Terror restrictions and wheelchairs
Aug 10, 2006, 9:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: United MP
Posts: 7,822
Terror restrictions and wheelchairs
At least in the UK, for now, you can forget about gate-checking your wheelchair. I can imagine this being a huge problem for somme of us. Airport chairs are not adequate for more than very short periods of time. Would you trust your $3000, or higher, chair to the airlines check in desk? Looks like I would be unable to travel in this situation. How about you?
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/group...ut_612280.hcsp
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/group...ut_612280.hcsp
"Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point."
Aug 10, 2006, 12:24 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2001
Programs: LH SEN, FB Plat, Hyatt Dia, HHonors Dia, PC Plat
Posts: 782
Originally Posted by DeafFlyer
At least in the UK, for now, you can forget about gate-checking your wheelchair. I can imagine this being a huge problem for somme of us. Airport chairs are not adequate for more than very short periods of time. Would you trust your $3000, or higher, chair to the airlines check in desk? Looks like I would be unable to travel in this situation. How about you?
Yes, I absolutely agree with you. This makes traveling quite difficult, if not nearly impossible.
I really hope that standard procedures are restored as soon as possible. Any up-to-the minute experience with airports in other countries?
Aug 10, 2006, 1:44 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
I'm feeling apprehensive about it, too. My next international trip is Sept 4th, I plan to try to do deep breathing and relax about it until it's a little nearer. No telling what will change between now and then.
ETA: and here I was thinking about dehydrating myself to avoid restroom trips....
ETA: and here I was thinking about dehydrating myself to avoid restroom trips....
Last edited by Katja; Aug 10, 2006 at 4:05 pm
Aug 14, 2006, 7:02 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: MD
Programs: UA, EI, KLM/AF
Posts: 10
Does anyone know if these restrictions have been eased as of today? Seems they have eased up on some of the other problems. I, for one, would find it absolutely intolerable to be in an airport wheelchair - have done it in the past and won't do it again (CDG used to insist on it so I stopped flying Air France long haul as a result). Especially when you have to be at the airport 2 hours early to get through security!
Is it only Heathrow or or all other ariports/airlines doing it too?
I have not flown for a whole 6 weeks now (!), but expect to start again early in September.
Is it only Heathrow or or all other ariports/airlines doing it too?
I have not flown for a whole 6 weeks now (!), but expect to start again early in September.
Aug 14, 2006, 10:46 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: United MP
Posts: 7,822
Click on the link above and you will see it has been changed. It now says:
Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted but must be thoroughly searched.
Aug 14, 2006, 1:17 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: MD
Programs: UA, EI, KLM/AF
Posts: 10
Thanks for the reply. YOur link did not come through but I found the same info through the Washington Post at http://www.dft.gov.uk
Looks like it might be getting easier.
Looks like it might be getting easier.
Originally Posted by DeafFlyer
Click on the link above and you will see it has been changed. It now says: