air travel

TSA

TSA Institutes New Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that travelers who do not present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification at the airport, will need to pay $45 to use TSA Confirm ID in order to board the aircraft. The REAL ID law was signed more than 20 years ago, and although it has technically been enforced since May 7, 2025, passengers who previously lacked REAL IDs were given warnings and subjected to enhanced screenings. Beginning February 1, 2026, those travelers will now be required to pay a fee for TSA Confirm ID in order to board the aircraft. Passengers who go this route can also expect delays.

What is TSA Confirm ID?

TSA Confirm ID is a fee-based option to confirm the identity of travelers who lack a REAL ID or other acceptable identification. It costs $45 and takes approximately 30 minutes. It can be completed at the airport, but according to the TSA, it will also be available at www.tsa.gov  after the initial launch. That way travelers who lack a REAL ID can get a TSA Confirm ID before they get to the airport, and avoid unwanted delays.

According to the TSA about 94% of airline passengers already have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification. Says TSA representative Adam Stahl, “The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are. Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID process. This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer.”

How Do You Get  a REAL ID?

Of course, it’s easier – and cheaper in the long run – to get a REAL ID. The process is pretty simple. Just go to your state DMV or motor vehicle licensing website to find out the specific documentation that you need.

Generally, you must provide documentation showing:

  • Full Legal Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Two Proofs of Address

Some states have additional requirements, and some agencies require an appointment to get a REAL ID.

After you’ve filled out the required paperwork, and submitted the appropriate fees, your photo will be taken, and in most cases you’ll have your REAL ID in a few weeks. It’s a pretty simple process.

To be honest, I have had REAL ID in three states, and it’s pretty easy in most cases. My first REAL ID was in California shortly after the program was launched. Suffice it to say that it needed some improvement, and it took me the better part of the afternoon to complete the process, This was mainly because a lot of employees were unfamiliar with this new program. Gladly that’s not the case today.

My second experience was in ID, and that went quickly, as did my final one in WA. Sadly, a REAL ID in one state does not qualify as documentation for a REAL ID in another state. You have to produce all the original documentation again, which makes no sense to me, as it is a nation-wide program. In any case, getting a REAL ID today is a pretty easy process.

What Other Forms of ID are Acceptable?

Although REAL IDs are one form of acceptable identification, there are many other options that the TSA accepts. Listed below are the acceptable forms of ID in order to pass the TSA checkpoint to board the aircraft.

  • State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
  • US passport
  • US passport card
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
  • HSPD-12 PIV card
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • S. Merchant Mariner Credential
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

All travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line.

For more information about REAL ID or the security screening process, visit  TSA.gov/real-id.

So be prepared to show your REAL ID on Feb 1, or else be subjected to additional screening and fees. Plan ahead!

 

 

 

southwest

DOT “Reworking” New ACAA Wheelchair Regs

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Late last year the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced some timely updates to the Air Carrier Access Act. https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/

Subsequently five airlines, along with an airline trade group filed suit in the Fifth District challenging these stricter standards.  https://emerginghorizons.com/acaa-updates-stalled-due-to-litigation/

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Arpingstone, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Can I Store a Wheelchair in the Aircraft Cabin?

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I’m planning to fly from San Francisco to Miami to see my sister next year, and I use a manual wheelchair. I have heard such horror stories about wheelchairs being damaged in the baggage compartment, and I’m wondering if I can store a wheelchair in the aircraft cabin? Is this possible and if so, do I need to make advance arrangements to do this.

What the Law Says

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), US aircraft with 100 or more passenger seats are required to have a priority stowage space for manual wheelchairs. This can be in the onboard closet or strapped to unused seats.

If the stowage space is in the closet, there must be room for one typical adult size folding chair. The dimensions of that space must be at least 13 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches. If the manual wheelchair does not fit in the prescribed area while it is fully assembled, the wheels or other components may be removed to make it fit. The removal must be done without any tools, and afterwards you can store the removed components with your carry-on luggage.

It should be noted that wheelchair stowage takes priority over all other items, including crew luggage; and it’s the crew’s responsibility to move their luggage and clear the space.

The airline can also opt to use the seat strapping method to stow a manual wheelchair in the aircraft cabin. If this method is used, there must be room for two manual wheelchairs.

