Wheelchair access while travel on UA (airport vs personal wheelchair)
 

I am flying UA from IAH to MBJ in June. I need a wheelchair for getting around both airports. Should I bring my own or use United's wheelchair service? I worry that all wheelchairs might be taken when I get there.

IME (broken foot/heel) and wife's knee replacement, the biggest issue is time to get the wheelchair access. It can be quick and it can be longer than desired. So allow plenty of time, especially for connections. When the airlines provide a wheelchair there will be an assistance individual to accompany you who will know how to avoid obstacles and help you thru security

Have never traveled with a personal wheelchair, but there is some risk of damage.
If you need a wheelchair on the plane, it takes a special wheelchair which the airline will provide.

At some airports traveling by electric cart is faster -- you arrange that the same way as requesting a wheelchair

Would suggest contracting the United Accessibility Desk to discuss options, they are very helpful IME
There is information on the web page concerning customer supplied wheelchairs
You can call the Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744

Thanks so much for this link and the advice.:tu:

My wife and I have decided to personally escort her 95 year old aunt to her sister's 100th birthday by flying with her across the country. Her daughter said we needed wheelchair service but IME, that can be slow with long waits at the gate/jetbridge, and we have a tight 45 min connection at ORD. So I think ordering cart service is the better plan since she can walk on and off the plane just fine, albeit slowly.

I wouldn't book such a short connection.

My experience with airport wheelchair service has been mostly excellent. I checked my travel chair on my current trip to avoid the wait for the chair at the connecting airport. This worked well.

I had a nice 1.5 hour connection earlier in the day and UA cancelled that flight and all of the other flights that day to our destination, so I am left with just one choice. No routings through IAH or DEN were available. I almost cancelled and went with American after UA cancelled our original flights but decided that we will chance it.

Thank you