Be sure to leave your Gem of a tip for flying with a disability bellow… Check these videos next, How I pee on a Plane ua-cam.com/video/FT2nrGIGfoQ/v-deo.html London to Orlando ua-cam.com/video/FT2nrGIGfoQ/v-deo.html My Disney Play list ua-cam.com/video/FT2nrGIGfoQ/v-deo.html Making my wheelchair Plane proof ua-cam.com/video/FT2nrGIGfoQ/v-deo.html
Don’t book Jet2 if you wish to fly solo as a wheelchair user. Flew with them solo for years, and suddenly, after the pandemic, I was told they no longer allow full time wheelchair users to fly solo with them. I hope this is legally challenged very soon because it’s flat out discrimination.
I was having trouble at Dublin airport because they never heard of a dry cell battery in my chair. It’s a newer chair the quantum edge q6 2.0 How should I explain this in future?
I COMPLETELY agree about politely refusing to get off the plane until your wheelchair is at the door. They recently told me it was there, just at the top of a ramp, and wanted me to get off the plane. When I refused, it actually took about 25 mins to get it to the door, so they were telling porky pies just to try to get me off the plane.
I had the same issue with my disabled relative. He also got asked if he can walk just to the door of the gate ("It's not a very long walk," they said!!). I had to tell them as politely as possible that no, he can't walk. No other public transport is like this. It's slightly dehumanising.
I use the Apple Air Tag and attach it to my wheelchair and use it is a tracking device. I can then see on my phone the proximity of my chair as we pull away from the gate. Gives me piece of mind that it was loaded onto the plane and not left behind.
Thank you. LOVE THAT. I need one ony chair to find my phone also. Lol oh, do you have to have an iPhone. Bet you do. I always tip at least a $10 BEFORE getting in their chair at the front desk (when crutching) they see their tip in advance and are amazing to me if I need to pee to wait and even stop to get tea at Starbucks or water after TSA. Im not above bribing. And they work hard. I'm not light and many parts are uphill a mile away.
Thank you so much, I thought about that and will do it no. I can walk and am always scared to eave it behind like last week for a ride in an amusement park where noone cared about me…..👍🏻
Thank you for this tip. I’ve now bought an AirTag for my wheelchair for my first holiday abroad with it. It has reduced one of my worries about flying and my wheelchair having its own holiday without me.
Hi Gem! I’m a airline pilot in the UK and I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make this video. I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how we can take more responsibility as aircrew for the experiences of people with disabilities and videos like this of real world experiences are super helpful. Had my head in my hands when you showed us that awful phone design - we can do so much better 🤦🏼♀️ Hope you enjoyed your trip and will get the chance to travel again soon!
Good that you mentioned taking pictures of your chair as evidence. Sadly that's very necessary. A friend's chair was very damaged and he couldn't even immediately use it and needed to rent one until at his vacation destination the hotel helped him find a place that could fix it. So he only had to be in the rental chair for two days but still some chairs were even more damaged.
Good to know about the tip for getting off the plane - I haven't flown yet since getting my custom chair (last time I flew was 3 weeks prior to it), and haven't been able to since then, and my previous chair (which is now my backup) folded down small enough to comply with United's policy for storing a wheelchair in the cabin during the flight (my first two chairs were cheap and not mine, so I didn't care much about them, but the first one did get damaged slightly on the first flight I took it on, so I knew it was definitely possible for it to happen), so now I know to make sure they've brought it to the plane door before getting off, since there's no way in heck I'm ever letting them get away with not bringing it to me, and that I make sure there are no damages before getting in it, not when my current chair cost so much.
The tips about the rules of flight and wheelchair, making sure it was there with you, great tips that most of us wouldn't thought about, can also save time and headaches
I have a neurological condition so today my legs became paralysed from the knee down so borrowing my neighbours spare wheelchair. Honestly u have no idea how much more respect I have for you and any other permanent wheelchair users (or ambulatory as well) because it is so tough and this world is nowhere near accessible enough yet! Sending lots of love
I felt that when I was in a wheelchair I managed to invent many techniques to adapt and do things more easily but it is the worst form of human powered transport in my opinion
This video puts my mind at ease; I'm going on my first airplane trip with my wheelchair in November. Your videos have been such a big help in navigating my life as an ambulatory wheelchair user. I look forward to your tips for Disneyland Paris, since that will be one of our stops on the November honeymoon trip!