At the Airport

There’s no advance notice required to store a wheelchair on the airplane, but it should be noted that priority wheelchair stowage space is only guaranteed if you preboard the aircraft. If you board during general boarding, you will have to compete with the other passengers for the onboard storage space, so it’s extremely important that you preboard.

Additionally, since there is only one wheelchair stowage space per aircraft in the onboard closet, it pays to be the first one to board the aircraft. So don’t wander away from the boarding area, and when boarding time approaches, make sure you are visible to the crew, so you won’t be forgotten.

It’s also important to note that wheelchairs or any other assistive devices are not counted as carry-on luggage.

If you encounter any problems when you ask to store a wheelchair in the aircraft cabin — such as the crew refusing to relocate their luggage — don’t hesitate to ask for the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). These airline employees are trained to handle disability-related problems, and they will make sure that the ACAA rules are followed. For more information about the CRO, visit emerginghorizons.com/flying-with-a-wheelchair-remember-the-cro/.

And for more tips on flying with a wheelchair, visit emerginghorizons.com/flying-with-a-wheelchair-air-travel-tips-and-more/.

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airport

Wheelchair-User Nabbed for Smuggling at ORD

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Last month Elaine Perez-Pena was arrested at O’Hare International Airport for smuggling cocaine. I guess that’s not big news by itself, but to add a little twist to the story, Perez-Pena is supposedly a wheelchair-user — or at least she had a wheelchair in her possession at the time of her arrest. She later admitted that she really didn’t physically require a wheelchair, and the only purpose of her assistive device was to conceal illegal drugs.

Cocaine in the Cushions

So here’s how the smuggling bust went down. Perez-Pena was selected for a secondary inspection after she deplaned in Chicago, not because she was a wheelchair-user, but because she was previously convicted of drug smuggling in 2022. So they gave her luggage a through once-over, and put her wheelchair through the x-ray machine. Although nothing was found in her luggage, there were some abnormalities in the wheelchair cushions X-rays. Subsequently a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the wheelchair, so the authorities tore it apart and found an impressive 14 kilograms of cocaine.

This incident was quite a step up from her last endeavor in 2021, when she concealed a mere three kilograms of cocaine in her luggage on her return from the Dominican Republic. She pleaded guilty to that offense and ended up with “time served” which was about nine months in jail. Perhaps she’ll be in custody a little longer for this offense.

Increased Scrutiny for Wheelchair-Users?

Of course since Perez-Pena used a wheelchair to smuggle her goods, many folks are wondering if wheelchair-users will now receive closer scrutiny when passing through airport security checkpoints in the US? I don’t really think so. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure every TSA employee in the country is aware of this wheelchair-related bust, so they’ll be more aware of the possibility that assistive devices can be used to conceal drugs. That said, Perez-Pena isn’t the first person hide contraband in a wheelchair, so I think this incident will serve as a gentle reminder rather than a great revelation.

For example, in September 2024, a passenger’s power wheelchair was flagged for secondary screening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, due to unusually large cushions. After an x-ray revealed a hidden metal compartment, the wheelchair was more closely examined and 12 kilos of cocaine were uncovered.

And then there was the traveler at JFK International Airport in New York, who tried to hide over $450,000 of cocaine in her wheelchair wheels. She was flagged for secondary screening when a TSA agent noticed that some of her wheelchair wheels were not turning. That was a big red flag!

So although wheelchair-users may receive a closer look from TSA agents, they probably won’t be flagged for a more intensive screening unless some anomalies are spotted. Or if the wheelchair-user happens to be a convicted smuggler.

What to Expect at Security Checkpoints

Security checkpoints are a necessary evil of modern airline travel, but on the plus side the TSA has specific guidelines about how to professionally and respectfully screen wheelchair-users.

And although TSA PreCheck can help streamline the process a bit, there are still some limitations of that program for wheelchair-users. The good news is that you don’t have to remove your shoes, belts, laptops or liquids when you go through the TSA PreCheck line. And that makes the whole screening process a lot easier for everyone.

That said if you cannot stand and walk through the metal detector — in any line — you will need to undergo a manual pat down. And if there is any sort of flag or alarm during the pat down, then your personal property, carry on and wheelchair may be subject to additional screening. So suffice it to say that if your cushion looks like an overstuffed chair, or the wheels on your wheelchair don’t turn, then it’s off to the x-ray machine for your equipment. And most likely a drug-sniffing dog will also be called in to check your personal property if you are suspected of smuggling.

