Flying with a disability

I had a knee replacement 3 years ago. I set off the metal detectors every time I fly. I had a card from my doctor, but no one seemed to be interested in that. I always have to be "Wanded" and patted down. The wheel chair is a good idea for you.

The metal pins & plates will set off those alarms, so a letter from your doctor will make life easier for you. I had to travel to and within Europe in April with a cane due to an ankle problem, and was permitted to take the cane on the planes (after it had been scanned, of course).

Thank You

My brother-in-law has a huge scar in his leg where there's quite a bit of metal left inside from the restoration of a badly broken leg. For him, showing that scar has always been enough to get through security.

I tore up my knee a couple of years ago the night before I had to board a flight. I called the airline and they had a wheelchair waiting for me. It was great. The wheelchair person took me to the front of the security line, the TSA people helped me to remove and then put on my shoes, the gate people let me sit in the front row with extra leg room, they also let me board early and helped me with my carryon. They did stow the crutches in the closet during the flight but brought them to me after landing. I sugggest you wait until everyone else deplanes before trying to leave. Otherwise, you'll hold everyone up.

As for the metal plate, definitely get a note from your doctor.

And don't forget to tell the airline you need a wheelchair. It's worth the few bucks in tips to the person pushing the wheelchair. Believe me, walking the length of some airport terminals can be a pain. I's even worse on crutches.

What was really neat was that on my return home, my plane was hours late. We were the last flight in and everything was closed. But when I got off the plane, there was the wheelchair waiting for me.

One other thing...this was done in the US and on a US based airline. I don't know if policy is different in Europe. Check with your airline.

I agree with all that Frank says.

It's exactly the same with all the major European airlines.

You would be well advised to get a note from your doctor and then call the airline reservations department and ask them to request wheelchair assistance. Why not ? After all you pay enough for your air tickets, you might as well make the most of any free services you are entitled to. They'll assist you through security, pre-board you and stow your crutches. Sit back and enjoy.

Mark,
Contact your Airline without delay. They will inform you of their current policies and procedures. Request pre-boarding b/c of your Medical situation. You might also like to request a Bulk Head seat for your comfort and limited mobitity.

Don't hesitate to request the assistance of the Passenger Service Agents. They'd gladly assist you. A wheel chair ride to the Gate is a lot better than using your crutch. They'd probably even have you (and your Party) hop on one of those golf type carts. The distance to the Gate can be a lot further than one might think.

Don't forget to allow yourself extra time, especially when going through security, considering your condition.

It is very good advice to carry a note from your Doctor. It can be worth it's weight in gold. Use it to your advantage!

Safe Travels,

F/A

You might also want to make a copy or two of your doctor's note. Sometimes things like that can get misplaced. Not that I would know from personal experience or anything. ;-)