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SUMMER 2024 InTouch | 15 TOP TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A WHEELCHAIR If you're a wheelchair user, keep in mind that you'll be first on and last off the plane. Avoid booking any super tight connections and consider letting any ground transfers know that you may need a little extra time. • Your needs for transferring into the aisle chair. • Whether you require an extender belt or upper torso harness. • If there is any form of concession card discount for your support worker or carer (Virgin Australia offers 50% off eligible carers). • The boarding and deplaning procedure. It's also worth checking out airlines’ specific pages dedicated to accessible travel for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. Purchase travel insurance Travel insurance should be a non-negotiable for everyone, including those that live with a chronic illness or disabilities. Not only is it an essential way to protect yourself against overseas medical costs, but it can also help cover costs should your wheelchair or mobility equipment be damaged while on vacation. Do not assume that just because you are disabled or live with a chronic illness that you cannot be covered. Chat with your Flight Centre travel consultant to find a policy that includes an existing medical condition benefit, and make sure you understand what is and isn't included in your insurance premium. Pack smart Here are a few tried and tested tips to ensure you're ready to go: • Pack enough catheters, medication and daily medical supplies to last the entire trip. This is especially crucial for international trips where it may be harder to locate more supplies. • Split your medical supplies and pack enough essentials to last a few days in your carry on in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed. If you're travelling with companions, it's also worth popping some essentials in their bags to cover all bases. • Most airlines allow medical equipment like shower chairs and bags of medical supplies to fly free. Double check the airline's policy to confirm this before you depart. • Remember other in-flight essentials like compression stockings, straws, wet wipes and anything else that might make your life a little easier. It's always better to bring things rather than assume the plane will have it stocked on board. Bring an emergency repair kit It’s a good idea to bring a DIY repair kit with you — just in case your wheelchair gets damaged. If you're heading overseas, it's also worth doing some research for a contact to assist should your wheelchair get damaged while you're away. What if my wheelchair gets damaged during flight? If your wheelchair or mobility equipment is damaged during transit, the airline must pay for repairs or a replacement in the instance that it cannot be repaired. This is a requirement as stipulated by the Department of Transportation and the Air Carrier Act. If you notice any damage, first assess if the wheelchair can still be used and if your emergency kit can temporarily get you moving again. From here, make sure you report any damage (even scratches and dings) directly to the airline at the baggage claim area before you leave the airport. You should be given a reference number along with details on how to contact a complaint resolution official. Take plenty of pictures and rest assured that the airline cannot leave you high and dry without your chair or a means to get around. Prepare your wheelchair Regardless of where you are going or what your travel plans are, here are some ways to prepare your wheelchair before boarding the aircraft. Keep in mind that this will vary between chairs and planes, so consider asking about wheelchair prep when you chat to the airline.