Air Travel With My Quantum Chair – PART TWO

by Jared Wayland

Air Travel With My Quantum Chair – PART TWO

Now, in order to board comes one of the most anxiety-inducing parts for me - the aisle chair. This small transfer chair is designed to fit down the narrow aisle of the aircraft. I transfer from my Stretto to the aisle chair at the door of the plane. Maneuvering from a comfortable and familiar power wheelchair to a smaller and less supportive transfer chair can be physically uncomfortable, not to mention unsafe for many power wheelchair users who have custom-configured chairs. Also, the experience of being moved through a crowded airplane cabin strapped to this tiny chair, often with the gaze of fellow passengers, can feel undignified and intrusive.
Once I’m securely in my airplane seat (after another transfer from the transfer chair), the worry begins again. Will the baggage handlers take care of my power wheelchair? Will they follow the instructions I left for them? The amount of wheelchairs that airlines break or mishandle in a year is astonishing! Wheelchairs are not just mobility aids; they are essential extensions of their users' independence. The fear of arriving at the destination with a non-functional wheelchair can be beyond distressing.
All in all, travelling by air as a power wheelchair user undoubtedly presents its share of hardships and difficulties. From the meticulous planning required before the trip to the challenges faced during security checks, boarding, and transfers, each step can be a test of your patience and resilience. Despite these obstacles, many power wheelchair users such as myself are determined to explore the world and create memories just like any able-bodied person would. As awareness grows, airlines and travel industry stakeholders must prioritize improving accessibility and accommodation to ensure that everyone can experience the joy of travel without unnecessary barriers. #RightsOnFlights