Re: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
I have traveled many times through Chicago O'Hare and contacting special needs services for that particular airlines is your first step. My experience has been only with American Airlines and a wide variety of end results! When you book your ticket it should have a place to indicate that you are disabled and answered a few questions. Usually the airlines call me about a week before my trip and will not accept my call before that time. Getting to the airport as early as possible and no less than two hours before your flight. I have had transportation issues in the past but luckily never miss a flight. They will board you first and this is very important lesson at this point! I have a large gym bag full of a week of clothing and necessary medical supplies. Normally this bag would be a check-in but to save yourself the baggage fee this is what you do. Depending upon how busy they are I either have them transfer me to the aisle chair or a manual chair if the other ones not available for some reason. Removing the seat cushion placement to the side and I put it in my seat once I board the aircraft. Removing the leg rest, head rest and the one arm rest that does not have my control panel on it. Placing these items were the seat cushion was and placing the gym bag on top of those to hold everything in place and to give some extra protection for the chair. Now taking two ratchet straps in a crisscross pattern down to my tiedown points on my chair or your lowest part of the mainframe. I have some some commercial grade saran wrap to wrap up the chair allowing it to still manually be pushed. You can also buy this saran wrap at your local home improvement store or somewhere that has moving supplies. I got mine from work many years ago and still using my original roll. Instructing the baggage handlers how to disengage your motors and telling them which side is best to lay down on because it will not fit otherwise in the cargo hold of any domestic airliner. Have your cell phone ready to take some photos of your chair before the flight and after it's all bundled up. I've had to file a few damage claims with them over broken items found on the chair upon arrival. Any other questions or concerns feel free to ask. Also get an estimate on the approximate weight of your chair they also want to know this. Take care and enjoy your trip On Saturday, October 26, 2013 12:52 PM, Don Smith scamper2...@att.net wrote: If you have a reclining chair or one that the back can be layed down\back make sure you take any pins that have to be removed out and keep them with you, small things tend to get lost when you least want them to. Don From: Lissette Whitehead lissw...@hotmail.com To: quad-list@eskimo.com quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 5:09 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious. Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead www.lwgripgloves.com
Re: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
Both Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airports are especially friendly as they use a Jet Symbol Sticker that is about 3 inches in diameter obtained at special services. As you travel thru the airport you will be asked along the way Can I Help You Those with the stickers say they feel like Celebrities as they travel thru the airports to their gates. I've mentioned it before, and thought a second time would be better. Best Wishes In a message dated 10/28/2013 9:00:23 A.M. Central Daylight Time, aa999...@yahoo.com writes: I have traveled many times through Chicago O'Hare and contacting special needs services for that particular airlines is your first step. My experience has been only with American Airlines and a wide variety of end results! When you book your ticket it should have a place to indicate that you are disabled and answered a few questions. Usually the airlines call me about a week before my trip and will not accept my call before that time. Getting to the airport as early as possible and no less than two hours before your flight. I have had transportation issues in the past but luckily never miss a flight. They will board you first and this is very important lesson at this point! I have a large gym bag full of a week of clothing and necessary medical supplies. Normally this bag would be a check-in but to save yourself the baggage fee this is what you do. Depending upon how busy they are I either have them transfer me to the aisle chair or a manual chair if the other ones not available for some reason. Removing the seat cushion placement to the side and I put it in my seat once I board the aircraft. Removing the leg rest, head rest and the one arm rest that does not have my control panel on it. Placing these items were the seat cushion was and placing the gym bag on top of those to hold everything in place and to give some extra protection for the chair. Now taking two ratchet straps in a crisscross pattern down to my tiedown points on my chair or your lowest part of the mainframe. I have some some commercial grade saran wrap to wrap up the chair allowing it to still manually be pushed. You can also buy this saran wrap at your local home improvement store or somewhere that has moving supplies. I got mine from work many years ago and still using my original roll. Instructing the baggage handlers how to disengage your motors and telling them which side is best to lay down on because it will not fit otherwise in the cargo hold of any domestic airliner. Have your cell phone ready to take some photos of your chair before the flight and after it's all bundled up. I've had to file a few damage claims with them over broken items found on the chair upon arrival. Any other questions or concerns feel free to ask. Also get an estimate on the approximate weight of your chair they also want to know this. Take care and enjoy your trip On Saturday, October 26, 2013 12:52 PM, Don Smith scamper2...@att.net wrote: If you have a reclining chair or one that the back can be layed down\back make sure you take any pins that have to be removed out and keep them with you, small things tend to get lost when you least want them to. Don From: Lissette Whitehead lissw...@hotmail.com To: quad-list@eskimo.com quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 5:09 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious. Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead _www.lwgripgloves.com_ ()
Re: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
