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Gate checking a wheel chair to Paris and using it there

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The four of us (grandparents with two strong teenagers) leave for Paris in less than a week. I have a stress fracture of my left tibia making it impossible to walk more than a few steps. Rather than cancelling the trip, we are planning to go and will gate check a wheel chair that we own which will give us a wheel chair not only at the airports, (We connect thru Detroit) but in Paris. Delta approved the gate checking of a wheel chair this morning and am waiting for Air France to approve.

Since we each have only carry on luggage and the wheel chair folds, I think we can put the wheel chair in the trunk of a taxi and hold our bags on our laps etc. Worst case we would rent two taxis.

We are renting a ground floor apartment in Marais. That area looks tricky for a wheel chair, but all of the major attractions seem to be able to accommodate wheel chair. I have read reviews that many of the sidewalks are handicap friendly. The recommendations I have read is to visit cafes during less busier times.

Is Uber still operating in Paris or have they been outlawed? This would help getting from place-to-place.

Comments on this are appreciated. I did a search and don't see anything current or like this on gate checking a wheel chair and getting around the tourist areas in one. Thanks so much!

Posted by
2545 posts

Upon CDG arrival, proceed to the official taxi queue. Do not accept offers from clandestine drivers soliciting from within the terminals.

The price from CDG to the Marais is fixed at 50€ for up to 4 passengers and all luggage. Wheelchair transportation is free. At the pickup point, a taxi will be assigned to comfortably carry everyone and luggage (and the wheelchair).

Pushing a wheelchair around the Marais can present problems as the sidewalks can be very narrow and roads are often only cobblestone. Locations such as the 9th or maybe even the 7th are better for those using wheelchairs.

Uber is available but you might want to download the Taxi G7 app, the Kaptan app, and the Bolt app, all reliable companies offering transportation within Paris.

Buses are also available and have special ramp access for wheel chair users.

Posted by
695 posts

I have never been to Paris so can't comment on its accessibility, but we have traveled extensively with my son's special needs stroller. Never any issue with gate-checking it for any airline. I am surprised you even need prior approval for the wheelchair -- we've never had to do that; we just bring the stroller and they tag it at the gate. We wheel my son in the stroller down the jetway (some airlines will have their staff push the chair/stroller depending on their regulations), and they take it at the door of the plane. My son is able to board the plane on his own, but we have been given the option to wheel him on to the plane if needed. Definitely take advantage of the priority boarding for disabled passengers; you will need the extra time, and it is far, far better to board when you aren't being crowded by the other folks who are in a rush to fill the overhead bins .

When we arrive at the destination gate, the stroller is delivered to the plane door and we load my son and push him back up the jetway. For some smaller airports without jetways, it gets a little creative, but the airlines are used to dealing with passengers with limited mobility, so they will have a process.

We have never regretted traveling with someone with limited mobility. You may have to alter your plans a bit here and there, but stay flexible and you will have plenty of opportunities to have fun. We have found that people everywhere are super accommodating, so don't be afraid to ask strangers for help or information if you need to do that.

Have a great trip!

Posted by
776 posts

Caution. Although buses have ramps, not all bus stops are ramp friendly,

Posted by
3 posts

I've never flown into Paris with my very small folding mobility scooter, but I have flown into London (many times, usually by myself), Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Florence with it. I've never had a problem gate checking it. But a couple of times it's been misdirected to baggage claim rather than returned to me at the gate. And sometimes I've needed help to find elevators or where the special assistance line is for immigration. So I always always request a wheelchair upon arrival. You need to do that at least 24 hours before your flight.

Some airlines and some flight crews will let you store your folded up wheelchair in the closet on the plane. That makes sure you have it when you arrive, but it doesn't solve the problem of finding the elevators and the correct immigration lines. Unfortunately there's no way to ask to be met by an escort. You have to ask for a wheelchair even though you have your own.

And sometimes the assistance isn't there when you get there. I've always eventually been able to figure out where to go.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/disability-travel-224/ is a good source of info, as is your airline's website.

Paris is relatively good where disabled access is concerned, particularly if you can walk short distances and climb a few steps. At lots of attractions your carer gets free admission. And you almost always have a separate queue or entrance. https://www.sagetraveling.com/Paris-Disabled-Access has lots of good info.

Bring pushed in a wheelchair over not always smooth pavement and up and down curb cuts is surprisingly tiring. I build in lots of breaks, and I always transfer from my chair / scooter to a real chair at every opportunity.

Have a great trip!

Posted by
25 posts

Thanks for everyone's help on this topic. I have checked out the very helpful links, downloaded the taxi apps,
and will request wheelchair/assistance at the airport although we already have a wheelchair as everyone will have their own carryon luggage and we can't risk my wheelchair getting sent to baggage claim. Again, thanks.

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