But for the majority of wheelchair-users, the security checkpoint won’t present any problems. That said, it pays to be prepared, so check out these handy tips before you hit the security checkpoint on your next trip. (https://emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-traveler-and-airport-security).

Rent a Hoyer Lift in London

Rent a Hoyer Lift in London

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If your travels take you across the pond, and you’re thinking about taking along your Hoyer lift, then think again. There is an easier solution. You can now rent a Hoyer lift in London through Ninja Mobility (ninjamobility.com). Owned by a power wheelchair-user, Ninja Mobility focuses on service, to make sure your essential equipment is available when you need it. Not only do they offer a wide range of mobility equipment choices, but they offer hotel delivery, so your equipment is waiting for you when you arrive. And they also serve the Southern UK, so it’s a good choice for a road trip too. So lighten the load on your next UK trip, leave your equipment at home, and rent a Hoyer lift in London. It’s the easy, stress-free way to travel.

Barrier-Free TravelYosemite, Sequoia and Kings CanyonNational Parksfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book
 

 

 

 

 

 

airplane

ACAA Changes Stalled: Do These US Airlines REALLY Want Improved Wheelchair Access?

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The big news about access in the air is that a group of US Airlines have initiated a legal review of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) most recent Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) changes (https://emerginghorizons.com/acaa-updates-stalled-due-to-litigation/).

These ACAA changes would make air travel safer and more comfortable for slow walkers and wheelchair users. The ACAA changes were scheduled to be implemented in 2025, and they include important items such as the prompt return of wheelchairs upon arrival, promptly repairing damaged wheelchairs and providing appropriate rentals (https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/).

And because of this litigation, these ACAA changes are all on hold.

Interestingly enough, many of the airlines that are publicly opposing these access regulations have previously claimed to be working hard towards making the whole air travel experience easier for disabled passengers.

So my question to them is, are they REALLY committed to improving wheelchair access in the air?

 

What Airlines Oppose the ACAA Changes?

The plaintiffs in this case include the member organization Airlines for America (AIA), as well as five airlines — United, American, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest. The filing is a bit redundant, as AIA includes those five airlines as well as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Atlas Air.

So what exactly is AIA? According to their website, this member organization “advocates on behalf of its members to shape crucial policies and measures that promote safety, security and a healthy U.S. airline industry.” In short, it’s basically a trade association headquartered in Washington DC.

Ironically, AIA also has a section devoted to accessibility on its website, which proudly states that “member airlines are dedicated to providing accessible air travel to all passengers”. It goes on to state that their member airlines ” have long been engaged in a variety of initiatives to increase air travel accessibility and meet or exceed all DOT accommodation standards.”

Of course my question is, if they are so devoted to accessibility, then why are they opposing the DOT’s latest updates to the ACAA — updates that will make air travel safer and more comfortable for many wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Sounds like a bunch of wolves in sheep’s clothing to me.

 

Delta Airlines

Although Delta Airlines is a member of AIA, they are also listed as an individual plaintiff in the ACAA case. And they deserve a special mention because of all the press they have received in the past few years for trying to improve access for wheelchair-users. More specifically Delta Flight Products, which is a subsidiary of Delta Airlines, has worked on a cabin design that would allow passengers to remain in their own wheelchairs for their flights.

And boy do they ever have a great PR department, because they have been all over the news, with tons of mainstream coverage, as well as photo ops by a passel of bloggers that happen to use wheelchairs or fly with someone that does.

Delta Flight Products is very proud of their work. They proudly extoll their dedication to making air travel a comfortable reality for more wheelchair-users on their website. Their statement reads, “Delta Flight Products’ applications, which could ultimately enable this first-of-its-kind seat to be installed on an aircraft, is a remarkable milestone in the industry’s journey to make travel more inclusive for all. Delta has long pioneered efforts to increase air travel accessibility and will continue to invest in technology and innovation to support all our customers.”

And when they failed to properly accommodate a disabled passenger in 2022, Delta reaffirmed their commitment to access. Their statement proudly declared, “We believe travel is for everyone, and it is our priority to deliver the best service and ensure accessibility for all Delta customers.”

 So again I ask, why is a company that has “pioneered efforts to increase air travel accessibility” and makes it a “priority to deliver the best service and ensure accessibility” a plaintiff in this lawsuit?

 

The Other Plaintiffs

To be fair, Delta is not the only plaintiff that professes to support safe and comfortable wheelchair access in the skies.

