Disability Travel - flying with crutches?

I have read several other threads on flying with crutches, but none seem to fit my case. I am on crutches indefinitely because of chronic leg pain, I can walk, its just painful so I use crutches to help. I can walk short distances, but going gate to gate will be an issue. I will be flying with a group of close friends, so they can help me, but I have a few questions.

-if I want to use a wheelchair can one of my friends push it, or do I have to have an assistant
-should I call ahead for a wheelchair, or should I just request one when I get to the airport?
-should I have one of those special code things on my ticket explaining about my situation?

I think that is all, if I have more questions I'll get back to you. Thank you in advance for your help!

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I think the special request for the weelchair will be your best ber, that way the ticket agent will be able to have the chair for you after getting to the airport.

As far as who will push said chair, I'll defer to the experts.

I have read several other threads on flying with crutches, but none seem to fit my case. I am on crutches indefinitely because of chronic leg pain, I can walk, its just painful so I use crutches to help. I can walk short distances, but going gate to gate will be an issue. I will be flying with a group of close friends, so they can help me, but I have a few questions.

I'm assuming for all your questions that you are not bringing your own wheelchair (although if you will be using mobility aids for long, and especially if you will be traveling a great deal, you should consider getting one).

-if I want to use a wheelchair can one of my friends push it, or do I have to have an assistant

This will depend on the airport/airline that is providing the wheelchair. Most prefer/require an employee to push the chair. You can certainly try asking if your friend can push the chair and the employee just walk along with you. Keep in mind that the airport contractors know the ins and outs of getting you through security, which your friends probably do not.

I have been to some airports where they'll let you "check out" a chair, leaving ID as security, but that means someone has to take the chair back and retrieve the ID.

-should I call ahead for a wheelchair, or should I just request one when I get to the airport?

It probably doesn't make a whole lot of difference, but it can't hurt to do both.

-should I have one of those special code things on my ticket explaining about my situation?

When you purchase your ticket, whether online or by phone, there will be an option to check off "special needs". The wording will vary depending on the airline. Generally it will be something along the line of:
- Can ascend steps and walk to seat
- Unable to ascend steps, can walk to seat
- Unable to ascend steps or walk to seat

Pick the appropriate one. Don't worry about how the airline actually codes it. When you get to the airport, remind the check in agent and the gate agent about what kind of assistance you need.

Other thoughts:

- allow a lot of time
- don't assume that any airline/airport employee knows what you need - you will need to be proactive
- at security, if you are asked to do something you feel uncomfortable about (for example standing for any length of time without your crutches), just say "no" politely, and without lengthy explanations. TSA has procedures for screening people who remain seated, so don't feel like you need to make it easier for them
- at the gate, request pre-boarding and try to seat yourself where the gate agent can see you, so s/he doesn't forget
- even if you don't get pre-boarding, take whatever time you need. Don't feel obligated to rush and possibly injure yourself just because there's a bazillion passenger impatiently waiting for you (I know, easier said than done!)
- on the plane, prior to landing, snag a flight attendant and remind him/her that you will need a wheelchair at the gate
- at your destination, be considerate and remain in your seat until everyone else has de-planed (see "allow a lot of time")

As you are traveling with a group of friends, most airline employees and TSA will assume that your friends will help you out - ie, carrying your bags/shoes/coat through security, and so on.

Best of luck with your flight.

Thank you very much for your help. It was immensely helpful, I feel much more confident about my flight

Thank you once again,
Anna

In terms of who can push the wheelchair, this is a policy that differs from airport to airport. At JFK for example, only a designated employee may push a wheelchair. In ATL my husband occasionally pushes my wheelchair from a restaurant to our departure gate.

When possible I prefer to use someone to push my wheelchair because my husband has his hands full with carry-on luggage, and is not in the best shape to be pushing a wheelchair anyway.

Every airport will provide someone to push a wheelchair. I always make the request on line when I make my original reservations. Then, we usually always do curb check and I remind the agent that I need a wheelchair. When flying I also like to remind the FA that I need a wheelchair when we land.

Thank you very much for your help. It was immensely helpful, I feel much more confident about my flight

Thank you once again,
Anna

Let us know how everything goes!

Hi Anna

When I was on crutches earlier this year, the main thing that helped me while traveling (by myself) were to pack everything (all clothes, toiletries, laptop, everything) into a backpack that I could carry while using my crutches. I also had a cross body purse that didn't bang into my crutches and made it SO much easier. The only other thing that no one has mentioned is to bring lots of $1 bills to tip people with. I posted about it on my blog (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/roadwarriorette/2009/08/20/travel-tips-for-the-temporarily-handicapped/) if you want to see all of the details.

good luck!!

Hi Anna

When I was on crutches earlier this year, the main thing that helped me while traveling (by myself) were to pack everything (all clothes, toiletries, laptop, everything) into a backpack that I could carry while using my crutches. I also had a cross body purse that didn't bang into my crutches and made it SO much easier. The only other thing that no one has mentioned is to bring lots of $1 bills to tip people with. I posted about it on my blog (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/roadwarriorette/2009/08/20/travel-tips-for-the-temporarily-handicapped/) if you want to see all of the details.

good luck!!

I second that. I use an across the chest purse all the time, even when I'm not on crutches. I use a Travelsmith one and it's great.