Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > United Airlines | MileagePlus
Reload this Page >

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

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

Old Apr 20, 2021, 11:23 pm
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 7
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.
Shane Foster is offline  
Old Apr 20, 2021, 11:46 pm
  #2  
Moderator: United Airlines
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,576
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
ajGoes likes this.

Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 20, 2021 at 11:55 pm
WineCountryUA is offline  
Old Apr 21, 2021, 6:38 am
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton ♦ , Hyatt Carbonado, Wyndham ♦, Marriott PE, "Stinking Bum" elsewhere.
Posts: 4,948
Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
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.

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.
zombietooth is offline  
Old Apr 21, 2021, 8:30 am
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
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.
ajGoes is offline  
Old Apr 21, 2021, 8:41 am
  #5  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton ♦ , Hyatt Carbonado, Wyndham ♦, Marriott PE, "Stinking Bum" elsewhere.
Posts: 4,948
Originally Posted by ajGoes
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.
zombietooth is offline  
Old Apr 21, 2021, 5:10 pm
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 7
Thank you

Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
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
Shane Foster is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.