Smooth sailing and have an amazing honeymoon to two people who deserve to be in each other's lives I am absolutely sure. Focus on your wedding. Love each moment to the fullest. Don't remember most of the day only thru pictures because of being unable to relax. Once the day comes, just let it all go. Wrong flowers. So what at this point. Seating snafu. Who cares they are all adults they can decide where to sit on their own. Enjoy the day and esp the honeymoon to destress esp after COVID and all you have had to endure while planning. Have the best of everything. Wear a mask, you will be smack into flu season regardless of COVID tho this time last year is when more variants started. Just wear a mask on the plane when around others. We are all kind of high risk. Mostly I think.
hi im going on holiday in November too, first time with my new wheelchair so can't wait. I just want to get there safe and have my wheelchair get there safe too.
Flying always makes me a bit nervous cause im petrified my wheelchair could be damaged. When i last flew domestically with easyjet i made sure i folded my chair down after removing my cushion. I should clarify i use a kuschall rigid framed chair but i fold its back down and collapse the tip bars so noone tries to do it and breaks it. I also make sure to let them know how to apply and deactivate the brakes, they probably know but all it takes is one person who doesnt and I've have broken brakes. I must remember the leaving plane trick. Im ambulatory but i request that my chair be like you had yours so i must remember that unless my chair is there i shouldnt leave.
This was incredibly helpful. Being in a wheelchair (and I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel this way)I have a lot of anxiety because feel so vulnerable. Thank you for the tips.🙏🏻
Thanks so much Gem, I recently became disabled, and going on my first trip with a manual wheelchair back to where I left three years ago, Gainesville, Florida to Tucson, Arizona
Thank you for sharing your experience! Wonderful video editing & post commentary. No boring scenes that we had to slog through 😀 It was super helpful for a newbie! Wonderful travels & adventures to you & your beautiful family!❤
Thank you for your videos, Gem! I'm an occupational therapy assisting student, and channels like yours are invaluable! I can't obviously learn all of these kinds of things firsthand, so I'm grateful to be able to learn from you. I understand how much time and effort goes into their creation. I think you are doing amazing work!
thank you so much for posting content which i can relate to as someone who has recently become a full time wheelchair user. it really makes me feel as though i’m not alone in a time where i have felt so lonely.
I am so glad discovering your channel. I have serious mobility issues now and used to be a frequent flyer due to my job in the tourism sector. Now I am terrified, how I could even get through a train station alone an airport. I hope, you can teach me some lessons or signposting me some good tips. Thank you very much
Hello Mrs Gem, nice to see you again. Thank you for the informative video. Very handy to know. I have an update on my Dyson; I never thought I would say this about a Dyson: it wasn't any good. There I was vacuuming away and all was well until I switched the hoover off. Then a lot of dust fell out. There were no blockages, the Dyson was just not powerful enough to suck the dust up into the dust container.. Luckily, my carer was there and she applied dustpan and brush. The Dyson was sent back.
Thank you so much for sharing this video - I get a lot of stress when travelling with my disabled relative because I want him to be as comfortable as possible, and unfortunately some airlines make that as difficult as possible. all the tips you shared (and others shared in the comments) are very helpful.
Thank you so much for your videos! This year I flew for the time with my wheelchair and your videos where such a good preparation! I flew in Germany with Eurowings Düsseldorf-Berlin-Düsseldorf in August 2 weeks ago with Ryanair Cologne-Rome-Cologne, successfully, inclusive trips on public transport in Germany all alone. 💪🏻 Keep it up! Love your Videos!🙏🏻🌈
Although this luggage is practical as a solo traveller, the cases are ridiculously heavy, even before you put anything in them, and the zips refuse to slide smoothly. I can't quite decide whether I love them or hate them!
Just wanted to add a tip for those travelling with someone… when my husband and I went on our honeymoon, we packed one large suitcase and two smaller carry on bags. I think we had a small backpack and a duffel bag. We checked our large bag and I held our carry on while he pushed my wheelchair. (backpack went on the back) I could also store some stuff in a bag attached to my wheelchair behind my legs. We rented an apartment with laundry, which helped reduce the amount of stuff we needed to bring.
