Photo Credit: NY Times
When we think of traveling, there are different ways of reaching our destination. People may travel by car, train, bus, or plane. While sometimes reaching our final destination by car and train can be easier, they will not always work for everyone.
Most people are not aware of what wheelchair users have to endure when planning a trip. Most of the time others do not think about accessibility. People plan trips, and most of the time, things go smoothly. As a wheelchair user, planning vacations take a lot of time. We must think a lot more, research our destination, find accessible hotels and excursions. There are many advantages and disadvantages while traveling.
The advantages of traveling by air is that you arrive at your destination at a faster pace. When boarding the plane, we as wheelchair users, board the plane first to have extra time to settle comfortably. Traveling teaches us to advocate more for our needs, and educate the airline of what the person may need to feel comfortable while flying. Most of the time while being at the airport, it is unnecessary to sit in line for hours. Instead, a TCA will help one cut to the front of the line. Certain airlines allow one companion to travel either for a reduced price or for free if they need physical help.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a service is offered for those requiring guided assistance. While being at the airport, they can assist by dropping the individual from one terminal to another. They also provide baggage and key functioning comfort. When helping with the baggage claim, they can carry one’s luggage to the crate. If needing help at the ticket booth, they can interfere.
Flying as a wheelchair user is tough. Especially when needing to use the restroom on a flight because they are extremely small, which can damage the wheelchair. This is why it’s necessary to use the restroom before boarding a plane, to avoid using the restroom mid-flight. Even after taking all precautions, there is still a possibility that a wheelchair will be damaged. Most wheelchair users, including myself, prepare for the worst and the best when traveling.
For example, in 2019, I flew to Los Angeles, California, with my best friend. When I landed in LA, I transferred into my wheelchair and I realized there were parts of my power wheelchair that were broken. Though the damages were minor, it is upsetting to see damages to something costly and unsettling when it is the only thing you have to feel independent.
While booking a room or a scenic tour, disabled tourists encounter many challenges. The challenges that are the most common are the lack of wheelchair-accessible vehicles to travel to various locations. Lack of well-adapted hotel rooms, lack of restaurants, bars, etc. These are just some of the many challenges that are encountered while being on vacation.
Though there continue to be issues and lack of accommodation is precedent. Airlines, at least, are working on finding better solutions to help individuals feel more comfortable.
