Tips and Tricks for Hassle Free Disabled Travel
You might think that this story doesn’t pertain to you or your family because no one is disabled – yet. Key word is yet! Literally in the blink of an eye, you too can be considered disabled from a car crash, a freak accident or through no fault of your own or just age – and we all will get old if we are lucky enough. For me, I have a large rods and screws from a scoliosis fusion right above my hipbones to my chest and I might need to be fully fused to my hipbones someday. I also learned over the summer that if anything further traumatic happens to my spine, I can only be fused moving forward. No disc replacements, no surgery to fix it – just more huge rods and screws in my spine or neck. That was a tough pill to swallow and I’m actually glad I found out in 2025 instead of my whole life as I might have skimped out on some amazing experiences with that knowledge. Recently I flew my father and stepmother in to visit me on Delta Airlines from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Phoenix, Arizona and with this knowledge of how to help elderly and disabled travel, I was well equipped to provide them with a smooth flight, minus the overnight snow delay but it made for a good story!
Disabled Travel Safety Tools and Tips
From our friends at Split Second Foundation, a non-profit that provides resources, including inclusive gyms for the disabled and geriatric communities, shares inclusive safety tips and tricks for traveling. Air travel can be a challenging experience for the disabled and wheelchair users, but airports that offer accessibility features ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Here are some essential tips and tricks to make traveling easier.
Disabled Booking and Pre-Travel Preparation
When booking a flight, notify the airline of any accessibility needs, including wheelchair assistance and seating accommodations. Arriving at the airport early allows extra time for security screenings and boarding procedures. Checking the airport’s website in advance provides helpful details on accessibility services, including designated entrances and assistance desks. If you have elderly passengers, they can also be considered disabled so get them on those assisted wheelchairs. I told my old stubborn dad if makes him VIP so he was all about being first in line!
Accessible Parking and Drop-Off
Most airports offer designated accessible parking spots close to terminal entrances, and pre-booking parking can guarantee availability. Curbside drop-off areas typically have designated wheelchair-accessible loading zones for easier terminal access. Each airline around the world offers online information about this feature so make sure to do your research first!
Wheelchair Assistance and Security Screening
To ensure staff availability upon arrival, wheelchair assistance can be requested at the airline’s check-in counter or when booking the ticket. The TSA offers a Disability Notification Card that can be presented to officers to streamline security screenings. Security checkpoints accommodate wheelchair users, and alternative screening methods are available if needed. I’ve watched people struggle to get through so try to arrive as early as possible to make this a smooth transition.
Disabled Terminal Navigation
Many airports have wheelchair-accessible pathways, ramps, and elevators to assist with navigation. Airport apps or online websites often provide interactive maps highlighting accessible restrooms, elevators, and assistance areas. Moving walkways and courtesy shuttles are available in some airports for longer distances between terminals.
Disabled Assistance and Customer Service
Most airports have dedicated accessibility services desks where travelers can request assistance. Airline staff and airport personnel are trained to assist with navigation, baggage handling, and boarding needs. I have heard horror stories of airlines ruining wheelchairs so do your research beforehand about where the airline stows them (hopefully right next to the passenger) and how you or your loved one with function on the plane without one.
Boarding the Plane
Pre-boarding is typically offered for wheelchair users, allowing extra time to get settled. Airlines provide aisle chairs to assist in boarding, and bulkhead seating is often available for those needing extra space.
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed in airports and on flights, and it’s recommended to inform the airline in advance of any necessary accommodations. Designated relief areas for service animals are available within most terminals. I recently flew to Paris with a cat in between us and she was moving across the pond with her owner. Fortunately cat ladies always become fast friends and we were both keeping her calm. Also, please for the love of God stop calling your untrained fur ball a service animal. One bite and that dog is put down legally!
Emergency Protocols
In case of an emergency, airline and airport staff are trained to assist wheelchair users with evacuation procedures. Familiarizing yourself with emergency exit locations and procedures before the flight can be beneficial. By planning ahead and utilizing airport accessibility services, wheelchair users and travelers with mobility challenges can have a stress-free and comfortable flying experience.
About Split Second Foundation
Over 20.6 million Americans live with some form of ambulatory disability, requiring a mobility device. Many of these people face an isolated world with few social interactions, health complications, a higher risk of suicide, a shorter life expectancy, and few places to turn to for assistance. Split Second Foundation, a Louisiana-based non-profit 501(c)(3), helps provide support, recovery tools and tactics, ongoing fitness exercise, education, and answers to people with a disability or medical condition.
