scooter

Size Matters – Carnival Scooter Policy

Size Matters – Carnival Scooter Policy

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Although scooters provide increased mobility for many people, some have become problematic on cruises. Granted it’s not the mobility devices themselves that are an problem, but a huge issue arises when folks store their scooters in the hallways outside their stateroom doors. Not only does this raise a safety issue in case of a fire or other ship emergency, but it often makes the hallway impassable to folks in wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

So why do passengers store their scooters in the hallways? It’s simply a matter of size – most standard scooters will not fit through regular cabin doorways. They will only fit into accessible cabins, which have wider doorways.

Carnival Scooter Policy

Most cruise lines have rules about scooter storage, and they do not allow passengers to store them in hallways. But in reality, this issue is often overlooked once folks have boarded. Carnival Cruise Lines, on the other hand, has scooter guidelines that require scooter measurement before boarding; and they strictly prohibit scooter storage in hallways. And if your scooter doesn’t pass muster, you could be denied boarding. Here’s a breakdown of the Carnival scooter policy.

  • All scooters must be stored in staterooms
  • Mobility devices can never be left unattended.
  • Guests with more than one scooter must book a fully accessible stateroom
  • Guests with scooters wider than 21 inches must book an accessible stateroom or rent a smaller scooter.
  • Scooters will be measured at check-in. Scooters that do not fit in the guest’s reserved stateroom will not be allowed on board.
  • Should a guest not be able to make alternate arrangements for a smaller rental scooter, boarding will be denied and no compensation will be provided.

All guests that will be traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter must fill out a mobility form that includes the dimensions of their mobility device. https://www.carnival.com/~/media/CCLUS/Images/pdf/mobility-questionnaire.pdf

Carnival recommends that guests that have scooters larger than the required size, rent a smaller model from Scootaround (their preferred vendor). Scootaround can deliver the rental scooter directly to the ship.

So plan ahead if you travel with a larger scooter and will be sailing on Carnival. I’m also thinking that the other cruise lines will soon follow suit, as “hallway scooters” are a problem on all cruises. Although the storage of scooters in hallways is prohibited on all major cruise lines, the Carnival scooter policy is the strictest at the moment.

Don’t be left at the dock. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

FLying with Lithium-Ion Wheelchair Batteries – What you Need to Know

FLying with Lithium-Ion Wheelchair Batteries – What you Need to Know

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OI get a lot of questions about flying with lithium-ion wheelchair batteries. There is a lot of misinformation and confusion out there, and many folks are concerned about their first flight with their wheelchair or other assistive device that has lithium ion batteries. So let me try and clear things up for you.

Lithium-Ion Battery Rules for Assistive Devices

So who sets the rules for lithium-ion batteries? Well in the US, these safety rules are set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). That agency sets minimum guidelines for the safe transport of lithium-ion batteries on US aircraft; however individual airlines may set stricter standards or even disallow them altogether.

The magic number for lithium-ion batteries in mobility devices for air travel in 300 watt hours (Wh). If you have a wheelchair or assistive device with a lithium-ion battery of 300 Wh or less that does not have a protective housing, then it must be removed and carried on the plane with you. On the other hand, if the lithium-ion battery (still 300 Wh or less) is installed on an assistive device and it does have a protective housing, then it will need to be carried as checked luggage. If this is the case, you need to notify the airline, as additional protective measures and an inspection may be required.

As for spare batteries, the magic number is also 300 Wh. One spare battery of up to 300 Wh or two spares of 160 Wh each are allowed. The spare batteries must be carried on the aircraft, as they cannot be carried in the cargo hold. Spare batteries should be carried in protective pouches or covered with non-conductive tape to prevent short circuits. Airline personnel will likely inspect all batteries before boarding.

Additional Information

It’s also a good idea to bring a copy of the battery’s Material Safety Data Sheet with you in case there are any questions from the flight crew. You also need to check with the airline in advance (at least 48 hours prior to departure) to see what the specific requirements are, as they do vary from airline to airline. Again, the airlines may have stricter requirements than the FAA minimum guidelines.

Additionally, foreign airlines (non US-airlines) may have different safety regulations and requirements, so it’s best to check with them well in advance of your flight. Most airlines have detailed information listed on their websites. It’s important that you check the airline website before booking because some airlines may not allow them at all,

Additionally, lithium metal (nonrechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with assistive devices. That means the airlines will not take them.

And here are a few good resources about traveling with lithium-ion wheelchair batteries, .

https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/resources/airline-passengers-batteries

https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/wheelchairs-mobility-devices

Have a good trip!

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New Southwest Airlines Rules for Lithium-Powered Mobility Devices

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Beginning on September 25, 2025 Southwest Airlines will implement new regulations for passengers traveling with lithium-powered mobility devices. The new regulation requires customers to remove all lithium batteries from their wheelchairs or scooters before boarding the aircraft. The batteries will need to be carried aboard by passengers, but will not count towards their checked baggage allowance or personal items.

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National Park Lodges

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National Park Lodges

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Why Stay in a National Park Lodge?