Wow Monty! Good for you, you are incredibly prepared. I'm assuming it is from lesson's learned. Bobbie Smile Everyday On Oct 28, 2013, at 9:57 AM, Monty aa999...@yahoo.com wrote: I have traveled many times through Chicago O'Hare and contacting special needs services for that particular airlines is your first step. My experience has been only with American Airlines and a wide variety of end results! When you book your ticket it should have a place to indicate that you are disabled and answered a few questions. Usually the airlines call me about a week before my trip and will not accept my call before that time. Getting to the airport as early as possible and no less than two hours before your flight. I have had transportation issues in the past but luckily never miss a flight. They will board you first and this is very important lesson at this point! I have a large gym bag full of a week of clothing and necessary medical supplies. Normally this bag would be a check-in but to save yourself the baggage fee this is what you do. Depending upon how busy they are I either have them transfer me to the aisle chair or a manual chair if the other ones not available for some reason. Removing the seat cushion placement to the side and I put it in my seat once I board the aircraft. Removing the leg rest, head rest and the one arm rest that does not have my control panel on it. Placing these items were the seat cushion was and placing the gym bag on top of those to hold everything in place and to give some extra protection for the chair. Now taking two ratchet straps in a crisscross pattern down to my tiedown points on my chair or your lowest part of the mainframe. I have some some commercial grade saran wrap to wrap up the chair allowing it to still manually be pushed. You can also buy this saran wrap at your local home improvement store or somewhere that has moving supplies. I got mine from work many years ago and still using my original roll. Instructing the baggage handlers how to disengage your motors and telling them which side is best to lay down on because it will not fit otherwise in the cargo hold of any domestic airliner. Have your cell phone ready to take some photos of your chair before the flight and after it's all bundled up. I've had to file a few damage claims with them over broken items found on the chair upon arrival. Any other questions or concerns feel free to ask. Also get an estimate on the approximate weight of your chair they also want to know this. Take care and enjoy your trip On Saturday, October 26, 2013 12:52 PM, Don Smith scamper2...@att.net wrote: If you have a reclining chair or one that the back can be layed down\back make sure you take any pins that have to be removed out and keep them with you, small things tend to get lost when you least want them to. Don From: Lissette Whitehead lissw...@hotmail.com To: quad-list@eskimo.com quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 5:09 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious. Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead www.lwgripgloves.com
RE: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
I really appreciate everyone's input. All very useful tips which I will take note of.Britt, thank you for that info. I will check out the link and will let you know if I need to have my question posted. Thank you so much! Lissette Whitehead 1177 BroadwaySte. 18, apt. 127Chula Vista,CA 91911www.lwgripgloves.com CC: scamper2...@att.net; quad-list@eskimo.com From: bobbiehumphre...@gmail.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 14:54:25 -0400 To: aa999...@yahoo.com Wow Monty! Good for you, you are incredibly prepared. I'm assuming it is from lesson's learned. Bobbie Smile Everyday On Oct 28, 2013, at 9:57 AM, Monty aa999...@yahoo.com wrote: I have traveled many times through Chicago O'Hare and contacting special needs services for that particular airlines is your first step. My experience has been only with American Airlines and a wide variety of end results! When you book your ticket it should have a place to indicate that you are disabled and answered a few questions. Usually the airlines call me about a week before my trip and will not accept my call before that time. Getting to the airport as early as possible and no less than two hours before your flight. I have had transportation issues in the past but luckily never miss a flight. They will board you first and this is very important lesson at this point! I have a large gym bag full of a week of clothing and necessary medical supplies. Normally this bag would be a check-in but to save yourself the baggage fee this is what you do. Depending upon how busy they are I either have them transfer me to the aisle chair or a manual chair if the other ones not available for some reason. Removing the seat cushion placement to the side and I put it in my seat once I board the aircraft. Removing the leg rest, head rest and the one arm rest that does not have my control panel on it. Placing these items were the seat cushion was and placing the gym bag on top of those to hold everything in place and to give some extra protection for the chair. Now taking two ratchet straps in a crisscross pattern down to my tiedown points on my chair or your lowest part of the mainframe. I have some some commercial grade saran wrap to wrap up the chair allowing it to still manually be pushed. You can also buy this saran wrap at your local home improvement store or somewhere that has moving supplies. I got mine from work many years ago and still using my original roll. Instructing the baggage handlers how to disengage your motors and telling them which side is best to lay down on because it will not fit otherwise in the cargo hold of any domestic airliner. Have your cell phone ready to take some photos of your chair before the flight and after it's all bundled up. I've had to file a few damage claims with them over broken items found on the chair upon arrival. Any other questions or concerns feel free to ask. Also get an estimate on the approximate weight of your chair they also want to know this. Take care and enjoy your trip On Saturday, October 26, 2013 12:52 PM, Don Smith scamper2...@att.net wrote: If you have a reclining chair or one that the back can be layed down\back make sure you take any pins that have to be removed out and keep them with you, small things tend to get lost when you least want them to. Don From: Lissette Whitehead lissw...@hotmail.com To: quad-list@eskimo.com quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 5:09 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious.Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead www.lwgripgloves.com
