While I originally started this post in response to some concerns expressed by a fellow quad who has not flown since his injury, it's probably good to remind everyone what we can expect when we venture into the 'friendly skies' in this era of whittled down airline service. In the past two weeks we have learned about a frequent flyer with CP who was removed from a flight because an airline employee deemed him to be too disabled to fly alone.

Unfortunately for the airline, a special adviser to the Secretary of the federal Department of Transportation has faced similar challenges in the past and will not stand by when those of us who are disabled are denied service. Richard Devylder was born without arms or legs, and has flown hundreds of times while working California State government jobs. Early in his public service career, Richard was denied service on an airline whose employees felt that he was also too disabled to fly alone. He challenged that denial through the complaint process, prevailed in his appeal, and received courteous service from that particular airline on numerous trips during the following years..
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Nowadays, air travel can be a challenge for anyone. When you add the complication of a disability to the mix, many more things can go wrong. The alternative is simply staying home, or restricting your adventures to local activities. That's not always an attractive alternative.

You can fly, safely, with good advance planning and supports in case something goes wrong enroute. Take along a family member or attendant who is familiar with you, your equipment and hopefully the processes involved in traveling with a wheelchair. Being forearmed with knowledge of the Air Carrier Access Act is a big help, as many of the problematic people you encounter during the trip think they are experts but in reality don't know what the law requires. That information is available in a handy booklet (Rights of Air Travelers with Disabilities) at the website of the Federal Aviation Administration at the Department of Transportation.

Always arrive earlier than you think you need to, and pre-identify vendors in your destination city in case something goes wrong regarding the operation of your wheelchair, breathing equipment, or medical care if you require a specialist of some type.

Remember that a trip includes more than just the flight. You need to plan for the best means of getting to the airport, as well as the transportation you'll need to get to your hotel or other lodging location when you arrive. It might also be necessary to have someone familiar with your needs check out that destination hotel to be sure it is fully accessible to you and your power wheelchair if you use one. Do you need a roll-in shower? Will you be taking a shower chair or bench with you, or do you need to have one supplied locally? By contacting a local Independent Living Center, or even the venues themselves, it should be pretty easy to determine the accessibility of whatever sites you plan to visit.

I hate to say it again, but to repeat what I've said many times in the past: plan far ahead, arrive everywhere very early, expect challenges, and stay in control when things go wrong. In the end, those steps can make your travel rewarding and enjoyable--or at least bearable.

When things go wrong despite our best efforts, it is important to follow the procedures set in place to protect us. If you encounter difficulties getting on or off the plane, or if some employee decides to challenge you or those who assist you, make an immediate request to speak with the gate agent. While they can often resolve such situations, they may be part of the problem as well. In that case, ask to speak to the airline's terminal agent. That person is in charge of all passenger operations and should have enough knowledge of the law to correct the situation.

If there is damage to your wheelchair or to your luggage, it is important to speak to the Complaint Resolution Officer who must be on duty at all times. They can help you fill out a complaint or damage form, and must be able to identify a local vendor who can make necessary repairs to damaged equipment. The airlines have an obligation to make temporary replacement of any mobility equipment that is damaged to the point that it is inoperable, although there may be a bit of time involved until such repairs can be completed.

If any aspect of the airline's portion of your travel is unsatisfactory, write a letter to the airline's Director of Customer Service when you get home. Be sure to provide a copy to the Federal Aviation Administration at the address found on their website, so they can track airline performance and help you resolve the situation if there is a violation of the Air Carrier Access Act or other rules regarding passenger travel. Without those letters, there may be the mistaken impression that all passengers with disabilities are being flown without a hitch.

Flying today is neither easy or cheap. As travelers with disabilities who are paying added fees and high fares, we have the right to expect that we will be treated with respect and given the same consideration as our fellow travelers. When problems arise, at least the law is on our side so know what it is and use it to your advantage. Travel safely.

© 2010 Michael Collins