National park lodges are more than just places to rest your head. Not only are they part of the essential infrastructure of our national parks, but they’re also filled with history . In fact, more than a few national park lodges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And the good news is, the bulk of these historic properties have added access upgrades over the years, so wheelchair-users and slow walkers can also enjoy them. Thinking about staying in a national park lodge on your next road trip? Here are a few more benefits of staying “in park”.

Beat the Crowds

The best way to beat the crowds at national parks is to arrive early in the morning, and that’s much easier to do if you stay overnight in the park. The crowds drastically increase after 10 AM, when a lot of tour buses also appear. For example in Grand Canyon National Park, it’s almost impossible to enjoy Hermit Road during peak season in the afternoons. The shuttle buses are full and private vehicles are not permitted along the route. If however you get an early start, you’ll have a much more pleasant experience. Even better, it’s just a short walk to a shuttle bus stop from any of the park lodges, and five of the lodges have wheelchair-accessible rooms.

Nature Surrounds You

There’s just no comparison between staying at a chain hotel in a gateway city and bedding down in a national park lodge surrounded by nature. How can you beat opening your drapes to a view of Half Dome, or enjoying the red rock beauty of Zion Canyon from your front porch?

And Then There’s the Wildlife!

No place is off limits to the native wildlife in national parks. For example, at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone National Park, it’s not unusual to see the resident elk graze outside the accessible cabins. It’s an especially impressive sight during the rut, when the large bulls heard their harems. And you’ll never forget the bugling cry of the bulls.

First Dibs on Dinner Reservations

The more popular restaurants in some national parks require dinner reservations, and first dibs on those go to lodge guests. For example in Yellowstone, reservations at the Old Faithful Inn, Grant Village and the Lake Yellowstone Hotel are available 60 days in advance to lodge guests; while folks staying elsewhere can only make same day reservations.

Location, Location, Location

Let’s face it, some national parks are just too far from the city to make a daily commute, so staying at an in-park lodge is the only option. Take Isle Royale National Park for example. It’s located on an island in the middle of Lake Superior, and since it’s a four-hour ferry ride from the mainland, staying overnight just makes sense. Fortunately Rock Harbor Lodge has a comfortable wheelchair-accessible room.

Competitive Pricing

Last but certainly not least, most of the popular national parks have rooms in all price ranges, and some national park concessionaires even have programs in place that offer competitively priced rooms. For example, Curry Village in Yosemite National Park offers affordable family accommodations, while the luxurious Ahwahnee offers high end rooms with prices to match. And over in Yellowstone National Park, the Xanterra Travel Collection prices a good chunk of their in-park rooms at rates comparable to those found in the surrounding gateway communities. So yes, you can book a national park lodge at gateway community prices, but you do have to book early to take advantage of these great bargains.

Five Favorite Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Cabins

More About National Park Lodges

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

Barrier-Free Travel
National Park Lodges
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers

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Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise Tips

Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise Tips

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Cruises are an excellent choice for an accessible vacation, as most of the newer cruise ships have good wheelchair access. Additionally, you can visit many ports on a cruise, but you only have to unpack once. And cruises are also a great multigenerational vacation choice. With that in mind, here are a few helpful tips to help you plan a wheelchair-accessible cruise. 

Planning Your Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise

  • Contact the cruise line’s Special Needs Department for detailed access information or special access requests.
  • Remember to request pier assistance when you book your cruise. Disabled passengers are given priority boarding upon advance request.
  • Most ships have wheelchairs that can be borrowed for embarkation. If however , you need one full-time or ashore, you need to bring your own or arrange for a rental to be delivered to your cabin. Contact the cruise line for a list of their approved vendors.
  • Outside vendors can also provide Hoyer lifts and other medical equipment; but make user you order these from an approved vendor.
  • Some cruise lines can also provide special equipment, such as commode chairs or shower chairs, upon advance request.
  • Don’t assume all accessible cabins are the same. If you need a specific feature, such as a roll-in shower, ask if it’s available.
  • The best advice comes from people who have recently cruised, so check out the “Disabled Cruiser” section of the Cruise Critic website (cruisecritic.com). It’s an excellent place to gather information about accessible shore excursions that you can book on your own.
  • Plan ahead! Accessible cabins are in short supply so try to book at least 6-9 months in advance to get your first choice of sailing dates. Accessible balcony cabins on Alaska cruises go like hotcakes, so book those as soon as they become available.

Things to Remember

  • Slow walkers who use scooters and don’t have the need for an accessible cabin need to make sure that standard cabin doorways are wide enough to accommodate their equipment. Most cruise lines don’t allow scooters to be parked in hallways.
  • If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, make sure the electrical supply on the ship is compatible with your battery charger. It’s also a good idea to pack an extension cord and a power strip, as electric outlets are limited. If you do this, make sure to clear it with the special needs department, as these are usually prohibited on board. 
  • If you use a scooter or a wheelchair, request a table near the door in the dining room. There’s very little space between the tables, and the closer to the entrance you are, the easier it will be navigate.
  • Become familiar with the tendering procedures of your preferred cruise line. Some cruise lines hand-carry wheelchair-users aboard tenders, some use mechanical devices and some do not permit power wheelchair-users to tender at all.
  • It’s also important to recognize that any port has the potential to become a tender port, due to port traffic and conditions. 
  • Ask a lot of questions about ship sponsored shore excursions. In some cases you have to be able to climb up the steps of a tour bus in order to participate. Do your research and plan your own accessible shore excursions if possible.
  • It’s also important to plan your shore excursion as far in advance as possible. In some ports they are very limited, and they are usually not available for last minute bookings.