Got back from a trip to Rhodes couple of weeks ago with Jet2, my first holiday since becoming a wheelchair user at the begining of this year. The outward trip was exactly as promised with both the company and the airport staff being very helpful and efficient, On arrival in Rhodes disembarking the plane my chair was there waiting by the door on the platform lift, we were escorted from there through the airport in a flash and straight out to an awaiting adapted transport taxi and straight off to the hotel. Sadly the return was not as smooth, on arrival at the airport the special assistance were helpful but only had one staff member taking numerous people through the airport. as I had a friend with me we made our own way, the general airport staff were fantastic, on seeing my chair getting us fast tracked through their own sections to the gate. On the tarmac things changed, another passenger was loaded on to the lift but the small ramp on the my side of the riser would not fold down so my wheelchair and myself were repeatedly rammed into what was essensially a large curb by the (i assume) baggage handler several times until which point my chair was tipped over sideways and only by being able to grab onto a rail was I able to prevent myself from being unceremoniously thrown onto the tarmac. On arrival at Manchester and having waited until the other passengers has disembarked I got to the door to find no sign of my chair, which i was told had been sent to baggage collection and I would have to get it from there. Took the shine off what had been a great experience.
hey Gem thank you for this video, im going on holiday on Thursday 3rd Nov and its the first time since starting to use my wheelchair more. im nervous about them having my wheelchair but im gonna take photos before hand just in case anything happens.
I’m going to stay at Newport bay hotel in a couple of weeks so looking forward to watch your video from Disney. Want to see how accessible it is as a wheelchair user.
I travelled with a fresh surgery fixed broken ankle from Indonesia to Hamburg. There was great wheelchair support in Denpasar and Dubai. The Emirates crew was extremly helpful too.
Great advice. Not leaving the plane until the wheelchair is at the plane door 👍🏻 I'm using a cane as a walking aid, but still good to know, in case I will ever be in need of a wheelchair
Another advice, learned the hard way. Make sure that your sideguard is screwed or fixed to your chair. If they come off during the flight, it can take long to find them in the huge storage compartment of a plane. And many people will not understand why sideguards are important and expensive
Loved the video! Just wondering why you decided to fly and not drive/take the EuroStar? I would love to see your experience on the passenger EuroStar as a wheelchair user ☺️
Thank you, I've realised I may ABSOLUTELY need my wheelchair 100% on my travels 😢 since I sadly Actually can't walk. Yes, I literally find out about it daily over and over again. 😔💔 I'd say because too many people are constantly rude since without accessibility everywhere I am forced to walk more than my capable 3 steps and have to sit on ground of stores, pharmacies etc and even crawl so... some people HAVE yelled at me even for "faking my disability" and inability to stand or walk because I can TECHNICALLY stand up a bit, kinda. So it's engraved in my mind I can go on my entire trips with only crutches, it would be the end of me within minutes 😅😰
I enjoyed your video, as usual, Gem! I’ve only flown with my wheelchair twice. Both times were not great experiences. I hope to travel in the future by car.
I'm still completely petrified to travel by air with my powerchair. Everyone who I know who has tried to take a complex rehab chair by air has ended up having it broken. They are over 40k to replace.
@@Wheelsnoheels I'm grumpy in the morning very grumpy I'm stiff as a board raging hip pain two kids who want chocolate cake for breakfast and a dog begging for a pee 👹🤣🤣🤣🤣 absolutely hate mornings lol
I’m traveling by myself from Tokyo to Hokkaido in the summer. I went to Okinawa recently & used the airline’s wheelchair & picked up my own chair with a staff member at baggage collection. I was a bit nervous it would get damaged and I’d be playing Pokémon Go on cane for the whole event. 😬💦
Hello. I will soon be working as a passenger assistant agent at an airport in California. Assisting those who require a wheelchair to and from their flight. What advice do you have for me? Your perspective will allow me to understand your needs and concerns from a passenger’s point of view. Thank you!
Hi Gem, love your videos, very interesting and informative......One question, what is the brand of chair cushion you think works best? Regards, David.😮
When I was younger and my Grandfather died, they didnt have wheelchair accessibility in the USA and so I was unable to fly to his location, my mom actually was forced to drive me and her to his location. Nice to see they have this ability now.
