#couldn't fit it in my scanner so it's phone edited ^^;;

[unrealward]

tempera stick koi pond

[weird-and-unwell]

I know I asked if you still wanted advice then proceeded to write this before getting an answer but uhhh even if you don't it might help someone else XD I flew from Heathrow to the US so not identical, but:

You should be able to stay in your chair until you board the airplane. For me they just assumed I'd want that, but they might ask - just tell them that you're using it up to the gate/airplane. (Think it's called gate checking.)

Make sure they know you want it to be ready for you once the plane lands. Gate checking. A lot of chairs don't fit in the closet some planes have, but they should go and get it out the uhhhh cabin (I forget the word) for you.

I repeat this later but: do not get off until it's ready. Stay firm. Is your chair there yet? Yes? Amazing, you can go. No? You're waiting until it is. Do not get off until it is.

Bring your cushion on board if you have one, I sat on mine XD Made me feel better to know it couldn't get loose and hence lost.

Label your chair. I used sticky labels, wrote my name, phone number and email address, then sellotaped over it so it'd avoid smudges.

Photograph your chair at all angles, just in case of damage - you'll have proof of how it went on.

They will ask about damage beforehand though. You get a tag that you put on your chair, and a sort of mini tag you keep yourself as like...proof it's yours? It'll include any damage already to your chair, it's a liability thing or whatever, hence why they ask.

Book assistance in advance.

I actually really advise considering booking an aisle chair. They're awful, but I found my legs were much worse post-flight. I could barely stand, I was so wobbly!! Used aisle chair on the way back and it was a lifesaver.

Re: Aisle Chairs. They are scary - you get strapped in but it doesn't feel super secure, and it's freaky to be lifted. Try stay calm, talk to them as it happens, hug a teddy...it'll be ok even though it's scary.

If you have a walking stick or crutches, they can come with you and your carry on luggage. Also someone will help you with your luggage.

Also you will be the first on and last off. Just so you know.

If you talk to the uhhh front desk when you enter they might be able to help with anything you didn't think about. They may also adjust your seats, so if you need someone with you, specify that you'll need an extra one changed if they do.

For long flights weigh up water vs need to go to the loo. Just warning you. Either one will risk being awful so like...just weigh it up. Dehydration sucked but I couldn't have gone to the toilet if I wanted to, so :/

EDIT: At security if you can't walk through the scanner unaided they will do a pat down, and they will probably wanna swab your chair (can be done with you in it). Heathrow barely cared tbh, they ignored my chair and did the minimum a pat down could be. The US was a lot more concerned. You can have someone with you for it, but it is a bit unnerving. Tell them upfront about stuff like painful areas, sensory issues, if you're prone to panic when touched, anything like feeding tubes insulin pumps etc. But it won't last long, then you can breathe again.

If you have a layover:

Don't get off until your chair is ready. Literally just ask "is my chair ready for when I leave the plane" or something like that, and if they don't confirm it's there for you, don't get off.

Once on your chair, stay on it during your layover until you next board.

Most importantly:

Have fun!! Try not to worry too much about it, it will probably be okay.

Apologies for the wall of text btw XD

Does anyone have advice for flying with a wheelchair ? ✈️

I’m very very lucky and my college is taking me to the Caribbean for free in order to expand my career horizons (it’s an initiative to give students in low-income areas like my home city a chance to do amazing things) and I’m worried about how it’s gonna be going through Gatwick in a wheelchair. I know I’ll have to part ways with the chair at SOME point but, I’m still worried about it, you know? I want to know what to expect.