Air Travel For Those With a Disability

Air Travel Rules:  Are They Different For Those With a Disability?

If you plan to fly and you or someone you’re traveling with has a disability, there are a number of different considerations and preparations.  This preparation includes packing your bags for your trip, but it is also includes familiarizing yourself with air travel rules. Although most of the rules are the same, some rules differ for those who have a medical condition or a disability.

The first step in preparing to travel is to alert the airline.  When you make your reservation, inform the airline of any disability or medical condition that you may have. Although this is not required, it may be a good idea, especially if you are traveling with medical equipment.  Extra accommodations will need to be made for while passing through airport security checkpoints, with wheelchairs or mobility scooters.  Learning what you will need to do with these items, ahead of time, is a great way to make your travel plans run as smoothly as possible.

It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the airport screening process.  All travelers, whether disabled or not, need to pass through medical detectors. If you or someone who you know is traveling with medical equipment that will activate the alarms, it’s likely that they’ll be pulled aside for additional screening. This screening should only take a couple of minutes, it will be handled a trained professional who will show compassion when handling someone with a disability.

Unlike most other fliers, who are required to remove their shoes, those with a disability can leave their shoes on.  However, it is important to note that you may be subject to additional screening.  To prevent this additional screening from occurring, you are advised to remove your shoes, if at all possible. If you are unable to, it’s not a big deal since the additional screening often requires just a quick swipe of a metal detector wand.

Most airports have made special arrangements and exceptions for those who with medical conditions, especially if medication is required at a specific time.  For those with medical conditions, they are allowed to keep their medication but are advised to keep the dosages in small amounts.  Due to the current ban on liquids, it is important to have the proper medical identification. This means that you should keep your medication in the original package, with your name clearly marked.  To be allowed through the security checkpoint, the name on the ticket will have to match the name of the prescription bottle. If it does not, there is an excellent possibility that your medication will be confiscated.

By keeping these points in mind, those who may have a medical condition or a disability, should be able to avoid unwanted trouble.  If you’re unsure about a particular screening procedure or have any other questions, contact the airline or the airport prior to your flight.  Planning ahead is the best way to make your next flight a memorable and hassle-free experience.