Is it possible to request electric cart service between gate connections?
Aug 8, 2019, 3:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
Is it possible to request electric cart service between gate connections?
My wife injured her foot and has to wear one of those orthopedic “boots” that half the population seems to be wearing these days.
She can walk in it, but not for long distances and can’t stand for long periods of time. She doesn’t really need a wheelchair, so is it possible to request cart service between connecting gates? We have a trip to SYD soon.
She can walk in it, but not for long distances and can’t stand for long periods of time. She doesn’t really need a wheelchair, so is it possible to request cart service between connecting gates? We have a trip to SYD soon.
Aug 8, 2019, 3:45 pm
#2
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,831
Depends on the airport if it will be a cart or wheelchair services
Such as SFO does not have carts
Request process is the same for either.
Call in advance, reconfirm at airport check-in
Expect delays and sometimes be surprised with timely service
Such as SFO does not have carts
Request process is the same for either.
Call in advance, reconfirm at airport check-in
Expect delays and sometimes be surprised with timely service
Aug 8, 2019, 4:06 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hold it down for The Bay, reppin' Oakland
Programs: Lowly UA silver, Marriott Ambassador/Tit4Lyf, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,763
The worst part of the entire experience is not knowing what to expect, as it is different at every airport. Will they meet you at the jetway? Should you remain seated until they show up? Will the flight crew know about the request and offer assistance? Where should you go? How long will you have to wait? Be aggressive about asking or you'll be very frustrated.
One important tip -- if her boot has an air bladder, be certain the valve is open and/or the boot is loosened when you fly. As you ascend the air bladder will fill up because of the change in air pressure. This can cut off circulation and be very painful. It can even cause serious complications.
Last edited by lexdevil; Aug 8, 2019 at 4:15 pm
Aug 8, 2019, 4:42 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hold it down for The Bay, reppin' Oakland
Programs: Lowly UA silver, Marriott Ambassador/Tit4Lyf, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,763
P.S. If it is a fracture, this increases the risk of DVT. My ortho doctor had me start taking low dose aspirin right away and keep taking it until we returned home in order to decrease the risk.
Aug 8, 2019, 6:59 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
No fracture. No air bladder in the boot. It’s one of those below the knee, hard plastic boots with Velcro closures.
Mainly concerned about IAH & LAX airports. Flying in Polaris, even on the IAH-LAX segment.
I’ll call United and try to get it set up. Thanks for everyone’s advice.
Mainly concerned about IAH & LAX airports. Flying in Polaris, even on the IAH-LAX segment.
I’ll call United and try to get it set up. Thanks for everyone’s advice.
Aug 8, 2019, 11:13 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: SAN
Programs: UA-1K, AA-Gold, HH-Gold, MR - Gold, HY-Explorist
Posts: 222
The one time I tried to set up something like this, the agent recommended wheelchair as that was more reliable than trying to get a cart. Just be sure to specify that you don't need an aisle chair and just need one to the gate (assuming that is all you need) I arranged it by phone and confirmed with the gate agent that there would be a wheelchair waiting on arrival which she was able to confirm.
Aug 9, 2019, 8:25 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: Mileage Plus, Marriott Rewards, Southwest Rapid Rewards
Posts: 686
No fracture. No air bladder in the boot. It’s one of those below the knee, hard plastic boots with Velcro closures.
Mainly concerned about IAH & LAX airports. Flying in Polaris, even on the IAH-LAX segment.
I’ll call United and try to get it set up. Thanks for everyone’s advice.
Mainly concerned about IAH & LAX airports. Flying in Polaris, even on the IAH-LAX segment.
I’ll call United and try to get it set up. Thanks for everyone’s advice.
Aug 9, 2019, 12:09 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
Here’s a tip for anyone in a similar situation in the future.
I called the number for United’s Accessibility Desk that is listed on the website. Unfortunately, I had a long wait and when somebody answered, they said,”Reservations.” If I would have known that ahead of time, I would have just called the number that I usually use for my reservations. So, don’t bother with searching for a special number, just call your usual reservation number and they’ll take care of it.
I called the number for United’s Accessibility Desk that is listed on the website. Unfortunately, I had a long wait and when somebody answered, they said,”Reservations.” If I would have known that ahead of time, I would have just called the number that I usually use for my reservations. So, don’t bother with searching for a special number, just call your usual reservation number and they’ll take care of it.