If you ever do decide to go anywhere else in the US, here is the resource that is an excellent thing to have www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability
I flew on Sun Country last weekend, and it was not how I had heard of everywhere else being. No preboarding at all. I waited to be the last one on so there was no line, theoretically to take my crutches straight to my seat. But there was a line even when they told me it was good, and the carpet was slippery. They had my wheelchair at the airplane door though
The 1 tip, I found is get there the night before and if you can to twilight check in, and try a get a hotel next to the air port. my wife had bad anxiety, and had a lot of panic attack, (I in a powerchair, and it has taken 3+ hours to do the check in for my chair) So on the day of travel, we try to be in a hotel we can walk to the check in, get walk across to check in, so not problem, having breakfast, car breaking down, so thing on the road. We check in last night, we just make our self know to special assistance, who check there is still have no problems with my chair, they walk us though security, the normal fun with wheelchairs, they drop use in the lounge. they make the people on the desk know about my wife anxiety problems, we fill up on the tea and cakes. they find us very early so we are normal on the plane first by a long way. we are always last off, and special assistance walk us, though everything all the way to our transport. (once the bus driver got lost, but to help with her anxiety she always travel with "her" GPS, she know where she need to get too, so help the bus driver, the bus driver most likely knew the way but it took my wife mind of how long it was taking to get to the hotel.) so on the day of travel there is no stress at all. (we have had to call off holiday because of my wife having a panic attack.)
This is a great vid, and a reason why i love my RGK Tiga fx as i can fold it up to hand luggage size and keep it either on the over head storage with wheels or in a storage cupboard on board greatly reduces anxiety.
@@rebeccac1001 no you can’t , will still have to use their isle chair, but then they can put your chair above you or in other storage inside the plane so you definitely know it’s with you it’s safe and when you land they can get it out ready. And you don’t have to carry it the flight attendants will I just show them how it’s folded down.
I have a similar manual wheelchair which folds exactly as the RGK Tiga fix with 25 inch wheels. Most city hoppers in Europe do not allow me to put my folded wheelchair in the overhead storage nor I am I allowed to put the wheels in the overhead storage. City hoppers from KLM only allow overhead storage which fits handluggage size. I am still anxious for the cargo hold and damage to my wheelchair. Rae, do you have experience with this situation? And if so, how do you manage?
I am due to go on holiday for first time since using a chair. Flying with easy jet.. I have a rgk tiga fx.. worried about folding it and taking wheels off and it going in the hold. Didn't know they will let you put it in a cupboard on the plane!
I got to stay in my power chair on a few rides too at at Disney world! Jungle cruise, finding Nemo, and toy story mania ride. Also the safari ride in animal kingdom
Some of your experience is worse than I get in the US but some is better. I race handcycles so I'm always traveling with a large box for my handcycle as well as 3 bags for medical equipment. I have 1 leg that works to a point so I refuse the isle chair. I've been injured using them in the past, being very tall I have also broken one of my legs as it slid under the seat in front of me and we hit turbulence. (I didn't notice until I got home and removed my pants.) Never take in caffeine before a flight, it makes you need to pee and God help anyone who uses a wheelchair needing to use the restroom on an airplane. With security I tend to joke with them and make them smile and laugh, they appreciate that and genuinely don't give you as difficult of an experience. You mentioned Disney in Florida, that was my last trip to take part in Run Disney. We did a half marathon in the part and the route took us through Cinderella Castle. (See the video on my page.)
This was very useful, thank you. I had to travel with my father who often needs a wheelchair due to Parkinson's and it was a scary prospect due to the unknown condition the wheelchair is returned in. Our experience was mixed as on the flight back the wheelchair was broken and we had to get one from the airline before leaving. I would never want to risk a multi-flight or to a non-English speaking country without some form of plan B and C incase I needed to purchase one quickly outside an airport. Perhaps you know of workarounds in this scenario which could help people further.
I've got an add-on for your next episode of disability news. Did you hear about the boy who got refused in America boarding of flight because he needed a special church set up and then I'm refused to take the chair that he needed inside the cupboard
This is really interesting, I always enjoy travel blogs particularly from an accessibility standpoint. It makes sense that you would wanna make sure your chair was there before getting off the plane. What was the song you had playing in the background?
