I fly American *a lot* - partly because they have the most flights from my hometown to DFW (which is their nearest hub). Also, partly because my hubby works a major American Airline (get it? LOL) and I don't fly on the "free" tickets because those are standby, and if I am going to Disney World, I want to *know* I am getting on that plane! So, my experiences flying to Disney World are like those of any other paying passenger.
A couple of links for you:
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First, to answer your #1 question - I have never had my personal mobility equipment damaged by American Airlines. BUT...
... I have a lot of experience flying with mobility equipment, and so when I had to start bringing my own along, I was already pretty familiar with the routine. Additionally I bought the smallest (folds down into a travel case the size of a golf bag) lightest (35 pounds without me on it) "scooter" I could find. So, it's *very* easy for gate crews to handle; and because it was designed by a former pilot, and is made with aircraft-grade aluminum tubing, it's *very* sturdy. If I make sure I charge it fully overnight, every night, I can do a full "Disney Day", no problem.
It's a
TravelScoot (because I knew you were going to ask
)
A couple of other notes regarding flying: Remember that medical equipment will fly for free - but any suitcase or bag that is declared as "medical" can ONLY contain medical equipment, and the airline can ask to check/search that bag; it's their plane, their (and the FAA's) rules. So, the scooter flies for free - no additional charge. And, the battery bag I carry (because my batteries are removable, and the manufacturer recommends carrying them in the cabin, and American *requires* that I carry them into the cabin) flies for free also, and does not count against my carry on allowance, or my total baggage allowance.
Here's what I expect to experience when I fly with my ECV: (I'm using "you" here to indicate either/both you and/or your hubby, and because I fully expect that your hubby will read this at some point)
- Between a week and 10 days prior to flying, I contact the airline to let them know I will be traveling with my own device. Some airlines don't care; others will have a special department reach out to you to discuss your needs prior to the flight. There may also be questions regarding the make/model of your ECV, and the capacity of the battery(s).
- I arrive early for the flight. I personally prefer to be at the Airport about 2-½ to 3 hours early. This is to allow for the bit of extra "work" you will do with/for the personal mobility device.
- I ALWAYS PACK MY BATTERY CHARGER IN A SEPARATE CARRY-ON. You can only go so far if you get to your destination, and don't have a charger for the battery! Never pack it in checked luggage; always keep it in the cabin with you.
- NEVER STORE *ANYTHING* ON THE ECV WHEN FLYING (For safety purposes, as well as preventing loss or damage to anything). Remove any/all accessories that could be knocked off, broken, etc. (Like cupholders)
- When I check my luggage with the airline, I let them know that I will be gate-checking my device, and that I DO NOT need an aisle chair. (You can skip this step if you are going all carry-on)
- Next is TSA. Here, it is fastest if you can stand and walk through the machine, and then allow them to manually "clear" your device. Since my ECV has a battery bag + charger, that adds time to the process, as that must be x-rayed separately by the TSA (at least at our home airport and when departing MCO) Most TSA checkpoints will minimally have a wooden cane handy to help with balance if you need some extra help. You can ask to sit once you have cleared the scanner if needed. Remain calm and courteous and let TSA know this is your first time flying with the scooter, so you don't know exactly what to do.
Expect pushback if you are using a scooter and say that you can't stand or walk - Like a lot of other places in the world, scooter users are assumed to somewhat self-ambulatory, while wheelchair users are assumed to be non-ambulatory (Can't walk or stand unassisted).
- TSA will typically do a thorough visual inspection of the device and may swab it as well. They may swab the battery separately. They may swab your hands, shoes, or anything you brought along... Every time I fly, I wonder how I can be the person who sells TSA those swabs, because they use a *lot* of them!!!
- Unless you are TSA "Pre-Check" be prepared to remove shoes, put your cell phone in a bin, etc. just like everyone else. I send a family member through ahead of me, because that way they can "catch" my stuff when it has cleared the x-ray machine, and I don't have to worry about it sitting there while I am going through procedure.
- Once through TSA, I go directly to my departure gate. As soon as an airline employee appears to work that flight, I let them know that I will be gate checking my ECV and that I do not need an aisle chair. (I also have to discuss removal/storage of the battery for my particular ECV model with them). Sometimes, they will put the gate-check tags on right then, other times they will do it just before you board the plane. Be alert to boarding times, and keep an eye on the Gate Agent, as you will typically board in the first group.
- When it's time to board, you will typically be called in the first group. Carefully proceed down the Jetway ramp (don't try to make your first Disney ride a runaway ramp spectacular!) and when you get to the door of the plane, move to the side, and then hand the device off to a member of the ground crew (or a "host") once you have made it ready. It will be either stored inside the plane, or much more likely will be stowed under the plane in a cargo hold reserved for gate-checked equipment.
I don't fold my Travelscoot for flight - I *do* ride without the seat back on at Disney World (it's just so much easier - you can hop on and off like a tricycle by swinging one leg over the seat, plus it helps keep my core strong) but otherwise, to get it ready for flight, I only have to remove the battery, and any personal belongings from the red triangle, and I hand it off to whoever is in charge of getting it down to the tarmac.
Once on board, I let my flight attendant know that I have a battery bag with lithium ion batteries for my medical device. Typically they will place that bag in the very first bin in First Class, right up against the bulkhead, or directly over me. American Airlines has a rule that the Captain is notified where that bag is for safety. Once that is settled, I take my seat, and get ready to go like everyone else.
- Enjoy your flight!
- Towards the end of your flight, ask a flight attendant to let you know when your device is ready after you land; give them a brief description of what it will look like. Just like the buses at WDW, when you fly, you will load first, but get off last, so be prepared to wait a bit. Typically the plane is 50% or greater "unloaded" by the time I get my ECV back outside the door of the plane. The FA's will tell you if/when it's OK to move forward to be closer to the door.
(If you have a connecting flight, like I do, be sure to add some extra time between flights to allow for the retrieval of your device at the connecting airport. These days, I usually add at least 45 minutes, just for safety and sanity; depending on the connecting airport - I'm looking at you, DFW - I may add as much as an hour to and hour and a half.) With a connecting flight, it's lather, rinse, repeat, until you get to MCO!
- Once at MCO, you will head to baggage claim, and when you have your bags, then on to DME.
- DME (Disney's Magical Express) will store the device under the coach with the luggage, if you can make the stairs - if not, then you can ride on the device after it is placed on the lift, which is a ramp/platform, and then transfer to a seat on the bus.
The lift procedure for the DME bus is unlike any other transportation lift used at WDW - you back (backwards) on to the ramp platform, then ride up, reverse backwards into the bus, and this will then allow you to drive forward when coming back out of the bus at the Resort. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO DRIVE VERY ACCURATELY AND SLOWLY.
fAlthough there are spotty reports that people have been allowed to stand without a personal mobility device on the platform while it was lifted to the interior floor of the bus, I have never seen this, and have been regularly told by DME drivers that it is not allowed under any circumstance for safety and insurance reasons.
Hope all of this is helpful!
Let us know if you have any more questions
