first trip since becoming disabled

Ophie

Hi

I don't know if this is the right place for this. I became disabled 2 years ago from a spinal cord injury, this means I struggle to walk, sit or stand for long periods.

I know that it's not sensible to take my own mobility scooter on holiday, but how would I get from the car to the departure gate and subsequently the stairs - I can't do stairs at all. Do they have things I can hire from the car? and then at the other end? Obviously an electric scooter is better as I can have independance with that. I can't self propel as it puts pressure on my spine.

I've been too worried about these things to attempt holidays previously. I know that insurance is going to be an issue, but I'm hoping that now it's been 2 years since an operation things will reduce in cost dramatically. What do I do with my medication too as I am on morphine and other drugs, is that an issue for travelling?

Does anyone have any recommendations for disability friendly hotels, flights, countries? I'm at the thinking stage rather than planning, it is only the 1st January after all!

Thanks

GwylimT

You will have to contact hotels/providers direct as disabled access can still mean steps and a lack of wetroom. My wife takes her electric wheelchair on holiday, she is transferred to a manual one just before getting on the aeroplane and her chair is stowed in the hold, she is then wheeled off at our destination and her chair is usually on the tarmac in a couple of minutes along with the push chairs.

Considering the area you are going is important, such as is transport accessible or are you limited to only using your mobility aid to get around, if a beach holiday are there walk ways or beach wheelchairs to rent. If you want a private excursion are the coaches accessible etc.

Ophie

thanks GwylimT.

There are so many things to think about now. I can't just throw clothes in to a suitcase, grab my daughter and go any more.

I was thinking of a European destination first to see how I cope on the plane. I know there are a lot of older people in Benidorm and whilst I'm not old I know there must be accessible places there due to the age range attending.

swingaloo

My partner is disabled and can only walk with crutches and so has trouble with stairs etc.


I wondered how on earth we were going to manage but was pleasantly surprised.

We recently went to Las Vegas and had no trouble whatsoever. It just needs a bit of extra planning.


1st- you can book assistance through the travel agent. You need a letter from the doctor saying you are fit to fly.


We had no idea what to expect from the assistance but I cant praise it highly enough.
Its completely free and is amazing. We arrived at the airport and had to go to the Disabled assistance desk. They bring a wheelchair for you and you are taken through check in in a separate lane, no queuing, and through passport control.
We then had time to wander while I pushed the wheelchair and told what time to get to the gate. If I hadn't been able to push the wheelchair it would not have been a problem, they are more than willing to help.


Once at the gate you are escorted onto the aircraft first. When you leave the plane you wait till everyone else has got off and they meet you at the door again with a wheelchair.


At the Las Vegas airport the guy even told me to wait with hubby whilst he got the bags off the carousel, I just had to point out which were ours. (Of course they are hoping for a tip, but they were so helpful they deserved a nice tip).


They escorted us all the way to the taxi rank.


Coming back was exactly the same.


One thing to mention is that if you are taking medication you need a letter for this from the doctor and we also had to take a current prescription counterfoil showing that the medication was prescribed for him. He take morphine and as it is a controlled drug they are very strict but we were allowed to take a small bottle with enough for 3 doses in our hand luggage.


Obviously every country will be different in terms of what they offer locally but in our case we were able to hire a mobility scooter direct through the hotel (cost us £120 for 2 weeks but was invaluable). We were able to get on the local bus on the scooter and if we needed a taxi the hotel would get us one that took a mobility scooter.


I wouldn't hesitate to go to the USA again but I cant advise on European destinations although the flight assistance will be the same wherever you are flying to.


Don't let the travel put you off.

knightstyle

When flying it isn't the airline who organise things at the airport so don't pay extra to go with a premium airline. Most airports are very good and you can either use your own folding wheelchair or use theirs. As with all things occasionally things go wrong but this is very rare in our experience.
Things to look out for, go to the toilet before boarding, keep an eye on the time and make sure you aren't forgotten about till the last minute. Get a blue badge and take it with you as proof of your lack of mobility. Ask about discounts for you and your carer at attractions, often the carer goes free.
For a first trip I would go for a city break, up to a week and book a package making sure you have in writing confirmation that you need assistance at airport and that the hotel has a room suitable for you.
So have a great time and don't worry too much about things that probably won't happen!

bagand96

As the above posters have written, airports and airlines are very geared up for situations like your own.

You will need to advise your airline either directly (or via a travel agent if you use one) of the assistance you require before you travel. Most airlines will have a page on their websites with more information, so have a look once you know which airline you are likely to book with. You are looking for either "Special Assistance" or "passengers with reduced mobility" or similar terms. As an example:

http://www.ryanair.com/en/questions/contact-for-special-assistance-requirements/
http://support.easyjet.com/case-5759
http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/faqs/disabled-passengers/disabled-passengers.html

Ophie

thank you all. Taking on board all of your advice and looking for suitable holidays with short transfers too.

PompeyPete

There's a forum on Trip Advisor specifically for travellers with disabilities.

Here it is, and the the sticky thread at the top is full of good stuff...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g1-i12336-Traveling_With_Disabilities.html

budgetflyer

Indeed Benidorm would be a good first holiday. Most places are wheelchair/ scooter friendly.
Most hotels/ apartments also have charging points for mobility scooters too.You may have to book your scooter via the hotel to guarantee use though. I think the going rate is around 60 Euro PW.
Provided you book wheelchair assistance when booking your flight, then you will have no worries. You will be met at check in, wheeled from there to the plane. They have lifts to get you on board

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Is there a relevant society/charity for your condition? I work with people who have respiratory conditions and the British Lung Foundation have a great leaflet about going away on holiday which includes using oxygen.

Ophie

unfortunately I don't think there is - or at least not one that I've consciously made an effort to find. It's all a bit rubbish.