Let’s start with United Airlines. This one is a bit of a puzzler to me, because back in April 2024 United was in the news everywhere for launching their new wheelchair-sizing tool (https://emerginghorizons.com/new-united-airlines-wheelchair-sizer-tool-unveiled/). Granted it was the result of an ACAA complaint, but the end result was a digital tool that helps wheelchair-users select flights that can accommodate their specific assistive devices.

 And United execs bragged about their accomplishment. “By offering customers an easy way to know if their personal wheelchair fits on a particular airplane, we can give them the peace of mind they deserve when they fly with us,” United executive vice president and chief customer officer Linda Jojo said in a statement.

 Then why is United a party to the current lawsuit that objects to — among other things — the new ACAA regulation that requires airlines to publish the dimensions of their cargo holds so wheelchair-users can determine if they can accommodated their wheelchairs?

 And let’s not leave out American Airlines. After they were fined by the DOT in 2024 for their treatment of disabled passengers, they put a positive spin on it all, when a senior vice president said, “Today’s agreement reaffirms American’s commitment to taking care of all of our customers.”

And again, if they have such a big commitment to “all” of their customers, then why are they a party to this lawsuit; a lawsuit, which if successful will take away the rights of “some” of their customers.

 

Time Will Tell for ACAA Changes

In the end, time will tell how this lawsuit will end. If the court decides to throw it back in the DOT’s lap to rework things “according to the procedural rules,” then we could see an entirely different version of this ACAA update.

On the other hand, there’s a slim possibility that the court will rule in the DOT’s favor and the regulations will stand as previously released.

Either way, don’t let the PR spins fool you. The plaintiff airlines definitely do not want to see improved access in the air.  And that’s something to remember when you choose an airline for your next vacation.

CourtGavel

ACAA Updates Stalled Due to Litigation

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Although some welcome access updates to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) were released in December 2024, there’s been a slight glitch in the implementation of these new regulations. It seems that the airlines have commenced legal action to prevent the ACAA updates from being enacted.

The Airlines Argument

These new ACAA updates (https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/), which were released by the Department of Transportation (DOT) on December 17, 2024, include stricter guidelines for the repair of damaged wheelchairs and improvement of communication with passengers who check their mobility devices. They also include some general regulations for insuring the prompt return of checked wheelchairs, informing passengers of the dimensions of the aircraft hold and generally updating the policies regarding flying with a wheelchair. Collectively they were seen as a huge improvement for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who take to the skies.

But the airlines didn’t exactly share the enthusiasm for these ACAA updates that was generated by the disabled community. In fact, five American airlines — United, American, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest — have filed a petition in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for a review of the new ACAA updates. Also included as a plaintiff is Airlines for America, an organization that includes the above carriers as well as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Atlas Air.  In short, these airlines have asked the court to set aside the new rule because the provisions in it exceeded the DOT’s statutory authority.

Specifically they claim that the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act. (APA) This act requires a reviewing court to set aside agency actions that are found to be “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with the law”.

Venue Could Make a Difference

I find it interesting that this petition was filed in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is headquartered in New Orleans. The Fifth Circuit includes Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. Two of the plaintiff airlines — American Airlines and Southwest Airlines — are headquartered in that district. American Airlines home offices are in Fort Worth, while Southwest Airlines calls Dallas home.

On the surface it would seem logical to file in the district where two of the plaintiffs are located. On the other hand, it left me scratching my head a bit because the attorneys are located in New York. And not only is New York located a fair distance from New Orleans, but JetBlue also has its home office in New York. So why didn’t the plaintiff’s attorneys file in New York? It seems like that would be easier for everyone.

Then I looked at the recent court decisions of the Fifth Circuit, and one really stood out. It was another DOT case. On January 28, 2025 the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the DOT failed to comply with the APA in their fare disclosure regulation. That regulation was then remanded back to the DOT so they could make appropriate changes to comply with the law

In other words, the court ruled against the DOT. And if they did that once, then perhaps the attorneys for the plaintiffs were hoping that’s how it would go with this case.

What Happens Next?

Now that the papers have been filed we basically have to wait until the plaintiffs present their case to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. And then the court will either rule that it stands, or it will throw it out; or like in the fare disclosure regulation, it will be sent back to the DOT with instructions to fix it.

