Here Are Our Tips for Flying With Disabilities – Check Them Out! Lauren Saccone June 3, 2019 Air Travel, Travel Tips Travel for people with disabilities has changed a lot in recent years. Whereas once travel could prove challenging, particularly to more remote locations, there are now tons of resources available to make traveling for those with disabilities easier and more enjoyable than ever. We’ve rounded up some useful tips for flying with disabilities. No matter how differently-abled you may be, you’ll never have to pass on the opportunity to see the world and enjoy your adventures. Talk to Your Hotel When booking a hotel, reach out and let them know about what your needs will be for the duration of your visit. Most hotels are prepared to offer special accommodations for travelers with disabilities. These include wheelchair-accessible routes and rooms to amenities for visually-impaired visitors. Look for a hotel that’s centrally located so you’ll have an easier time arriving at all the points of interest you want to explore. And don’t be afraid to outline exactly what you need from your hotel. Most hotels will work with you to make your trip a fun and relaxing experience, no matter what your needs may be. Call in Advance When making travel plans, it’s always best to call in advance and find out about the accessibility options available. Most service providers will work hard to provide you with the necessary accommodations and support you need to enjoy your trip. They can also offer you valuable information and resources to help you on your travels. Lastly, they can provide you with a variety of other accessibility options. Related: Traveling with a Wheelchair? Here’s Everything You Need to Know! Plan It Out Before you head out to parts unknown, do some research. You can find out about the most accessible routes through different areas, explore the travel possibilities, and even find accommodations that suit your specific needs. Look for routes that are easy to access. And make sure you have back-up plans should the need arise. That way, even if an unexpected complication rears its head, you’ll know just what to do and be able to continue to enjoy your vacation. Explore Tour Options There are a growing number of tour groups devoted specifically to people with disabilities. Booking a specialized tour can be a great option if you prefer to not have to plan every single aspect of your trip. These trips will take into account your specific needs and interests. And, they’ll work to plan excursions through the most exciting and vibrant parts of your chosen locales. These tours come with additional services for people with disabilities, including a litany of different resources to make your trip pleasant and worry-free. Pack It Up Be sure to make a list of everything you’ll need for trip, including any necessary medication or medical supplies. Get extra supplies from your physician if you can. And be sure to clearly label everything to make going through security checkpoints a breeze. Also, if possible, it’s great to bring along a note from your doctor on official letterhead and a number they can be reached at. This will help you quickly contact your medical professional if there are any concerns or complications during your travels. Your personal health professional can also connect you with resources in the area if a medical emergency should occur. Skip Connecting Flights Connecting flights can be a total drag, particularly for people with disabilities. They tack on significant travel time, and add a lot of complications you just don’t want to have to deal with on your journey. The best way to go is to simply avoid connecting flights whenever possible, and opt for direct flights to your destination. If you absolutely must take a connecting flight, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get from one plane to the next. You should try to plan for at least an hour and a half between flights. Got any other tips for flying with disabilities? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
