Traveling “Perks”

A friend of mine was recently telling me about her challenges flying while using a wheelchair. As I was listening to her story, it reminded me of why I do not fly. Traveling can be very stressful...and add in needing to use a wheelchair, and it can make you go a little crazy.

One thing that always upsets me when traveling is the obligatory tip to the transport person at the airport. I often think to myself, “The disabled often are living on a tiny fixed income or perhaps no income at all. They are the ones with the least ability to dole out extra money for services they need. The transport people are paid employees and transporting the disabled is part of their job. Why must they demand a tip for doing their job?” Moreover, some airports have a knack for using as many transport people as possible. At one airport, I was handed off to FIVE different employees...and yes, they all had their hand out for a tip.

Another “perk” when flying is having the luxury of having a seat at the front of the plane. It is absolutely wonderful to not have to struggle to get to one’s seat when boarding. I LOVE being at the front of the plane and away from the noisy engines. However, one problem arises. The bathrooms are at the back of the plane. When nature calls, you either have to attempt to ignore the call or attempt to traverse the entire plane backwards and forwards while the plane rocks and rolls in the sky. The last time I flew, I could not stand or walk without falling. So, I had to crawl to the back of the plane to use the restroom. Besides the humiliation of such a task, the entire experience left me utterly exhausted. I was shaking with fatigue and then had to make the long crawl back to my seat at the front of the plane. (If I ever fly again, I think I will bring along a bed pan!)

There are numerous other challenges which can happen while traveling. The transport person does not show up at the gate to pick you up from your incoming flight. You are taken to the wrong gate and abandoned by the transport person. After being dropped off by the transport person, your gate changes and you have no way of getting yourself to the new gate (which might be a ten minute walk away from your current gate). If you travel with your own wheelchair, your wheelchair might be damaged or destroyed when it is placed in the baggage area of the plane. (Oh what fun it is to arrive at your destination without a functioning wheelchair!) And let’s not forget about all the excitement incurred at airport security. Can’t stand? They give you a FULL pat down...and sometimes a complete strip search! Airport security is also unfamiliar with medical equipment and supplies, which means they might damage or destroy your equipment or supplies when they are handling them...and sometimes they might even confiscate your medical supplies. And the list could go on and on.

I once LOVED going to the airport and venturing off on an airplane to destinations all over the world. But now that I need a wheelchair and a ventilator to breathe, I do not think I will ever journey through an airport ever again. Although I LOVE traveling, I will enjoy the comforts of home and exploring my own neck of the woods.