 

Time will only tell. Until then the new ACAA updates are on hold, and because the regulation has been challenged they will not go into effect as previously outlined.

And so we wait.  Hopefully this issue will be resolved soon.

misinformation

Accessible Travel Misinformation — Don’t Believe Everything You Read Online!

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With the evolution of the internet, information is just a few keystrokes away. On the other hand, some of that information is a far cry from accurate. This is especially true where accessible travel is concerned. Unfortunately with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) the credibility of online information has greatly decreased, and a glut of accessible travel misinformation has surfaced. With that in mind, here are some accessible travel misinformation tidbits recently found online; followed by the true facts, and topped off with a handful of accessible travel resources.

Accessible Travel Misinformation — Air Travel

Misinformation: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the law that covers air travel for disabled passengers.

Truth: The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which actually predates the ADA, covers airline and aircraft accessibility on US airlines and on foreign airlines on flights to and from the US. The ADA does not cover airline access.

Resource: Air Carrier Access Act www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382

Misinformation: You will get upgraded to first class when you fly if you have a disability.

Truth: Although coach seats may not have enough room for many wheelchair-users, upgrades are few and far between these days. It never hurts to ask for an upgrade, but don’t expect one unless you are a top tier frequent flyer. Occasionally wheelchair-users get upgraded, but it’s far from the norm.

Resource: Flying With a Wheelchair — Air Travel Tips and More emerginghorizons.com/flying-with-a-wheelchair-air-travel-tips-and-more/

Misinformation: Wheelchair-users are guaranteed bulkhead seating on airplanes.

Truth: Under the ACAA, people with a fused leg and those who travel with a service animal are the only passengers guaranteed bulkhead seating. On the other hand, some air carriers voluntarily block bulkhead seats for wheelchair-users; so check around and then deal with the air carriers that can best meet your seating needs.

Resource: Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-air-travelers-bill-of-rights/

Accessible Travel Misinformation – Hotels

Misinformation: You don’t need to make advance arrangements for accessible rooms.

Truth: Well you don’t need to make reservations for any hotel room; however that doesn’t mean there will be a room available when you arrive. The same holds true for accessible rooms. The only way to ensure your room will have the access features you need, is to make an advance reservation. In practice, only a small portion of hotel rooms have access features.

Resource: How to Tell if You’re Really in a Wheelchair-Accessible Room emerginghorizons.com/how-to-tell-if-youre-really-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-hotel-room/

Misinformation: Making a reservation at a property assures you that the accessible room will be there when you arrive, because you have guaranteed it with your credit card.

Truth: Guaranteeing a room with your credit card only locks in a specific rate. Blocking a room sets aside a specific room for a specific guest on a specific date. All accessible rooms in the US are required to be blocked under the ADA.

Resource: The Hotel Gave Away Your Accessible Room? Practice Self Advocacy emerginghorizons.com/the-hotel-gave-away-your-accessible-room-practice-self-advocacy/

Misinformation: All accessible guest rooms have roll-in showers.

Truth: In the US, only hotels with over 50 rooms are required to have accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers. Those with under 50 rooms are merely required to have tub/shower combinations with grab bars.

Resource: ADA Standards for Accessible Design www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards

Misinformation: All hotels have to have shuttles that are wheelchair-accessible.

Truth: If a hotel provides free airport transfers, they must also provide accessible transfers at no charge. They don’t have to own their own accessible vehicles though. They can contract out the service or pay for an accessible cab or Uber, but they cannot charge disabled customers for a service that they provide free to other guests.

Resource: Are Hotels Required to Provide Wheelchair-Accessible Airport Shuttles? emerginghorizons.com/are-hotels-required-to-provide-wheelchair-accessible-airport-shuttles/

Accessible Travel Misinformation – Cruises

Misinformation: The ship-sponsored shore excursions on most cruises are usually accessible.

Truth: In order to take most ship-sponsored shore excursions you have to be able to walk a few steps and climb up into a bus. Most of the ship-sponsored tours do not include accessible transportation. The exception is in Alaska, but you have to specifically request an adapted vehicle there, even on tours that are designated as “accessible”.

Resource: Accessible Alaska Shore Excursions emerginghorizons.com/accessible-alaska-shore-excursions/

Misinformation: Wheelchair-users can easily roll off cruise ships at all ports, so even if you don’t book a shore excursion you can still explore the area around the port.

