About the author: Tayler is a disability and chronic illness advocate who travels frequently with mobility aids and medical supplies. In this guide, she shares practical, firsthand tips to make travel more accessible for everyone.
Traveling as a disabled person with extra equipment can become tricky and easily overwhelming. However, with the right preparation, accessible travel can be a smoother and more enjoyable journey. Whether you're flying or using ground transportation, there are several tips and strategies that can make a world of difference in your traveling experience.
Flying with a disability
Let’s start with air travel. As soon as you make your flight reservation, it’s crucial to inform your airline about your specific needs.
Either sign into your airline’s app or call your airline to add accommodations to your reservation.
During your call, ask your airline about how they handle the accommodations relevant to your specific needs. That way, you’ll go in with essential information, like how to get a wheelchair at the airport, how to travel with your medical equipment, or what to do with your medications, for instance.
Here are some accommodations that you can expect to be available:
- In-airport wheelchair services
- Hearing and vision assistance
- Safety assistants
- Extra seating or other seating accommodations
A week before your flight:
If you need assistance navigating security smoothly, you should fill out the TSA Cares form. This form lists out a number of reasons why TSA Cares may be helpful, including if:
- You find it challenging to follow instructions because of a disability or medical condition
- You have limited mobility–for example, difficulty standing, walking, or raising your arms
- You use assistive devices or mobility aids for support, like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes
- You have implanted or external medical devices that might interfere with standard screening technology
- You’re carrying medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols that excess the 3.4oz limit
- You’re traveling with a child with a medical condition or disability
- You’re flying with a service animal
- You experience language communication barriers, particularly with English
You can find more information about policies for disabilities and medical conditions, as well as traveling with a disability, on the TSA’s website.
What to bring to the airport:
When you’re packing, be sure to prepare your carry-on appropriately. Pack your labeled medications in their original containers, clearly marked with your name, along with your identification, whether that’s a driver’s license or a passport.
If you have a Guava Emergency card, attaching it to a visible lanyard, like a sunflower lanyard for non-visible disabilities, can be useful. This card provides critical information, including a list of medications, conditions, allergies, and other emergency information first responders may need in an emergency.
Be sure to pack any medical supplies you’ll need, as well as a medical supplies tag (which can be found online) if you have an extra bag for your medical supplies.
If you’re traveling with a mobility aid, you can also fill out and bring a copy of your airline's mobility information form. Here are some forms from common airlines based in the US:
- Alaska Airlines: Wheelchair Information Form
- Southwest Airlines: Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Information Form
- United Airlines: Wheelchair Info Form
- Spirit Airlines: Customer Mobility Aid Information Form
At check-in:
When you’re at check-in, clarify whether you’re checking your medical bag or taking it with you as a carry-on (with your medical tag). These bags are free–you cannot be charged extra for medical supplies and equipment, as they’re considered essential.
After filling out the information form, remember to notify the staff that you will require additional assistance during security screening. You can request a TSA Cares Agent here or by calling TSA Cares to help guide you through the screening checkpoint.
Before handing off your luggage, remember to take pictures of all medical supplies and mobility aids for proof of condition.
At security:
When you reach security, you’ll have to notify the TSA agent if you have an additional medical carry-on. Inform the TSA agent of any liquids or sharp objects that may require special handling. Request special inspection when dealing with medication–you are allowed to be present and observe. If you have medical liquids that cannot be opened for testing (like an IV bag), ask to have them scanned by the machine instead.
If you’re ambulatory, you can walk through the scanner. If you prefer, you can undergo a physical inspection or pat down. You also have the right to a private area if you feel more comfortable.
At the gate:
When you arrive, immediately approach the gate and request a wheelchair or mobility aid to be stored in the designated onboard closet if it fits. If this option isn’t available, ask that it be stored in an empty seat–this must be offered on planes that don’t have a designated closet when the flight isn’t fully booked.
If your mobility aid must go in cargo, remove its wheels if possible and keep them onboard to prevent misuse of wheelchairs during transportation.
Ask for priority boarding or last boarding, depending on which is best for your body.
Upon arrival:
Once you’ve reached your destination, take the time to inspect all your medical equipment and supplies. If anything is damaged, do not leave the airport; go straight to customer service.
Normal baggage liability limits do not apply to lost or damaged mobility aids. Instead, the compensation must amount to the original purchase price of the device. Do not leave the airport until this is done. Otherwise, they may argue that the damage occurred after you left.
Accessible transportation once you land is another essential factor to consider. Research local options for ground transportation that accommodate your requirements. Many cities offer wheelchair-accessible taxis or rideshare programs. Familiarizing yourself with these services in advance can save you time and stress.
Other tools that can help the travel day go smoother:
- Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
- Pain relief creams and patches
- Fidgets
- One-time use heat/cool patches or rechargeable heating pads
Ground travel with a disability
Thankfully, with ground travel, you have slightly more leeway when it comes to packing and transporting supplies. You also have more freedom to travel in a way that won’t make you flare (as much).
While you’re packing, spend some extra time making the space you’ll be traveling in more accessible and comfortable in the long run. Some good ways to do that are:
- Packing safe snacks
- Bringing extra pillows and blankets
- Packing extra rescue medications
- Wearing compression socks
- Staying hydrated
- Bringing a squatty potty in the back of a car
Because ground travel can take longer and make time feel like an illusion, setting reminders to take your medication on Guava is a good way to stay on schedule.
You can also bookmark Find Rest Stops to easily plan out your bathroom and stretch breaks.
In conclusion
Traveling with a disability or mobility aid can make things complicated, but the good news is that there are resources meant to help you. If you’ve found yourself reading this guide, you’re already one step ahead in terms of knowing what to expect. By planning in advance, communicating your needs with your airline, and being aware of what services are available, you’ll make your travel process a bit smoother and be able to focus on the journey ahead.