I went to a restaurant that was tagged as “wheelchair accessible…… parking lot” only the street parking was “wheelchair accessible” you had to go up stairs to order or get anyone to help you. And anyone who uses a wheelchair knows that street parking isn’t the most accessible parking… I had to send a friend in to order for me with my debit card….. bc I couldn’t get an employee to come help bc they were busy. Google should have just said no accessibility features.
The last few times I've flown, the assistance booked with the airline hasn't been passed on to the airport. Every since covid restart my wheelchair hasn't been brought to the plane door
As someone who isn’t confined to a wheelchair, I have nothing but admiration for you, I could never imagine spending most of my life moving in a chair. I can’t sit still for nearly long enough
This was the most direct easiest option for us at the time, but next time I would like to get the Eurostar. We took the Eurostar this summer to the Paralympics games. You can check out the video here if you like? 💎ua-cam.com/video/CXaBwOgkewQ/v-deo.htmlsi=lvPhlSvVoHdIc62N
@Wheelsnoheels Cool, thanks. I have Crohn's Disease, Autism, and ADHD. It's a shame people aren't as understanding when it comes to hidden disabilities like these.
My very first flight was very good. The flight was very smooth both way. I enjoyed it. And Florida was great. My brother got me a disability friendly condo, and I loved my first visit to Disney world, and universal too. We were the first to get on and the last to get off and my power chair was right by the door too
Be sure to leave your Gem of a tip for flying with a disability bellow…
Check these videos next,
How I pee on a Plane
ua-cam.com/video/FT2nrGIGfoQ/v-deo.html
London to Orlando
ua-cam.com/video/FT2nrGIGfoQ/v-deo.html
My Disney Play list
ua-cam.com/video/FT2nrGIGfoQ/v-deo.html
Making my wheelchair Plane proof
ua-cam.com/video/FT2nrGIGfoQ/v-deo.html
Don’t book Jet2 if you wish to fly solo as a wheelchair user. Flew with them solo for years, and suddenly, after the pandemic, I was told they no longer allow full time wheelchair users to fly solo with them. I hope this is legally challenged very soon because it’s flat out discrimination.
I don't ever fly, but that waiting for your wheelchair to be at the door is a very good piece of advice! What a beautiful family you have.
I have to wonder how accessible Disney Paris is compared to America?
Hi. Hunny. Love you so very much. 💓💓💓💓💓
I was having trouble at Dublin airport because they never heard of a dry cell battery in my chair. It’s a newer chair the quantum edge q6 2.0
How should I explain this in future?
I COMPLETELY agree about politely refusing to get off the plane until your wheelchair is at the door. They recently told me it was there, just at the top of a ramp, and wanted me to get off the plane. When I refused, it actually took about 25 mins to get it to the door, so they were telling porky pies just to try to get me off the plane.
Yea that’s what my brother did. We were the last to get off and had my power chair right by the door.
That was my mistake last time I flew. It was a disaster for me
I had the same issue with my disabled relative. He also got asked if he can walk just to the door of the gate ("It's not a very long walk," they said!!). I had to tell them as politely as possible that no, he can't walk. No other public transport is like this. It's slightly dehumanising.
I use the Apple Air Tag and attach it to my wheelchair and use it is a tracking device. I can then see on my phone the proximity of my chair as we pull away from the gate. Gives me piece of mind that it was loaded onto the plane and not left behind.
Thank you. LOVE THAT. I need one ony chair to find my phone also. Lol oh, do you have to have an iPhone. Bet you do. I always tip at least a $10 BEFORE getting in their chair at the front desk (when crutching) they see their tip in advance and are amazing to me if I need to pee to wait and even stop to get tea at Starbucks or water after TSA. Im not above bribing. And they work hard. I'm not light and many parts are uphill a mile away.
Thank you so much, I thought about that and will do it no. I can walk and am always scared to eave it behind like last week for a ride in an amusement park where noone cared about me…..👍🏻
Good Idea!
Thank you for this tip. I’ve now bought an AirTag for my wheelchair for my first holiday abroad with it. It has reduced one of my worries about flying and my wheelchair having its own holiday without me.
This is genius, thank you!
