Carry Your Documentation With You!
- In the post 9/11 world, even people with disabilities are subject to close scrutiny. I travel for business, and carry several low vision aids, including a portable CCTV. Since the average baggage screener has no idea what these devices are, they can look very suspicious. I carry the vendor fact sheet or glossy sales brochure in the carry bag, so the screener can examine the contents and compare it to the pamphlet. This seems to preclude intrusive questioning or embarrassing conversation. Identifying Luggage

- All luggage 'looks' the same to someone who is blind or visually impaired. Place something tactile somewhere on your bag, so you can quickly identify it. Embossed tape, a ribbon wrapped around the handle, a Braille I. D. tag. Even though you may be able to describe your bag to the helpful stranger who offers to grab your bag from the baggage carousel, or to the flight attendant or bus driver who took the bag from you for stowage, they may get it wrong. It's best to have your own 'secret' identifier.

Making Special Services Requests - If you are using a commuter airline to travel to a major metro airport, then transfering to a major airline, your 'Special Services Request' may not transfer with you. The computer systems may not be linked, even though the commuter airline may be a sister of the major airline. When you check in at the gate, be sure to make another request for assistance. This ensures that you will get help on every leg of your journey, all the way to your final destination.

Ask Questions! - Not all travel carriers, accommodations, or tours offer facilities that are suitable for a disabled traveller.

Assistance Dogs - Always let the airline or other transportation company know you will travel with an assistance dog. You may request a bulkhead seat, but it may not be assigned until airport checkin. A standard aisle seat may not be the best seat for you and the dog. They frequently have a small area under the seat with a bar that curves into that spot. Some airlines have more leg room that others. Service animals must be allowed on board with a disabled person at no charge, but can be denied boarding if they are a health or safety threat. Assistance dogs-in-training may not be allowed by all airlines and other transportation companies, hotels, etc. Remember your travel etiquette. Limit food/water to several hours before traveling, and toilet the dog before entering the airport. Be prepared with ziploc bags and paper towels, bring a chew toy, and limit water while traveling (a few ice cubes will do). Many countries will require a 6-month or longer quarantine. Discuss travel with your vet well before planning the trip and bring a health certificate, ID for the dog, and an assistance dog brochure. Be confident, but be prepared for the inexperienced employee.

Communication Symbols Card - If you are speech or hearing-impaired, always carry a communication symbols card with you.

Disability Discounts? - Remember that not all discounts are given freely - sometimes you must ask specifically if there are any disability discounts. I recently learned that some amusement parks will let wheelchair-bound individuals go in free of charge! No big deal if you travel by yourself, but to a family with a child in a wheelchair, it saves!

Executive Lounge May be Available - As an RN who has escorted disabled travelers to many cities, I have found that many airlines will allow the disabled traveler to use the executive lounges for layovers. These areas often have better seating and restroom accommodations. This courtesy is especially nice for the person with a spinal cord injury or for others who are w/c dependent.

Glucose Quick Fix for Diabetic Drivers - Juvenile (Type 1) diabetics can experience episodes of low blood sugar. It may be frightening to go into a pocket or purse and try to dig out glucose tablets when there is no time to hunt. By taping a strip of velcro to the dash and the other to a tube of, e.g., glucose tablets, it becomes a quick, easy, no panic situation when this occurs. Simple, inexpensive - and could save you your driver's license.

Golden Access Passport - Persons who are blind or permanently disabled can obtain a Golden Access Passport, which is a free lifetime entrance pass to all U.S. national parks. To obtain this passport, go to any National Park Service facility that charges an entrance fee and show proof of medically determined disability and eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law. You will receive your Golden Access Passport, free of charge. The Passport admits the passholder and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. Where entry is not by private vehicle, the Passport admits the passholder, spouse, children, and parents. The Passport also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as fees for camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and cave tours. If You Travel in a Wheelchair ... - When booking an airline reservation through a travel agent, make sure the agent contacts the airlines to let them know:

• that you are using a wheelchair
• that you need to have an aisle chair or gurney to get to your seat on the airplane.

• Get a letter from your doctor stating that you require syringes for a medical condition.
• Purchase a small thermal insulated lunch bag to keep your medications cool.
• Bring along a plastic jar with a screw-on lid (such as an empty peanut butter jar) to dispose of your used syringes. Never toss in the garbage - always turn in the used items at a hospital or clinic during your trip.
• Always carry your medication vials, syringes, swabs, etc. with you in a purse or carry-on.

Oxygen Tubing - If you are a person who needs to travel with oxygen on an airplane, either ask for or take enough tubing (plus connectors) with you so that if you need to use the restroom, the tubing will be long enough to reach. Don't take chances removing the oxygen long enough to go to the restroom and get back. It could easily cause fainting or passing out.

Pick the Right Travel Agent - Since I have just recently changed careers from Occupational Therapy, working in a rehab unit, to a travel agent, I am extremely aware of what to look for and watch out for when booking travel for those with special needs. Always seek out a travel agent who is aware of airline services for the disabled, door widths on bathroom doors, accessibility to cruise ships, special hand controls on rental cars, etc. This will save you a lot of grief and heartache! Everyone should experience the thrill of travel!

Remember Your Badge - Don't forget to carry your International Wheelchair Badge or equivalent with you when you travel if you will be renting a car.

Travel Agent to the Rescue - If you travel in a wheelchair, book through a travel agent. If you purchase tickets on a non-stop or direct flight but the airline does a schedule change to a connecting flight, your travel agent can explore other options, and can even get you a refund on a non-refundable ticket. When you make your reservation, volunteer information on the type of wheelchair (i.e. manual; electric; wet or dry cell). Also, explain exactly how much assistance you will need. If the reservations agent is unfamiliar with special needs clients, they may not ask - which could result in delays or frustration at the airport.

Site Links
Senior travelers
Travel Agents
Airlines
Cruises
Scooter Hire
Vehicle Rental
Specific Countries
Specific Disabilities
UK Travel

Official reports
Studies & conference proceedings:
Study on Accessibility:

Flight Center
World Airlines Information Index
World Airports Information
World Countries Info
World Sea Ports
World City Tourist Information
European Airlines
Airport Codes
Ferries
Heathrow Departures
North American Airlines
UK Airlines - Airports
UK Coach Operators
Ski Resorts
Cruises