bag must fit in the above seat luggage compartment. If transporting your wheelchair, plan to pack all moveable parts as a carry-on piece(s), i.e. seat cushion, footrests, joy sticks, tray tables, neck supports, etc. Guide cane must be collapsed and stowed during flight. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Getting to the Airport Check airport website for accessibility features Shuttle Parking Drop off Zones Taxi Public Transportation © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Check In Process Call reservations 48 hours prior to trip to confirm specific requests 3 Check Points 1. Ticket Agent / Luggage Counter If you have reserved any type of assistance, check in at ticket / luggage counter to confirm SSR (special service requests) Ticket agent summons Escort service and verifies SSR. You may obtain a gate pass for someone who accompanies you, but is not traveling with you. Obtain proper gate tags for all items including your wheelchair. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Check In Process Check Points (continued) 2. Gate Agent Identify yourself and service requests again at the gate. Gate agent coordinates the air transfer team Assists you in getting onto the plane, stowing your wheelchair / equipment, booking escort service at arrival destination, getting you off the plane. If Deaf or hard of hearing, request agent to personally notify you for any changes in flight plans. If you need to be lifted into an aisle chair, provide your height & weight to the gate agent so they have the appropriate manpower to do so. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Check In Process Check Points (continued) 3. On Board / In Flight Notify flight attendant of your in flight service requests, i.e. transfer assistance to aisle chair for restroom use, Identify assistance needed upon landing, i.e. help with getting off plane, retrieval of stowed wheelchair or oxygen, escort to baggage. If Deaf or hard of hearing, request flight attendant to personally notify you for any changes in flight plans. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Transport to & from the Gate  Escort Service Escorts are required to take you to the restrooms, but not into the restroom. Escorts are required to stop for fast food, but will not stay with you while you eat. Escorts may assist with helping you board the plane. Note: In most cases……. Escorts do not work for the airline – separate provider Luggage: Escorts / wheelchair pushers are required to assist with carry-on items beginning May Tipping: While not required, it is customary to tip $7-$10 based on time spent and level of service. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Security Checks Transportation Security Administration (TSA) If you have any medical implant notify the TSA while going through security. If unable to walk unassisted through security scan, person must undergo a pat down. Avoid carrying coins, liquids, gels, sharp objects or anything metal on your person. Can request a pat down in a private screened area. Will take place while seated in your wheelchair. Pat down / wand will cover private body areas. Screening process might be inconsistent and vary from airport to airport to detour standard patterns picked up by terrorists. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Getting on the Plane First to Get On While waiting, station yourself near the entrance to minimize congestion when boarding. Stay in your wheelchair until you are sitting in front of open airplane door. Instruct gate agent to place gate tags on wheelchair in a place it won’t fall off. Instruct ramp agents to use the elevator to transport your powerchair or scooter to the cargo area. This will help avoid damage to your chair from lifting and carrying it. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Getting on the Plane Airline staff or escort will: Assist in transferring on & off an aisle chair while boarding or deplaning. You should provide instruction to staff as to the best way to transfer you. Flight attendants will: Assist to & from the restroom in-flight via onboard aisle chair (no assistance with toileting) Open food packaging (no assistance with consumption) Before departing, ask flight attendant to check with baggage handlers that your wheelchair / walking device has been loaded. Note: Double aisle planes have accessible restrooms © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Stowing Wheelchairs, Equipment, Medical Devices Manual Wheelchairs You can request to have your personal wheelchair collapsed and stowed in cabin, on a first come, first served basis. If stowing onboard not available, must check as luggage. Remove all moveable pieces before stowing. Tag with appropriate gate tags and request that chair be returned to you upon landing at the gate. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Stowing Wheelchairs, Equipment, Medical Devices Power Wheelchairs Explain the freewheel lever to change the chair from locked to unlocked position. Pack all moveable parts as a carry-on piece, i.e. seat cushion, footrests, joy sticks, tray tables, sip & puff, neck supports, etc. Adhere proper gate tags and ID tags. Scooters Explain the freewheer level to change from locked to unlock. Keep key with you. Adhere proper gate tags and ID tags. Tip: Compose an instruction tip sheet for handling your personal chair. Keep it attached to seat back. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Stowing Wheelchairs, Equipment, Medical Devices Walkers Adhere proper gate tags and ID tags and hand off to ramp agent if unable to stow on board. Crutches Stow in overhead luggage. Medical Devices If on a ventilator, may be required to travel with nurse. Special arrangements must be made directly with airline. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Enjoy the Flight! © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Getting off the Plane and to Baggage Area Last to leave plane. Remind flight attendant of your service requests, i.e. transfer assistance to aisle chair for getting off plane, retrieval of stowed wheelchair, walking device or oxygen tank, escort to baggage. Airport transfer team will assist you in getting off the plane and retrieving stowed items. Escort service to accompany to baggage. Notify CRO for any problems or inconveniences. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Personal Considerations Pace yourself - Plan for Breaks – Be mindful of your travel distance and endurance To the airport Incorporate travel time to the airport. Know the location of loading / parking zones. Within the airport Plan for restroom breaks (family restrooms). Plan for snack / beverage break. Plan for animal assistance break. Identify medical support areas via airport information booths. Ask about alternative formats, i.e. sign language interpreters, audio / visual paging. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Personal Considerations Be Mindful of your full travel time Sitting tolerance. Endurance. On the plane Incorporate changing positions, stretching. Plan for use of the restroom or a method to relieve yourself. From the airport to your destination Anticipate distance to baggage claim. Plan for restroom break after leaving the plane. Prearrange ground transportation. Notify CRO for any problems or inconveniences. © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski

Achieving a Positive Air Travel Experience Success! For additional accessible travel information: © Copyright October 2008 E. Lipp, K. Cichowski