Comments on: Airlines

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 08:27:59 +0000

In reply to Amanda.

Hi Amanda

This story with a variety of experiences may help I hope – https://havewchairmove.wpengine.com/when-youve-gotta-go-on-the-go/

Julie

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 00:19:51 +0000

Hello. Our friends’ son will be 20 when we travel to Hawaii this year, he has CP and only has limited use of his arms and hands. What is your experience with toileting on a plane without a larger toilet, on a 9.5 hour flight ?

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 08:04:38 +0000

In reply to Megan. Hi Megan it’s such a confidence knock when something like that happens. We’ve had great experiences with Jetstar, Virgin and Qantas but equally we’ve had issues with all three on odd occasions. Mostly we have no issue getting the wheelchair brought to the door but sometimes there is miscommunication and we’ve been left with an airline wheelchair. I’d like to add this is in the minority and usually an error rather than someone not understanding our need. I would hope you’d have a smooth run with Virgin. I’d stress at time of booking, boarding and even mid flight your need for your own chair. I really hope you have a positive outcome on your next trip. Julie

By: Megan

Megan — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 03:20:51 +0000

Hi
Love the blog and all the info. We are big travellers and think it’s so important for everybody to experience!
I have flown all over the world and never had an issue getting my manual wheelchair to aircraft door on arrival. However, recently had a horrific experience with Jetstar refusing me access to my wheelchair. Now I am nervous to travel domestically in Australia. I am wondering whether you have flown Virgin and ever had a problem with them bringing the wheelchair to the aircraft door? I am considering booking a flight with Virgin but don’t want to be treated how I was Jetstar.
I can highly recommend Air New Zealand for any flights (we regularly fly to Canada) and they are always excellent with my wheelchair and sports equipment.
Thanks for the help!

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 06:00:02 +0000

In reply to Jeff Knight. Fantastic tip thanks Jeff. I've only seen this available in the US. Great to hear about this.

By: Jeff Knight

Jeff Knight — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 00:13:35 +0000

If flying from Adelaide Airport, when being dropped off at the Airport ask your Taxi driver or driver to drop you off at the ” Disability Drop Off ” point, at the other end of the airport. After unloading, use the Wall phone inside the door(opposite wall) and someone will answer( no coins reqd), they will send a helper to come and assist you to checkin. I learnt this after years of lugging bags and pushing w/c from lower cab rank. I think you can also use this entrance for when leaving the airport on return.

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 19:35:22 +0000

In reply to Debbie Coombes.

Hi Debbie,

I haven’t personally but our friends used them to fly to Hawaii and found them to be excellent. I’d caution that the A380 aircraft are the only ones (that I know of) that have a larger cubicle toilet. We’ve flown Qantas to LA and they’ve been awesome not only because of the staff but also the bathroom made life easier. Julie

By: Debbie Coombes

Debbie Coombes — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:46:19 +0000

Hi Julie, As a travel consultant, have you had any experiences with Hawaiian Airlines? If so what are they like to travel with for a wheelchair?
Thanks

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 10:25:11 +0000

In reply to Kylie.

Hi Kylie,

I think the Qantas harness works a little differently to the CARES harness. The airline supplies the Upper Body Torso Harness themselves. The CARES harness is the only one I know you can buy commercially. Is it just recommended you don’t use it for someone over 6 feet or you simply can’t use it? I wish I had an answer but I don’t I’m sorry.

I’m happy to post the question on Facebook for you to see if anyone has found a solution.

Julie

By: Kylie

Kylie — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 03:53:12 +0000

In reply to Julie.

I had the same question…
My husband who is a quadriplegic & 198cm (over 6’7″) has used the upper torso restraint on a previous Qantas flight.
We have booked to travel with Fiji Airways next year, and have been told we must bring our own FAA approved restraint.
I have contacted the suppliers of the CARES restraint and was told they manufacture an adult sized harness but it cannot be used by a person over 6 feet.
I am know questioning how Qantas got around that one, and where I can get one?