Flying with a wheelchair

Getting around in a wheelchair poses obvious problems and trying to fly in one is impossible unless it has wings. However, if you are more down to earth, thankfully the systems in place to help the disabled enjoy the same rights to aviation as everyone else mean that international air travel is possible.

In the past, it was, apparently, very difficult with all sorts of practical and expensive barriers. However, the attempts of a certain well known discount airline to charge wheelchair bound users for the privilege of boarding their aircraft sparked a challenge in the EU courts. As a result, there is now a requirement for all airlines operating in Europe and all European airports to make sure that the disabled can travel at the same price as everyone else and with as little hassle as possible.

Sharon explains: “I´ve just been back to London to visit my children and I am very happy to say, as always, that the airport at San Javier, Murcia, Spain, has a wonderful team which helps the disabled. They help me with everything, including check-in, passport controls, security and luggage. They even escort me to my seat on the plane.

“I can´t walk up the steps of the aircraft. Sometimes there is a ginormous thing that is like a container that goes up and down like a lift with plenty of room for me and my wheelchair. It comes up into the galley of the aircraft at the front. I only have to stagger to my seat. Normally, there is a row of three for me and Phillip. I slide over to the window seat and get my headphones on with my favourite old time music and usually doze off.

“At other times, I go in a special wheelchair with a very secure harness that goes over my shoulders, so I am fully secured into the chair. It sort of crawls up or down the steps. I can´t see how it works but it is obviously some special thing. It doesn´t give me any feeling of insecurity whatsoever, which is surprising.

“My wheelchair is always waiting for me on the tarmac at the other end. Once I´m in it, I am wheeled to collect my bag and then taken through the various passport control and other things to the exit.

“I know it must be a pain in the neck having to put up with people like me who can´t do the simplest tasks for themselves. But I must say a big thank and you well done to all the people I meet at the airports and on the planes. Everybody is so helpful and kind. And patient. They are all so lovely.

“It is bad enough having to travel as a disabled person but it would be absolutely impossible without the help of so many friendly people.”

"On my return flight home a few days ago I sat next to my newest friend, Pam. She lives in Los Alcázares, by the sea. Like me, she had been to London to see her children and she pointed out her house and car just before we landed. Pam has lived in Spain almost as long as I have and loves it. Which is not surprising with all the sunshine and blue skies.”

"I had an extra special treat this trip. When I was waiting to board at San Javier I had my first ever go on a massage chair. It was fantastic, like balls running up and down your back to help relax you and give you a good old work out. I was pleased that I entertained nearby passengers who were laughing their heads off at me laughing. I´ve told Phil, I want one of these chairs for Christmas.

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©Phillip Bruce 2009.