Flying with a disability: making air travel easy and enjoyable (2024)

Flying can bring a mix of emotions – excitement, curiosity, and for many travellers with a disability, feelings of worry or anxiety. Concerns about accessibility, navigating security, and managing personal equipment like wheelchairs are very real

At Leisure Options, we understand these challenges and are here to help making flying with a disability smooth and stress-free by coordinating all the behind-the-scenes details, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

For many travellers with disabilities, the thought of air travel can bring up common concerns:

• Will my wheelchair or mobility aid be handled with care?
• Will I receive the right support at security, at the departure gate and onboard?
• What happens if there’s a last-minute issue with my assistance request?

For travellers with wheelchairs or other mobility aids, air travel can feel daunting.

Different airlines have their own policies regarding mobility equipment, including maximum dimensions and carriage requirements for wheelchairs, which we take into account when booking your trip.

We work directly with airlines to coordinate:

• Pre-boarding assistance including help with navigating stairs, transferring to your seat and stowing your cabin baggage onboard
• Proper handling of your wheelchair or mobility aid to ensure it’s safely stowed and handled with care
• Inflight seating arrangements tailored to your needs, such as suitable seating allocations. As far as possible, our travel group will be seated together

For individuals with non-visible disabilities, airports can be especially challenging. That’s where Sunflower Lanyards, wristbands and badges come in. This lanyard lets airport and airline staff discreetly know that you may need extra assistance,more time, or support through the various stages of travel. This simple yet effectivesymbol can provide a smoother, less stressful screening process.

Let us know if you’d like to have a Sunflower lanyard, wristband or badge.

Airport security and boarding procedures are often complex, but we help make theprocess as smooth as possible by organising:

• Accessible security screening – travelling with Leisure Options as a supported travel group can allow access to alternative security lanes where available, making screening less stressful
• Pre-arranged support – we coordinate with airline staff to ensure that additional needs are communicated in advance, such as priority boarding or accessible restroom options
• Special accommodations for medical devices – for travellers with pacemakers, oxygen supplies, or other medical equipment, pre-approval for travel is required. We liaise with the airline’s Premium Services departments well in advance of your flights to make suitable arrangements

We work with you and the airline staff to ensure that every part of your travel andairport experience is smooth.

• Check-in – we work with airline staff to secure priority check-in, ensuring you have lots of time to settle and make arrangements for any equipment or needs
• Boarding – boarding can be simplified with pre-boarding support, including assistance with seating arrangements, transferring in and out of your seat, and organising your belongings
• Storing mobility aids – for wheelchair users, we arrange for special handling of your equipment. Airlines often have specific requirements, and we ensure that your mobility aids meet any size or weight guidelines. We also advocate for proper handling to ensure that your equipment arrives in the same condition it left in.

Our team at Leisure Options handles all the details involved in air travel, makingflying with a disability as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

• Booking assistance and coordination – we liaise with airlines about any equipment, assistance needs, or specific preferences so that everything is prepared on the day we travel.
• Accessible security screening – When travelling with Leisure Options, our group is usually identifiable as requiring alternate or priority screening, giving us a quicker, more comfortable experience.
• Seating and support arrangements – from extra legroom to transfer assistance, we ensure that your seating is tailored to your needs. We also ensure that you have access to accessible restroom facilities if necessary.
• Communication with ground staff and arrival arrangements – upon arrival, our network of on-ground support providers ensures any additional assistance or accommodations are necessary, making your transition from plane to destination seamless.

Travelling with Leisure Options means having reliable and supportive Team Leaders by your side who understand every step of the journey. We believe that with the right support, flying with a disability can be an enjoyable, confidence-boosting experience.

So whether you’re flying with a wheelchair, mobility aids or have a hidden disability, we’re here to make air travel accessible, comfortable and even fun. Let us handle all the details so you can focus on the adventure ahead!