Thread by @BlokeOnWheels

Right then, this is part two of the thread, released on Tuesday about what it is like for me to go abroad on holiday. This is my personal experience and may not reflect the experiences of other disabled people. We will start from where one left off. 1

Boarding the plane can be either easy or complicated. It is much easier if the gate and the plane are connected via an Air Bridge, meaning I can be wheeled right up to the door of the plane. If not, it's the more complicated method: the 'Magic Bus'. 2

The Magic Bus is a vehicle that allows people who cannot walk up (or down) the plane steps to get onto the plane via a platform that is carefully raised to be level with one of the plane doors, either the front or the back, depending on the airline.3

You might think that this is not particularly complicated, and it might not be. It all depends on the number of disabled people on the same flight. There are times when we have had to be separated and mum has had to go up the stairs because there is not enough room on the MB ...4

to accommodate all those who need it and our travelling companions. This Sometimes makes it slightly difficult to find each other again when we reach the plane. Here's where the next bit of 'real fun kicks in. I am lifted from my chair and transferred to a small...5

narrow one, That can just about fit down the aisle of the plane. This can be quite a disconcerting experience as such chairs can only be moved While in slightly tilted position. This can give the impression of falling backwards, not very pleasant. It is also vitally important...6

to keep one's arms tucked in at all times. There is barely any space in the aisle for anything other than the chair. I am then transferred once again. (Lifted) onto my row and shuffled along the middle seat. The staff who carry this out are usually brilliant, but it does...7

Solicit a few stares from some of the other passengers. Then, after getting strapped in, the three of us. The three of us play a little guessing game, unsure many other #Disabled travellers have also played a variation of this, it is called...8

'What state will my wheelchair be in at the other end?' You see, the problem is, once I'm not in it anymore, my chair is not treated like my legs (which is what it is!), But rather as if it was simply another piece of luggage be chucked on in any old fashion, without regard...9

the instructions we give. For example, every single flight we tell them that my wheelchair DOES NOT fold because the back of it is also the back for my electric one. That does not stop these idiot baggage handlers from trying to fold it anyway. 10

In fact, there was one occasion where mum could see it being loaded from the window of the plane, and she saw it fall off the luggage rack! Luckily there was no damage, but we were particularly concerned that time until we landed. The reason I mention this is because...11

If my wheelchair was significantly damaged during transit, I would be literally fucked. I can't sit on many normal chairs because my balance is shite and I would fall off, there would be absolutely no way that I could be comfortable for the entire holiday 12

And even when we got back home, I would still be screwed if it was the back that was damaged because as I said, it is the same back we use for my electric wheelchair. Luckily for me, no damage like that has happened up until this point, I would just like people...13

To take much more care when dealing with the loading and unloading of my (and other disabled people's), essential mobility equipment. After all, if your leg got broken, during your journey You'd want to be able to hold somebody accountable for it...14

The flights themselves are usually uneventful, except for the fact that I will invariably have a sore back and arse by the end of it, having been sat on uncomfortable seat for over four hours. Luckily, my leg bag means I don't have to worry about toilet Issues...15

And, if necessary, it can be discreetly emptied by mum or dad into a two bottle which they will then empty when they next need to go. I don't mind saying, I find it difficult to piss on planes anyway. 16

In part three, I'll cover what actually happens on holiday, including why we've ditched resorts and opted to rent private villas. That should be out tomorrow. Thank you very much for reading. ends 17
#DisabilityTravel #WheelchairsAreNotLuggage.