Hi, after 4 years of using a wheelchair, my hubbie has turned a corner and we have the travel bug! We are planning to go to New York in December, and whilst we are bursting with excitement, there is a lot of apprehension especially about the plane journey and the most accessible places to stay and visit. Could anyone share any positive experiences and advice or forums to go on? Silly things (to others) like getting a cab, subways etc thanks so much in advance Sandra x
Try posting your question at shiftms, as the membership seems to be a little more international.
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This Forum is a UK site, and it’s many years since I have visited America.
But the New York Times says here:
“More than 75 percent of the city’s 472 subway stations do not have elevators, lifts or other methods that make them accessible for people who use wheelchairs, mobility devices or are otherwise unable to use stairs. Of the approximately 112 stations that are designated as wheelchair-accessible, only 100 currently offer working elevator service for passengers traveling in different directions, the lawsuits charge. (The MTA said that 117 of its stations are accessible to people with disabilities.)”
It might be worth contacting MS groups based in New York for details.
Have a good journey.
Fay
Google Disabled Holidays. I use their cruise side and find them so helpful and not at all pushy…lots of patience…
pollsx
Hi Buch,
I haven’t been there since Pan Am flew helicopters from JFK airport to the city; it was also pre my wheelchair days.
All the USA is wheelchair friendly except NYC. It is such a busy place; loads of people. Here are some facts and figures https://kdsmartchair.com/blogs/news/18706123-wheelchair-facts-numbers-and-figures-infographic
Loads of more wheelchair friendly places to go; if you have already booked; don’t worry you will enjoy it.
George
Sorry Sandra forgot to say,
Travelling by aircraft seems a daunting experience for anyone Disabled in wheelchair or not, but in reality it isn’t it can be a seamless experience as you are helped every step of the way, (that’s not meant as a pun).
I worked for British Airways for 26 years, as such travelled to many parts of the World. In fact in 1988 I travelled twice around the World, some 48,000 miles in 5 days on aircraft, sponsored for Charity. Not something I would recommend but shows you it is possible.
Stick to these guidelines and you will really enjoy the experience. First on booking your flight tell them you would like assistance from check-in to the gate. This could be a wheelchair with someone pushing or a lift on a Golf type buggy. The gate could be over one mile away so don’t think your doing any favour’s by not asking for help. The aircraft has a certain slot for take off, if you are late because of walking difficulties, THE AIRCRAFT HAS TO GO without you, otherwise it costs mega bucks.
If you have problems walking down the isle when you get aircraft side, no problem, quite a few aircraft now have small wheelchairs especially to take people up and down the isle. If you can’t walk whatsoever, no problem, tell them and facilities will be put in place from check-in to take you to the aircraft by ambulance, high lift you to the aircraft and trained medical staff to lift you in the seat. The golden rule here is ‘tell them.’
With some airlines you can pre-book your seat. If so get one that has more leg room and near the toilets, probably a bulkhead seat. The Civil Aviation Authority has made a ruling that no Disabled person can have a seat by an Emergency Exit for obvious reasons.
If for some reason you get to your destination and your wheelchair is missing or worse still damaged it is the airlines, or should I say good airlines signed up to something called the Haig Protocol to restore or repair your chair, see the airlines staff.
I remember I went to San Diego from Gatwick once and they left my chair behind. I was in a rush had to go down to Tijuana and the only one they had to loan me had a large sign above my head saying ‘AVIS Rent a Car.’ The times I was stopped in my Hotel by people saying “hey fella, where can I get a car.”
Have a good time, don’t worry as far as flying is concerned you will be looked after. I went; years ago Christmas shopping and it’s an unbelievable experience; very cold; wrap up warm.
George
Hi thank you so much for all your advice, lots of research to do! I thibk the flight is the most daunting so thabj you for that, it certainly sets our mind at ease. NYC probably not the easiest to start our travels again, but its really got hubbie excited again so go big or go home lol! Thanks again x
Hi Sandra,
I flew solo with my chair to Southampon recently then Barcelona with my two 20yr old daughters. I cannot praise the airlines enough. From check in I was taken to the departure gate.1st on the plane and last off using a big hydraulic box on wheels thing ,can’t find the name of it. The chair was taken off me just as I boarded the plane and returned as soon as I got off. I was allocated a seat, no extra charge. Everything ran so smoothly. I even got priority through security and customs . Stayed in my chair for security, they pat you down and run the machine over the chair.
As someone said just inform the airline when you book the tickets. Both airlines sent me a form to fill in about the weight and dimensions of my chair ( find the original documents, or google the make and model).
Don’t worry, the flight will be fine and you’ll have the most amazing holiday. Google accessible New York, lots of help and ideas.
Send us a postcard!!
Jen x
Awe thank you Jen, everyone has given me reassurance. I certainly will! x
sorry the cat ate my answer
try http://www.globalaccessiblehotels.com/
http://disabilityhorizons.com/ they have a whole travel section written by and for disabled travellors