Air travel: Arriving at your destination

Authors: Sharon Jang , Dominik Zbogar | Reviewers: Duncan Campbell , Janice Eng | Published: 16 November 2022 | Updated: ~

As the plane begins to descend, remind the flight attendant that your wheelchair is underneath the plane, and needs to be brought to the door upon landing. During the decent, individuals with limited core function may have some difficulty bracing themselves in the seat. One participant from an interview study explained that it felt like their “body wanted to fling forward”. If you find yourself in this situation, some ways to stabilize yourself in the seat include bracing yourself against the seat in front of you, or hanging onto the arm rests. Some individuals also opt to use a chest strap/abdominal binder to help support their position in the seat during landing.

When getting off the plane, you will be the last to go. You will be transferred off the plane in an aisle chair or a sling, and your wheelchair should be waiting for you at the door of the plane. If your wheelchair is not there, it is suggested that you do not leave the plane. This is because while you are on the plane, it is seen as an immediate concern. This is opposed to leaving the plane without your wheelchair, as it becomes a baggage handling problem which is associated with delays and inconveniences. In the very rare case that your wheelchair gets lost, immediately talk to an airline staff and file a claim before you leave the gate you landed in. Most airlines will loan or rent you a wheelchair to use in the meantime while they locate your wheelchair. However, it is emphasized that lost wheelchairs do not occur often!

You can ask other passengers or airline attendants for help getting your luggage off the baggage carousel. You can also request airport staff or porters for assistance in moving your bags to your next connection though in some countries you are expected to tip for this service.