Bringing a walker onboard??
Mar 16, 2002 | 1:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Manhattan, NY
Programs: USAir AA Hilton
Posts: 3,567
Bringing a walker onboard??
My husband David and I leave tomorrow for BUF, where he is having surgery on both knees. We return Sunday the 24th on US. Because he will have one of those knee immobilizers on one knee and will be only moderately mobile, he will be required to walk with a walker at that point. I'm certainly planning to get us to the airport in time to get wheel chair assitance from curbside to the cabin, but what about his walker? Will they let him bring that on? Has anyone been on board when anyone had one of these? I don't even know if they fold up or not?
Any insight appreciated..
Any insight appreciated..
Mar 16, 2002 | 3:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA USA
Posts: 1,295
You can get folding walkers which should fit under the seat, or the FA can find a place for it. Also, call ahead of time and ask for a bulkhead seat. They are often held back, and your husband's medical condition should
qualify you for them, as well as priority boarding.
[This message has been edited by flowerchild (edited 03-16-2002).]
qualify you for them, as well as priority boarding.
[This message has been edited by flowerchild (edited 03-16-2002).]
Mar 16, 2002 | 4:21 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Manhattan, NY
Programs: USAir AA Hilton
Posts: 3,567
Thanks flowerchild - we're booked in first in the only non-stop flight with availability ... his right leg will be the one with the immobility device on it, so I booked us into D&F.. in the A&C seats, I was afraid someone might trip on his outstretched leg... bet that would hurt! We're hoping he can get it under the seat in in front of him.. I'll make sure the hospital gives him a walker that folds up, now that I know there is such a thing!!
Yea - his ego is gonna suffer when he gets put on board w/ the gomers and babies
Yea - his ego is gonna suffer when he gets put on board w/ the gomers and babies
Mar 16, 2002 | 4:46 pm
#4
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
A walker will be no problem, they may want to take off the rubber feet to make sure you aren't sneaking on a kintting needle or something, but don't worry about it.
Mar 17, 2002 | 9:20 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: He who dies with the most miles wins!!
Programs: WorldPerks Demoted again to SE, DL 3.1MM Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 11,678
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by svpii:
Yea - his ego is gonna suffer when he gets put on board w/ the gomers and babies</font>
Yea - his ego is gonna suffer when he gets put on board w/ the gomers and babies
</font>
Mar 17, 2002 | 10:03 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Reality, Freedom
Programs: AF FB Platinum For Life (F+ Rouge Vintage) / Hertz President's Circle / SNCF Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 10,111
And here I clicked on this thread because I thought you needed another kind of walker ...
Best wishes for David, svpii.
Best wishes for David, svpii.
Mar 18, 2002 | 3:08 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Ettalong Beach (Central Coast) NSW
Programs: Ex UA PremEx
Posts: 849
Another thing they may do is take the walker off your husband at the door and get him to use an aisle chair. They will take him to his seat in this and store the walker for him. If they do this..confirm with them that the walker will be waiting at the door when he gets off the plane. I am not sure if the walker will easily go down the narrow aisles of the plane as they are wider than your average person.
Make sure they know that he will need assistance and they will do whatever they can to help. It's best to call and tell them this before the flight.
I use a wheeelchair and have found most airlines to be very good with their assistance. Notice I said most
Phoebe
Make sure they know that he will need assistance and they will do whatever they can to help. It's best to call and tell them this before the flight.
I use a wheeelchair and have found most airlines to be very good with their assistance. Notice I said most
Phoebe
Mar 18, 2002 | 5:35 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Manhattan, NY
Programs: USAir AA Hilton
Posts: 3,567
I'll post tomorrow night - his surgery is at 2pm. We saw Wonder Doc today... thanks for all your kind words. And I'll call US to make sure they know what kind of help we'll need.
I did at least convince them to keep him at the hospital one night.. actually told them that if their policy was to only keep overnight those patients who wouldn't have help at home, then David would surely qualify because I'd be in Manhattan. Now if I can just get him in this Dodge Intrepid to get him home Wednesday...
I did at least convince them to keep him at the hospital one night.. actually told them that if their policy was to only keep overnight those patients who wouldn't have help at home, then David would surely qualify because I'd be in Manhattan. Now if I can just get him in this Dodge Intrepid to get him home Wednesday...