DBT Corporate Travel Information - Travel
Guide
Travelling for the disabled
In South Australia, The Disability Information
& Resource Centre, http://www.dircsa.org.au/pub/docs/access.htm
has a resource area with information on different issues
and aspects of travel for people with disabilities. The
Disability Information & Resource Centre also has a
Travel Access database providing information on accessible
accommodation in Australia.
When making airline reservations
* Make your reservation as far in advance
as possible.
* Tell the representative that you will be
travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Volunteer
information on the type of wheelchair (transit or self propelling,
manual or electric, wet or dry cell).
* Tell them if you need assistance when boarding
(eg an aisle chair to get to your seat).
* You can request “assistance” from check-in
to boarding your flight or cruise vessel, or you can request
assistance from “immigration” or just from the “gate”. Be
sure to advise your DBT or Cruisescene consultant at the
time of booking if you desire this assistance.
* If it's a long flight and you can't use
a standard plane toilet but can walk to the toilet, ask
that they make an aisle chair available to you during the
flight.
* Always confirm that they have a record
of your requests 48 hours before departure.
When you get to the airport
* Arrive early
* Always check your wheelchair or mobility
scooter at the boarding gate and request it be brought back
to you at the gate when you arrive.
* You can request that your collapsible or
fold up wheelchair be stowed in the onboard coat space.
(Note: there is usually only room for one wheelchair and
it is available on a first-come basis, so you should arrive
early to make your request).
* Make sure your name and address is on your
equipment and that it has a gate delivery tag if it is being
stowed below.
* Tape clear instructions on mobility scooters
or power chairs on how the batteries are disconnected and
for any other disassembly or preparation for transport.
(Remember, the crew at the other end didn't see how it came
apart.)
* If you need assistance transferring to
the plane seat, take responsibility for yourself and tell
the staff how to help you or pick you up, etc. Yes, they
should be trained, but you are always safer never assuming
anything.
* Before landing remind the flight attendant
that you will need your equipment brought to the gate so
they can radio ahead to make the arrangements.
* If you are travelling with a scooter or
power chair, make sure you arrange transport that can accommodate
your equipment on arrival.
* If you need to travel with oxygen, either
ask for or take enough tubing (plus connectors) with you
so that if you need to use the toilet, the tubing will be
long enough to reach. Don't take chances removing the oxygen
long enough to go to the toilet and get back. It could easily
cause fainting.
* If you are taking injection medication
(diabetic, interferon, etc.) and have to travel, you can
avoid a lot of embarrassment at airport bag checks.
* Get a letter from your doctor stating you
require syringes for a medical condition.
* Purchase a small thermal insulated lunch
bag to keep your medications cool. Take a plastic jar with
a screw-on lid (such as an empty peanut butter jar) to dispose
of your used syringes. Never toss in the rubbish - always
turn in used items at a hospital or clinic during your trip.
* Always carry your medication vials, syringes,
swabs, etc. in your cabin baggage.
* When booking an airline reservation through
a travel agent, make sure the agent contacts the airlines
to let them know your needs.
