Around1990, it became apparent that disabled persons represented a considerable percentage of total persons using airline travel. An airport transport chair then became a necessary investment for all airports. The ACAA wanted to make sure that all passengers regardless of their physical impairment received equal and necessary accommodations. Do you qualify for an airport transport chair? A number of passengers have difficulty moving but manage to live without a wheelchair. However, airports are a different obstacle, getting from one terminal to the next may be physically exhausting, and painful even with the help of a cane. Airports understand that a person journeying through their airport may need transport chair assistance even if they don’t look like they do. Generally, four categories are used when reserving wheelchair assistance. A person who can usually walk in normal circumstances like climbing stairs or such, might need to have a wheelchair to help them get from one gate to the next, or from the gate to the aircraft. A person who can perform certain walking functions, but requires an alternative to stair climbing qualifies for an airport transport chair. A person who has little to no lower body mobility, but is accustomed to operating a standard chair or power chair qualifies for airport transport service. Finally, any person whose everyday means of mobility are by a wheelchair due to either lower immobility or both upper and lower immobility qualifies. Who will be at the gate to pick you up with a transport chair? While it’s not a good idea, airports are required to be able to assist a disabled person with only 48 hours notice. The only way this does not apply is when the disabled traveler requires special accommodations like oxygen tanks, or the use of a bariatric chair. Rest assured that the porter who meets you at your gate is trained and knowledgeable. Most airline porters are literally at your service, helping you get through security checkpoints quickly, and retrieving the rest of your luggage at baggage claim. It’s not uncommon for porters to also give you curbside service by helping you get into your outside waiting vehicle and loading your luggage in the trunk for you. Going the extra mile is what most airline transport hosts strive to do, they won’t mind stopping when you request to get a snack or newspaper from the inside newsstands, and restroom breaks are understandable. Keep in mind though, that it’s a great way to show your appreciation by providing your escort a tip. You’re confident about your wheelchair rental, but what about your bags? If you’re traveling with a small bag that you don’t mind holding in your lap, your luggage is not an issue for you. It’s when your carryon bag is significantly heavy and was built with small wheels instead of a strap that you may begin to worry about how it will be handled. Most airlines have started a wonderful trend of purchasing transport chairs that have rear luggage storage. These chairs allow for medium to small size bags up to 50lbs to be strapped conveniently to the back of your chair while you ride.

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