Make it a heavenly holiday – not hellish
GOING abroad with a wheelchair or mobility scooter? Here are some tips to stop that dream holiday turning into a nightmare …
1. Make your airline aware of your accessibility needs:
Tell your airline in advance about the mobility equipment you are bringing. This includes the make, model, weight and size of your wheelchair or scooter. It is also worth taking the operating manual of the equipment as this will be useful for airline employees.
2. Check the accessibility of your destination: Unfortunately, when it comes to accessibility, not all destinations are created equal. Use websites such as Tripadvisor or Trustpilot to find out if your desired holiday destination and lodgings are accessibility friendly for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
3. Booking accessible accommodation:
Be sure to specify that you need a wheelchair or mobility scooter-accessible room. This can be done through a holiday booking site like Jet 2 Holidays or TUI, or you can contact the hotel directly via phone or email. Using email means you can have a written record of evidence in case the hotel fails to deliver on its promise.
4. Hire a wheelchair accessible vehicle:
By hiring a wheelchair or mobility scooterfriendly taxi service to take you to and from the airport, you will be able to carry all of your luggage and mobility aids in one trip, offering comfort and a stress-free journey.
5. Take a portable ramp:
They can be very useful! You can carry up to two mobility items free of charge. It is also worth telling your airline you need to take these mobility aids.
6. Get travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions:
Make sure you are covered for medical expenses and getting you home if you’re injured or fall ill.
7. Insurance can cover lost or damaged items: Airlines hold responsibility for any damage to mobility equipment, although the compensation may be limited to around £1,300. Consider taking extra insurance coverage.
Our thanks to Mobility Solutions Direct for these wise words …