Air Travel as an Amputee
Taking a trip should be enjoyable, but air travel as an amputee can be very stressful! The challenge for travelers with disabilities is to foresee their special needs and check carefully to ensure those needs are met every step of the way. Unfortunately, things don’t always turn out as anticipated even when this is done. Embarking on a journey as a disabled traveler can be empowering and enriching, but it's crucial to know your rights and educate yourself before setting out. Here are some tips and links for Amputee travel!
Pre-boarded!
Passengers with disabilities are entitled to certain accommodations, free of charge, under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The ACAA states that “all domestic and international flights that have the U.S. as the destination or origination point are required to provide necessary accommodations to people with disabilities to ensure safe travel”.
DOT has developed disability-related materials, such as the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, to assist passengers traveling with disabilities better understand their rights.
It is important to be prepared and to know what your airline offers! For example, when I fly Southwest I get to board first with no extra charge or pre-arrival work!
One of the most frustrating parts of air travel for me involves TSA. I always allow for extra time because I know that I will need it to get through TSA. My leg always sets off the metal detectors, and then I have to be patted down. They swab my leg and my hands, and ask me a few questions. I usually leave my shoes on since they’ll be swabbing me anyway (they can’t make you take them off so make use of your disabled status!)
TSA Screening Process
When booking
If you need help getting on the plane and to your seat, you will need to request any necessary assistance when booking your ticket at least 48 hours before departure. Consider booking your trip through an experienced travel agency or a company specializing in disabled travel – their knowledge could be invaluable for ensuring your flight and accommodation needs are met. Toilets on planes are generally small and can be challenging for those with limited mobility, so for longer journeys, you may want to consider taking shorter connecting flights rather than one long-haul trip. Certified Assistance Dogs are permitted on most flights. If you will be bringing a wheelchair you will need to provide your airline with as much information about it as possible, including dimensions, type of wheelchair, number of batteries, type of battery, and weight. You can check your mobility device for free!
CrutchesCanes, Walkers, & Scooters
Casts & Support Braces
Wheelchairs Tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly
Service animals Prosthetic devices & associated tools
Assistive/adaptive equipment
CPAP machines & respirators
Medications & associated supplies
All diabetes-related medication, equipment, & supplies
Any other disability-related equipment & associated supplies
At the Airport
Check-in as early as possible to ensure you can secure the best seat for your needs.
Give yourself plenty of time to reach the airport and your departure gate with time to spare. It may be worth arriving a couple of hours early to anticipate delays.
All passengers, including those with disabilities, are required to undergo security searches. You may wish to alert security staff of any specific medical needs before a security search.
Wheelchair users will not need to pass through the metal detectors, but will instead be subject to a body search. Inform security of any painful or sensitive areas before they begin.
They cannot require you to take your shoes off! They will likely have to swab you anyway, so they can just swab your shoes too.
stock image of airport
My personal tips:
Most conflict with the airport or airline staff doesn’t come from any place of malice, but because they’re unfamiliar with your specific needs and the best way to manage them.
You do NOT have to take your shoes off at TSA, or your leg for that matter!
Wear something that shows your disability. I hate that this is a tip, but it really does make things easier. When my leg is covered it’s like it’s this scary unknown to them. When they can see it they still look confused but it’s visible to them!
You don’t have to be in a wheelchair or have your own to get wheelchair privileges at an airport. Travel days can be exhausting and it may be daunting to think of walking all over an airport before you even get to your destination.
Many airlines allow you to board prior to general boarding!
By law, necessary medical equipment is free to take on a plane and doesn’t count towards your carry-on items. You can also choose to check them and this too does not count toward checked items. But I would highly recommend keeping it with you.