Once Aboard

  • If you’d like to use the pool, make sure the lift is in working order on the first day. If it’s not, then report it, so the crew will have plenty of time to recharge or repair it.
  • If you take along a manual wheelchair, mark it clearly with your name or personalize it in some way, so it won’t be mistaken for one of the ship’s wheelchairs.
  • Take a tour of the ship on the first day and locate the accessible restrooms on each deck. Make note of the locations for future use.
  • Last but not least, if you use a power wheelchair or scooter, consider bringing along a manual wheelchair for use in port. This is especially helpful in Caribbean ports, where it’s difficult to find lift-equipped transportation.

Barrier-Free Travel
California National Park
Road Trips
for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

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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. 

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.

 

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

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alabama-power-chair

Power Beach Wheelchairs in Gulf Shores

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If you’ve always dreamed of enjoying some fun and sun on the beach, but thought it was impossible because you use a wheelchair, then think again. Thanks to an enterprising man on the Gulf Coast, power beach wheelchairs on Alabama beaches are a reality for wheelchair-users and slow walkers..

A Man With a Plan

After retiring to the Gulf Coast, Jerry Nasello was diagnosed with ALS. A diehard beachgoer, Nasello was devastated, but he was also determined to find a way to navigate over the sand without walking. He remembered a power beach wheelchair that he once saw in California, and his analytical mind went to work and he created his own version. And over the years he improved it, so he and other wheelchair users could hit the beach.

His first model used PVC pipe, but subsequent models incorporated lightweight metal frames and non-corrosive alloys into the design. He then added an upholstered seat and a joystick for steering for the perfect beach access solution for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And shortly thereafter he started a company and began renting his fleet of power beach wheelchair to others.

New Owners Continue The Dream

Sadly Jerry is no longer with us, however his power beach wheelchairs on Alabama beaches are still a reality. Today Beach Power Rentals (www.BeachPowerRentals.com)  offers rental power beach wheelchair in Gulf Shores. You can rent them by the day, week or month, and delivery is available for an extra charge. It’s the perfect solution for folks who have level or ramped access to a beach near their accommodations. And if you also need a beach umbrella, manual beach wheelchair, a scooter or a shower chair, they can deliver those too.

Additionally, they can make adjustments to the power beach wheelchairs based on individual needs. They can mount the joystick on either side, or take it off to allow a companion to steer it. They can also adjust the length, height, width and rotation of the footrests. And if there are other adjustments that you need, just let the folks at Beach Power Rentals know, and they will do their best to make it happen.

So get ready to hit the beach in a power wheelchair on your next Gulf Shores visit.

Barrier-Free Travel
Favorite Florida Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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glacier-yellowstone-grand-teton-wide

New National Park Access Guide Released!

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I’m thrilled to announce that my newest national park access guide was just released. The second edition of Barrier-Free Travel; Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers (https://emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/)

is now available. And I’m happy to report that there’s been improved access in — and around — all three parks.

The second edition includes updated information on:

  • Accessible trails and attractions
  • Access upgrades, details and photos of all in-park lodges
  • Accessible lodging options in gateway communities
  • Barrier-free campgrounds
  • Accessible bus, snowcoach and boat tours
  • Accessible shuttles to and around the parks
  • Insider access tips
  • Fly-drive suggestions with accessible rental vehicle resources
  • National park discounted pass information

This national park access guide was a challenging title for me, as of course Charles and I made numerous treks to all three parks (which we always do); but this time we also had to work our travels around our roles as owner/builders while finishing the construction of our new home. To say that it was delicate balancing act is a huge understatement. And although I wrote a good deal of the book at a picnic table on-site while supervising the construction, I’m pleased to announce that we are now finally settled in our new abode. The other good news is now we are even closer to Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so it will be easier to update future changes.

Access Improvements Galore!

There are of course a lot of changes since the first edition of this national park access guide, but they are good changes. For example Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel renovated their main lodge rooms, and they now have five accessible guest rooms, including three with roll-in showers. And outside the Parks, the new William Bridger Cabins and Glacier Cabin Village both have nice accessible units with roll-in showers.

The in-park concessionaires are doing a great job too, from Xanterra’s accessible Glacier Red Bus Tours to the accessible boat tours down in Grand Teton offered by Jenny Lake Boating. Access is really improving thanks to their efforts.

So grab a copy of my new edition and plan an accessible road trip this year. And don’t forget to get your required entrance permit for Glacier National Park. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment!