Supporting the Handicapped Traveler
Preparation is the key to making sure every aspect of their trip goes smoothly.
Trade-line sp. z o.o. breaks down the special needs traveler’s journey into segments to ensure each stage is organized for maximum efficiency.
Stage 1: Departing Flight
From traversing the airport, to boarding the plane, to reception at the destination airport, to traveling to their hotel.
There are so many resources available to assist the handicapped on flights, the key is determining how and when to arrange them for your traveler. First is the consideration of the wheelchair. If your traveler has a highly functioning motorized wheelchair and they want to take it with them, then that’s one set of considerations. On the other hand thay could use a standard wheelchair at home, but would like to rent a motorized wheelchair at their destination, then that is a separate set of considerations.
Most major cities will have resources for renting wheelchairs, but smaller markets might will have more limited choices, so if your traveler is headed to NYC or Chattanooga the options available will certainly be different.
Also varying will be the traveler themselves. Seasoned handicapped travelers will have worked out a bunch of successful steps to moving through the system, whereas a newly handicapped traveler will need more assistance. It pays to take more time during the research phase of the travel booking to make sure all of the service touchpoints have been met.
A great resource for handicapped travelers are the Sky Caps at the check-in counter at the airport. These helpful individuals can provide a temporary wheelchair for moving through the airport, and someone to push it. This often works easiest during business hours (on the outbound flight), but if it’s a return flight and it’s late at night it’s often hard to get assistance if it wasn’t arranged in advance with the airport, or airline.
Stage 2: At the Hotel
Ensuring a handicapped room has been reserved is the essence of this stage. That way all the fixtures will be at the right height for use by your traveler. Some hotels will offer additional benefits and services which you should report on when they exist.
Stage 3: Returning Home
Hopefully, you’ve kept a list of contact numbers at the airline (and airport) so you can utilize them again in contacting those key departments who will be providing sky cap service and assistance with transferring.
Just remember better planning and research provide better outcomes in this challenging part of travel support!
