Air travel can be a little more complicated for those of us who depend on wheelchairs to get around, but that shouldn't discourage you from traveling! So long as you take a few precautions and plan ahead, you and your wheelchair can have a safe and smooth travel experience. The following tips will help you proceed with confidence!

If you need more advice on traveling with a wheelchair, feel free to consult the experts here at Advanced Mobility LLC. You can find us in Cumberland, MD.

First and foremost, it's important to understand your rights and protections as a wheelchair user. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) lays out specific guidelines for airlines to follow when accommodating travelers with disabilities. Make sure to get familiar with the ACAA, and learn how it pertains to your disability.

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least one to two hours before your scheduled departure. As a wheelchair user, we recommended arriving even earlier than that – at least three hours ahead of time. After all, you don't have the option to sprint across the airport if you're running out of time! Planning to arrive early means you don't have to worry about unexpected delays causing you to miss your flight.

In a perfect world, airline personnel would always handle assistive devices with the utmost care and consideration. Sadly, this is not always the case! While most wheelchair users have a good experience, wheelchairs have been known to get lost or damaged in transit. Thankfully, you can take steps to ensure that you and your wheelchair are safely reunited at your destination.

First, make sure to label every individual component of your wheelchair with your name and address. This will make it easier for the airline to return any misplaced parts.

Next, take some "before" photos of your wheelchair from various angles, in case any damage occurs. This will help you file a claim with the airline if necessary.

Finally, locate a wheelchair repair shop at your destination. This will come in handy if your chair needs to be fixed upon arrival.

We hope you found these travel tips helpful! Do you need a new wheelchair for your upcoming adventures? Come check out our selection here at Advanced Mobility LLC. We proudly serve those in Cumberland, MD!