Thread by @BlokeOnWheels

Ok, you lovely lovely people asked for it, so here it is. A thread on what it's like for me as a wheelchair user with practically no independent movement to go on holiday abroad. Part one will cover background info and The airport experience. 1

We start with some background. When I go on holiday, I go with my parents. They are completely fundamental not only to my life but also to this thread. Furthermore, I don't take my massive electric wheelchair with me, I have a manual one, which I use for places...2

That are not conducive to the use of a big heavy machine. (Spoiler. Depending on where you go, that can be practically everywhere) . Also, it is important to note that some airlines do not allow electric wheelchairs on board due to the weight and lithium iron battery.3

Once the flights are booked, we have to notify the airline of my needs, and book what is known as 'special assistance' for getting me on and off the aircraft although why it is called 'special'. I don't know, More on that later. I should also mention, I hate flying. 4

Now, the airport is where the real 'fun' begins. Even though we usually only take hand luggage, we still have to queue at check-in to get a tag for my chair which does have to go in the hold. This can take considerable time, particularly at the UK end, which can have 5...

Significant consequences later. Then, it's often the 'Special assistance desk inform them that we are there and confirm my needs. Such leaves include the special vehicle to get up to the plane (if it is on a remote stand, necessitating stairs for entry), and the isle chair...6

...to get me to my seat, As I cannot independently transfer (I am completely unable to stand or move from one chair to another without the assistance of another person) . After this, it's time for what I consider to be the second worst part of the airport experience, security 7

Now I know this has to be done, but it doesn't make it any less stressful. While mum and dad are forced to rush about, taking their shoes, watches, belts etc off at breakneck speed, I have to sit there and wait for somebody to come and examine me and my chair 8

The first bit is fairly straightforward, lifting my arms and leaning forward a bit so they can have my sides down and check my back. But then, the really humiliating bit, some of them get suspicious when they feel the tube and bag that runs down my left leg, Particularly if ...9

is full. This is a particular problem when coming back to the UK as most of the security people in Cyprus or Lanzarote appear not to be familiar with sheath technology! Meaning I have to delicately explain that the bag is not drugs or explosives, but rather full of my piss! 10

After being intimately acquainted with my 'new best friend'. I am forced to sit again until security is finished with mum, dad and our luggage and they can collect me. It's at times like this when I really do feel like I myself am a piece of luggage. Then, it's time to ...11

Find something to eat. Two problems with this, the first being that all the airport restaurants are usually rammed, making it either difficult or impossible to find a space that is suitable for my chair. The second being that special assistance usually requires us to be...12

At the gate before the other passengers, which can severely limit the amount of time we have to eat, especially if we had to queue up for a long time as either security or check-in. Then it's off to the gate, this is the point where I begin, hoping that we are not...13

On a remote stand, and will have access to an 'air bridge'. If you, don't know, those are the things that mean you can walk (or wheel) straight up to the plane, with no need for steps, or in my case, the 'Magic Bus'. I will cover the magic bus and boarding in the next thread. 14

Thank you very much for reading, the next part will probably be on Thursday (busy day tomorrow). (Ends) 15 #Disability #DisabilityTravel #wheelchairUser