Sam and Chelsea both have significant others who use wheelchairs, affectionately referring to the men as their “wheel loves.” The friends blog about their relationships to show a different perspective and to help those in similar situations.
Sam and Chelsea love to travel, especially with their favorite men. The pair admits that planning an accessible trip adds a different level of stress. They provide some tips and tricks for traveling by plane with someone in a wheelchair.
“Planning a trip can be stressful at the best of times. Planning a trip when you have to take accessibility concerns into account adds an extra level to that stress, but it is so worth it!”
Do Your Research
Sam and Chelsea suggest checking out the destination you want to travel by searching the internet using google, blogs, and forums. These resources are helpful when finding out how accessible a place is. What are you interested in doing there? Check and see if a tourist attraction is accessible. The girls say to not be afraid to reach out to others that have been there to get their insight!
Book an Accessible Hotel Room
Sometimes a regular room will work fine. But based on past experiences Sam and Chelsea advise booking an accessible room just in case. They suggest calling the hotel beforehand with any questions or concerns you might have concerning accessibility.
Pay Attention To Flight Details
Sam and Chelsea say their men hate the aisle chair, so they always pay attention to where their seats are located on the plane. They say that most of the time after explaining the situation, their seats are moved to the front row or first class. That way the men can usually roll their chairs to the seat, and an aisle chair is not needed.
Travel Insurance
You never know what could happen when traveling. Sam and Chelsea never go anywhere without travel insurance. Their advice is to not purchase the cheapest insurance. Make sure you get exactly what you need and your disability is noted.
Bring Extra Medication
“It’s better to be prepared than caught without the necessities,” says Sam and Chelsea. You never know when there is going to be somewhere without access to a pharmacy.
Travel Toilet Seat
The girls say that investing in a travel toilet seat has been a lifesaver for their significant others. “You can buy something as big as a travel commode that folds up, or just a small seat that fits in your suitcase, but it makes doing your business much easier, much safer, and much more comfortable.”
Decrease Liquid Intake
If you use intermittent catheters you may want to avoid the morning coffee and keep your liquid intake to a minimum until you have reached your destination. “This decreases the chances of having to start world war 3 on an airplane just to get to the bathroom.”
Stay Calm
Sam and Chelsea say that while airport staff is usually accommodating, there is the occasional freakout moment. Remember to stay calm and remind others it’s just a wheelchair.
“When seeing someone in a wheelchair board a plane, staff tends to talk faster, breathe harder and sweat a little more. Just reassure them it will all be ok, we can get through this together and it’s just a wheelchair!”
The couples have also found that wherever they have traveled, there is always someone willing to help if needed. So, do not be afraid to ask for help.
Pack An Emergency Carry On
“You never know when your luggage is going to get lost so it’s just peace of mind to have a bag with everything to hold you over until it is returned,” says Sam and Chelsea. Make sure you pack your necessities in your emergency bag. It is a good idea to also take the cushion off of the wheelchair when boarding the plane so that it does not get damaged or lost.
“So, don’t stress too much! You are on a fun adventure with your loved one. Part of the fun is overcoming challenges and creating new ways to solve problems. The world is far from accessible, but don’t let that deter you from seeing it!”
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