Truth: If you can get off the ship you may be able to roll around and explore the port, but cruise ships don’t always dock at all the ports. In many cases cruise ships drop anchor offshore and shuttle passengers to and from the port in tenders. And in many cases these tenders are not wheelchair-accessible. Check with the cruise line to see what ports are tender ports, and then ask about their policy of tendering wheelchair-users. And remember that any port could become a tender port due to high traffic or other operational issues.

Resource: Cruise Critic Disable Cruise Travel Board boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/

Misinformation: Cruise lines provide manual wheelchairs for passengers who cannot walk very far.

Truth: Most cruise lines provide manual wheelchairs and boarding assistance to slow walkers, during embarkation and disembarkation only. These manual wheelchairs are not for the exclusive use of passengers, and cannot be taken to a cabin. If you need a wheelchair during the cruise or for shore excursions, you need to rent one and have it delivered to the ship, or bring your own from home.

Resource: Wheelchair Accessible Cruise Tips emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-cruise-tips/

Accessible Travel Misinformation — Miscellaneous Travel

Misinformation: Theme parks let wheelchair-users go to the front of the line so they don’t have to wait.

Truth: In some cases, wheelchair-users are allowed to access certain attractions through the exits, because the main entrances are not accessible. The newer rides and attractions are being built with accessible entrances, so this alternative access (which results in skipping the line) is no longer needed for wheelchair-users. And under the new new Disability Access System, only “developmentally disabled guests who cannot wait in line” are eligible to get a return time for popular rides and skip the queues.

Resource: New Disney Disability Access System Criteria emerginghorizons.com/new-disney-disability-access-system-criteria/

Misinformation: Under the ADA, car rental companies must also rent lift-equipped vans.

Truth: Car rental companies are not required to provide ramped or lift-equipped vans. They are however required to install hand controls on vehicles, given 48-hours notice. If you require a lift-equipped van, you need to deal with a specialty rental firm.

Resource: PVA Accessible Car Rental Information pva.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Rental-Car-FAQs-DESIGN.pdf

Finally, take a look at how the article is written, when you are ferreting out misinformation. Does it seem completely unbelievable? Does it include photos? Is it written by someone who has actually traveled to the destination? If not, then you may be reading misinformation generated by AI. Here are a few more tips to help you weed out the misinformation when you research your next trip.
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-travel-sorting-through-the-misinformation-on-the-internet/.

Barrier-Free TravelNational Park Lodgesfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
National Park Lodges
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book
 

 

 

 

 

airplane

Will Flying in Your Wheelchair Ever Happen?

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If you follow accessible travel at all, you’ve probably noticed an uptick of articles about the possibility of staying in your own wheelchair to fly. A few airlines have released prototypes of “accessible” flip up seating units with wheelchair tie-downs; and a number of disability rights organizations have championed the “flying in your wheelchair” movement.

More
Flying with a Wheelchair — Air Travel Tips and More

Flying with a Wheelchair — Air Travel Tips and More

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Travel by its very nature requires a good amount of preparation, especially when it includes air travel. Factor a disability into that equation and the complexity increases. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips for flying with a wheelchair.

Before You Go

  • The first thing you should do if you are flying with a wheelchair is to learn the law so you know what to expect. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) — not the Americans with Disabilities Act — is that law that covers access on all US carriers, and foreign carriers on flights to and from the US. You can find the ACAA at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382.
  • Flying with a wheelchair in some parts of the world can come with some additional problems. If your trip involves domestic flights in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, learn about the local access laws. Many domestic carriers in these regions have denied boarding to unaccompanied wheelchair-users. Choose your airline carefully.
  • Request a seat with a flip-up armrest when you make your reservation, as it makes transfers easier.
  • If you need a non-ticketed escort to accompany you to the gate, advise the airline of this when you make your reservation. Your escort will be asked for photo identification and given a security checkpoint pass.
  • Even if you don’t routinely use a wheelchair at home, consider requesting an airport wheelchair when you book your reservation if you are a slow walker. Some airports are quite large, and the whole boarding process can involve a lot of walking and standing.
  • Under the ACAA, airlines are required to carry wheelchairs, other mobility aids and assistive devices free of charge. This can include everything from oxygen concentrators and ventilators, to shower chairs and even catheter supplies. That said, remember to pack medical supplies in a clearly labeled box, and do not mix them with your personal items.
  • If you are traveling with oxygen or a ventilator, contact the airline to find out about their specific rules and procedures. Some airlines require doctor’s forms, so plan ahead for this.