Re: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
If you have a reclining chair or one that the back can be layed down\back make sure you take any pins that have to be removed out and keep them with you, small things tend to get lost when you least want them to. Don From: Lissette Whitehead lissw...@hotmail.com To: quad-list@eskimo.com quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 5:09 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious. Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead www.lwgripgloves.com
[QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious.Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead www.lwgripgloves.com
Re: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
Call the airlines now. Let them know if you need help getting on the isle chair. Ask for bulk-head seats. I prefer these for more adjustment, transfer and leg room. Let them know about your power chair batteries; mine are sealed gel cel, most preferred and most common. If you don't know, look at them or call your DME provider. Remove the foot rests and arm rests, and seat cushion, bring some tape to secure the foot rests and arm rests to the seat where the cushion was. This will prevent breakage of the control unit. If security there is like it is here, then be certain to have ONLY your essentials on your body/carry-on. (include meds and urinal, in case of layover) PS: My advice is to time bowel program for the day you leave. Those issues are extremely embarrassing. Remember, you are the boss of your body, do not let the airlines people tell you how your self or equipment are traveling. 99% of the time they are accommodating, but it's that 1% who will; scare you from traveling again. When you land, be persistent that your chair be outside the door before disembarking. That isle chair will cause sores if you sit on it too long. (I've forced planes to be late waiting on them to get my chair ready.) Note: on landing be prepared to either lean forward or have someone put an arm across you (the 'ol Mom seatbelt). I don't know how Cabo is, but the Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean side is beautiful. Check this ourt: http://abilitytrip.com/north_america/mexico/baja-california/cabo-san-lucas/cabo-san-lucas-baja-california-mexico/ Hope this helps. Have fun, don't be nervous. Aaron Mann On Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Lissette Whitehead lissw...@hotmail.comwrote: Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious. Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead www.lwgripgloves.com --
Re: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
Congrats Lissette!. You are not a pioneer, but a settler. Most of the work has been done for you, years ago. Its often best to talk with the airline directly, and also the airport (USA Territory). If you have a complicated, Complex Rehab Chair, you should consider removing the joystick assembly and place it in an airplane box in the overhead. You should have a quick release cord between the seat and the chair base. Make sure you turn the chair over to the airline with it in freewheel. If you have any special instructions, type them in large print and tape them to the backrest of your chair. 10's of thousands of wheelchair users fly each year without issues, problems and damages, but they still happen. Plan on knowing a DME on the island, should you need their services, before you leave. Should you have any issues with your chair upon arrival, file a claim immediately. Do return later or another day. What is most important, upon your return, let us all know what a wonderful time you had. Safe Passage! Best Wishes In a message dated 10/25/2013 7:10:03 P.M. Central Daylight Time, lissw...@hotmail.com writes: Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious. Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead _www.lwgripgloves.com_ (mip://0b301d98/www.lwgripgloves.com) =
RE: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling
Thank you for all your input guys! I will take note of everything and for sure let you know how it went. I'm excited!! Lissette Whiteheadwww.lwgripgloves.com From: wheelch...@aol.com Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 20:59:07 -0400 Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] 1st Time Traveling To: lissw...@hotmail.com; quad-list@eskimo.com Congrats Lissette!. You are not a pioneer, but a settler. Most of the work has been done for you, years ago. Its often best to talk with the airline directly, and also the airport (USA Territory). If you have a complicated, Complex Rehab Chair, you should consider removing the joystick assembly and place it in an airplane box in the overhead. You should have a quick release cord between the seat and the chair base. Make sure you turn the chair over to the airline with it in freewheel. If you have any special instructions, type them in large print and tape them to the backrest of your chair. 10's of thousands of wheelchair users fly each year without issues, problems and damages, but they still happen. Plan on knowing a DME on the island, should you need their services, before you leave. Should you have any issues with your chair upon arrival, file a claim immediately. Do return later or another day. What is most important, upon your return, let us all know what a wonderful time you had. Safe Passage! Best Wishes In a message dated 10/25/2013 7:10:03 P.M. Central Daylight Time, lissw...@hotmail.com writes: Hi everyone, I will be traveling for the first time as a quad in the end of November, (after 8 years post injury). And to make it even more exciting, I'm going to Cabo San Lucas. I know!!! Pretty brave huh? Well not really because I live in Mexico and I'm used to the inaccessibility. Of course I already know my way around here where I live. Cabo is pretty much new to me, even though I've been there before but not in a power wheelchair. I have my concerns but I think I'll be able to manage. What I am wondering right now is about the flying situation. I know they have those special isle wheelchairs and that the staff at the airport help you transfer and all that. But what about my power chair? I know they put it with the luggage, but do they need to disassemble it? I sent a message to the airline but I know they take a while to reply and I'm a bit anxious. Any other traveling tips would be very much appreciated. Lissette Whitehead www.lwgripgloves.com =
