Here are some tips that Little People and other people with disabilities (PWD) can use when traveling. I discuss what you can do starting from when you book the flight to when you reach your destination. There are also links below to various travel-related resources.
Always plan ahead. Try to mirror your home routine when you travel. And research, research, research!
Flight reservations: At the time you book your flight, be sure to let your airline or travel agent know what specific assistance you will need. Tell them if you are able to climb stairs or walk long distances. If you need a footrest on the plane and are not able to bring one with you, most airlines should have one on hand. I usually store my luggage under the seat in front of me and use that as a footrest. Amazon sells a portable foot rest that you can latch on to the tray table. Based on your needs, the agent will place a special code into your reservation record. Contact your airline again 48 hours in advance to reconfirm the arrangements they have made for you. I recommend booking via Southwest or United Airlines as they have been generally pretty accommodating in my experience.
Luggage: Here is a site that offers luggage options for Little People. Whenever I travel, this is the exact one I use every time. This carry-on item has wheels and a handle to lift up. It is so compact I can fit up to 5 days of travel in there. Purchase luggage that you are able to wheel along without any difficulty. The smaller and more lightweight it is the better. I also recommend getting a neck pillow especially for long flights. Request assistance using an airport luggage cart if you have more bags and/or need to check in anything.
Airport: Before you arrive at the airport, try to research the layout, taking note of the elevator and escalator locations. Check out where the terminals are and how to get there. If terminals are far away, you can request wheelchair or golf cart assistance from the airline. Give yourself extra time to get to the airport because the employees who drive golf carts and assist passengers in wheelchairs/scooters can only help a certain number of passengers at a time. I also recommend getting TSA Pre-check to avoid the long security lines. In fact, I strongly recommend that Little People and other PWD automatically get pre-check status. In addition, we should qualify for pre-boarding because some of us will need assistance with luggage and boarding the plane.
In a recent article by NPR, some people with disabilities (PWD) shared how difficult it still is for them to travel by plane and navigate the airport. Despite calls from US Congress to amend the Air Carrier Access Act and make improvements at airports, TSA agents and airline employees are still not properly trained to assist in getting PWD safely through the security lines and on and off the plane. Everyone has different needs and their experiences may vary with different employees, but it is extremely necessary that these protocols are put in place across all airports. For example, there have been reports of wheelchairs getting lost or damaged on the flight. This must never happen because wheelchairs are lifelines for many people. PWD should have a separate security line that is easy to get to and also where the boarding pass/ID check is at a lower counter. It’s hard for some of us to take our shoes off, and for me it’s a bit of a hassle to lift my carry-on and the big bins up onto the security table. There is a lot more work that needs to be done.
Lodging: When you call the hotel or the place you’ll be staying at for the duration of the trip, let them know you have dwarfism and what services you will need to ensure a comfortable stay. Most hotel chains should already have ADA rooms available if you need one. I go into more detail here on how to request accommodations and what you can do if the hotel gives you any trouble. Remember that hotels, vacation rentals (including Airbnb’s) and other public places of lodging are obligated to provide equal opportunity for us to use their facilities. However, the ADA may not apply with places of lodging outside of the US so it’s best to use your judgment and choose a place where you’ll have a smoother and more comfortable experience.
Driving and Parking: If you’re driving, then you won’t need to book a flight and get to the airport, but you will want to make sure you have everything you need so you can get to your destination safely and soundly. Ensure your car is completely ready for the road trip (pedal extensions and hand controls in place, full tank of gas, any repairs done). Have a clear picture of where you’re going and how to get there even if you’ll be using a GPS. Minimize distractions and avoid any unsafe conditions or driving areas. Unless you have to be somewhere at a certain time, take as many rest stops as you need, you’ll get there when you get there! Research the parking situation at where you’ll be staying. Some lodging facilities have garage parking, valet parking and others will just have you park on the street. Where you do decide to park, try to park as close to the building as possible so you don’t have to walk as far. If you don’t have one, I also recommend applying for a temporary disability parking placard if you’re eligible. You can find the application on your local DMV website. If getting around doesn’t cater much to drivers like in a big city, (parking is hard to find or expensive), then it may be better to use public transportation.
Traveling by Bus or Train: Like flying, you will want to let the bus/train station or customer service agent know what services you’ll need when you book your ticket. Most buses and trains have room to store scooters and other mobility devices if needed. Check the websites for more information on how they can help. Seats in the front are usually reserved for people with disabilities but feel free to choose a seat wherever you feel most comfortable. If you will need assistance getting on and off the bus/train, just notify the driver or an attendant before you board.
Getting Around: If you are not able to use a taxi or Uber/Lyft services, arrange for accessible transportation to pick you up from the airport. When exploring the area, research the options available beforehand and see if the buses, trains, trolleys, etc. are able to accommodate such as by lowering a ramp to help you get on or assisting in bringing your scooter/wheelchair on board. If you’re eligible, you can purchase a pass that allows people with disabilities to travel for free on buses or trains. Most importantly, wear comfortable walking shoes!
Activities: Research any tours you’re interested in going on online before booking to see exactly what’s involved. You can also call them and ask if they would accommodate and provide assistance. Do the same for restaurants and other tourist spots like museums.
Have an itinerary and plan your route each day so you know where you’re going and how you’ll get there. Try to stay in the more accessible areas of the town you’re in. Come up with a backup plan in case you run into any issues on your trip. Don’t be afraid to be creative or ask for help if a situation calls for it. Know what your rights are and how to enforce them.
Most importantly, enjoy your travels and be safe! 🙂 Contact me if you have questions.
Travel Resources
Request TSA Assistance at Airport
Hidden Disability Sunflower Program – people with invisible or non-apparent disabilities can wear a lanyard to indicate that extra support may be needed at the airport
Resources for Traveling during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Travel Ability – The Intersection of Travel and Disability
Top 10 Accessible-Friendly US Cities
Top 10 Disability-Friendly Cities in the World
Disabled Hikers – Provides detailed and accessible hiking trail guides
Disabled Travel Influencers on Instagram
Curb Free with Cory Lee – Wheelchair accessible travel guides by disabled travel blogger
Just a Little Traveling... 