Important Websites and Phone Numbers

  • The Department of Transportation (DOT) has several helpful brochures on accessible air travel at https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability
  • If you have any questions regarding security screening procedures, call the TSA Cares hotline at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to your flight. They will be able to supply you with airport specific information regarding your inquiry.
  • Download the TSA Notification Card (www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdf), then fill it out with the specifics of your disability. Hand it to the TSA agent when you get to security. This is especially helpful if you have places on your body that are sensitive or painful to touch.
  • Finally, it you are flying with a wheelchair and you have any questions about the ACAA, call the DOT Hotline at (800) 778-4838.

At the Airport

  • When flying with a wheelchair, you can stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate, if you have non-spillable (gel) batteries. At that time you will be transferred to an aisle chair and boarded, and your wheelchair will be gate checked. If your mobility device does not have non-spillable batteries, you must transfer to an airport wheelchair at check-in, and surrender your wheelchair or scooter at that time.
  • If your mobility device has lithium ion batteries, contact the specific airline for their rules and regulations. US airlines are allowed to carry mobility devices with lithium ion batteries, however they are not required to do so. Every airline that accepts these devices has their own procedures,
  • If you use an airport wheelchair, don’t give it up once you get to the gate, because if there is a gate change you won’t have any way to get to the new gate. And sometimes it can be a very long walk.
  • Always allow extra time to get through security. Carry your wheelchair repair tools in your checked bag. If you encounter any problems at the security checkpoint ask for the Passenger Support Specialist, as these employees have additional training in access issues.
  • Remember, you are not required to perform any tasks at the security checkpoint that you are physically unable to do. If an TSA employee asks you to stand, walk, or even take off your shoes, just let them know that you are unable to do that.
  • When flying with a wheelchair, let the gate agent know that you need to preboard the aircraft. This will give you extra time to transfer and stow your gear in a more private setting. And don’t wander off from the boarding area, as you could miss preboarding.

Protect Your Wheelchair

  • Attach clear assembly and disassembly instructions (in Spanish and English) to your wheelchair or scooter. Photos and illustrations also help.
  • Remove any loose or protruding parts from your wheelchair or scooter. Protect your joystick with some type of a hard covered object, such as a plastic cup secured with packing tape.
  • Let a little bit of air out of your wheelchair tires. Carry on all gel cushions. Baggage compartments are not pressurized.
  • Snap a digital photo of your wheelchair before you board. It’s a good way to document the condition of your assistive device in case of damage.
  • Make sure you have adequate insurance. US airlines are only liable for the purchase price (not the replacement cost) of assistive devices on domestic flights. And on international flights the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is covered under the Warsaw Convention ($25.29/kilo) or the Montreal Convention ($1731 limit).
  • Put an air tag on your wheelchair. It won’t prevent it from getting misrouted, but at least you will know where it’s at if it doesn’t show up at your gate.

On the Airplane

  • On aircraft with more than 100 seats, there’s priority storage space aboard for one manual wheelchair. This space is available on a first-come basis, so it pays to get to the boarding area early, to get the first crack at the space.
  • Make sure an on-board wheelchair is aboard the aircraft before takeoff. If you cannot walk, this is how you will be transported to the lavatory. On-board wheelchairs are required on all aircraft with accessible lavatories, but sometimes they are accidentally offloaded, so it always pays to check.
  • Consider your toilet options when flying with a wheelchair, and plan ahead. Accessible airline lavatories are available on wide-body (two-aisle) jets. They have to be large enough to accommodate the on-board wheelchair, but in some cases there is not enough room for an attendant. Check out the aircraft diagrams at seatguru.com/ to find planes that have larger accessible restrooms.

If Things Go Wrong

  • If you encounter any problems when flying with a wheelchair, contact the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). The CRO is an airline employee that’s specifically trained about the ACAA. All US airlines are required to have a CRO on duty during airport operating hours. Foreign carriers are also required to have a CRO available at airports that serve flights that begin or end in the US.
  • If your equipment is damaged or you experience a access related service failure, report it to the airline and request compensation. If your assistive device is not usable, be sure to request an appropriate loaner.
  • And if you experience an access-related service failure, you can also file a ACAA complaint at secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint. This complaint will not result in compensation but it can help to make air travel more accessible in the long run.
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