So, taking our advice from Part I: Booking Your Flight, you’ve called the airline ahead to book your plane ticket and confirm the details of flying with a travel mobility scooter. You made a list of questions and concerns about the logistics, and you’ve received helpful and cheerful support from the airline rep. You’ve packed your bags, charged your scooter, and are ready to go!
The mindset for this phase of the journey is to save your energy for what matters. Pushing yourself to walk farther than is comfortable or lifting everything yourself to avoid asking for help is not the goal. Save that energy for the touring, exploring, and celebrating at your destination. Aim to maximize the ease of your encounter with the airport by requesting extra assistance, services, and priority treatment available to you.
Some people find asking for help difficult. Here are some phrases you can use to ask for help that sound confident, respectful, and effective.
Here are some examples:
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“I am traveling with my scooter today. I wonder if you can assist me…”
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“I am traveling with my scooter today, and I’m concerned about…”
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“I wonder if you could help me…”
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“I would like to request…”
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“I need some assistance with…”
Be specific about things you do not require assistance with. The people helping you do not want to patronize or embarrass you; they want to help you in exactly the ways you require.
“I can do x by myself, but I need assistance with y.”
You can use these prompts or others you think of with anyone in the airport. With these ways of asking for help in mind, let’s move through the airport.
Checking in with a Mobility Scooter
Check in directly at the airline counter, and say upfront that you’ll be traveling with your mobility scooter and need extra assistance. Ask any questions or concerns you have about moving to your gate and flight.
If you are usually a person who thinks you are wasting your life if you have more than 42 idle seconds between seeking through security and boarding your flight, I respectfully advise you to recalibrate. Expect that the whole process will take a bit more time with your scooter.
Going Through Airport Security with a Mobility Scooter
Getting through security with a mobility scooter will likely take more time. Again, arrive early so that this does not become a stressor. Remember, keep that stress and urgency for the Escape Room your nephews are going to take you to tomorrow.
TSA procedures can vary depending on the circumstances, and screening may involve additional procedures. They might conduct an additional screening, and your scooter may receive an inspection. Have the battery information handy, either on a printed sheet or in a pdf in your phone for their reference.
At the Gate: Traveling with Your Mobility Scooter
Usually, you can ride your mobility scooter all the way to the plane if you need to. The gate agents already should be aware that you are checking a scooter at the gate and may need assistance, but go see them when you arrive just to make sure. Be sure to ask to pre-board if you feel you would like that extra time.
While you are waiting to board, take photos of the scooter from several angles before you check it. That way you will have a comparison in case any damage occurs during the flight. Also make sure your name/contact information is attached to the scooter if appropriate. Remove any loose accessories such as backpacks, cupholders, decorations, accessories, etc. and keep them with you.
Take photos of your scooter from several angles before checking it.
Make sure your name/contact information is attached to the scooter if appropriate.
Remove loose accessories such as backpacks, cupholders, decorations, accessories, etc. and keep them with you.
When you are ready to board, the gate agents or ground crew can offer you a wheelchair, an aisle chair, and to your assigned seat on the airplane.
Depending on your scooter and battery setup, the gate agents or ground crew may ask you to turn off the scooter, remove the batteries, or demonstrate how it folds and stows.
Navigating the airport with a travel mobility scooter involves the most moving pieces, if you will, of any phase. Remembering the accommodations available to you and asking for them can help you save your energy for when you reach your destination.
Stay tuned for Part III: Flying and Arriving! We’ll share a few tips for this phase of your trip and share a comprehensive checklist that you can use for any flight.