Hi Gem! I’m a airline pilot in the UK and I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make this video. I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how we can take more responsibility as aircrew for the experiences of people with disabilities and videos like this of real world experiences are super helpful. Had my head in my hands when you showed us that awful phone design - we can do so much better 🤦🏼♀️ Hope you enjoyed your trip and will get the chance to travel again soon!
Good that you mentioned taking pictures of your chair as evidence. Sadly that's very necessary. A friend's chair was very damaged and he couldn't even immediately use it and needed to rent one until at his vacation destination the hotel helped him find a place that could fix it. So he only had to be in the rental chair for two days but still some chairs were even more damaged.
Good to know about the tip for getting off the plane - I haven't flown yet since getting my custom chair (last time I flew was 3 weeks prior to it), and haven't been able to since then, and my previous chair (which is now my backup) folded down small enough to comply with United's policy for storing a wheelchair in the cabin during the flight (my first two chairs were cheap and not mine, so I didn't care much about them, but the first one did get damaged slightly on the first flight I took it on, so I knew it was definitely possible for it to happen), so now I know to make sure they've brought it to the plane door before getting off, since there's no way in heck I'm ever letting them get away with not bringing it to me, and that I make sure there are no damages before getting in it, not when my current chair cost so much.
@SnowySprirtRuby I see you everywhere
@@RambleJar669 ???
@@SnowySpiritRuby I meant to say I see your comments on quite a variety of wheelchair related videos on UA-cam. Sorry lol
@@RambleJar669 Ah, gotcha. Yeah, I frequent several of them because I'm always learning.
The tips about the rules of flight and wheelchair, making sure it was there with you, great tips that most of us wouldn't thought about, can also save time and headaches
I have a neurological condition so today my legs became paralysed from the knee down so borrowing my neighbours spare wheelchair. Honestly u have no idea how much more respect I have for you and any other permanent wheelchair users (or ambulatory as well) because it is so tough and this world is nowhere near accessible enough yet! Sending lots of love
I felt that when I was in a wheelchair I managed to invent many techniques to adapt and do things more easily but it is the worst form of human powered transport in my opinion
This video puts my mind at ease; I'm going on my first airplane trip with my wheelchair in November. Your videos have been such a big help in navigating my life as an ambulatory wheelchair user. I look forward to your tips for Disneyland Paris, since that will be one of our stops on the November honeymoon trip!
Smooth sailing and have an amazing honeymoon to two people who deserve to be in each other's lives I am absolutely sure. Focus on your wedding. Love each moment to the fullest. Don't remember most of the day only thru pictures because of being unable to relax. Once the day comes, just let it all go. Wrong flowers. So what at this point. Seating snafu. Who cares they are all adults they can decide where to sit on their own.
Enjoy the day and esp the honeymoon to destress esp after COVID and all you have had to endure while planning.
Have the best of everything.
Wear a mask, you will be smack into flu season regardless of COVID tho this time last year is when more variants started. Just wear a mask on the plane when around others. We are all kind of high risk. Mostly I think.
hi im going on holiday in November too, first time with my new wheelchair so can't wait. I just want to get there safe and have my wheelchair get there safe too.
That tip about waiting on the plane and making the pilot responsible is top!!
Flying always makes me a bit nervous cause im petrified my wheelchair could be damaged. When i last flew domestically with easyjet i made sure i folded my chair down after removing my cushion.
I should clarify i use a kuschall rigid framed chair but i fold its back down and collapse the tip bars so noone tries to do it and breaks it. I also make sure to let them know how to apply and deactivate the brakes, they probably know but all it takes is one person who doesnt and I've have broken brakes.
I must remember the leaving plane trick. Im ambulatory but i request that my chair be like you had yours so i must remember that unless my chair is there i shouldnt leave.
Incredible video. So many amazing tips for safety, comfort, and self advocacy. Thank you so much for sharing this priceless information.
This was incredibly helpful. Being in a wheelchair (and I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel this way)I have a lot of anxiety because feel so vulnerable. Thank you for the tips.🙏🏻
That was really helpful, especially that tip about staying on the plane until your wheelchair arrives. Thank you :)
Thanks so much Gem, I recently became disabled, and going on my first trip with a manual wheelchair back to where I left three years ago, Gainesville, Florida to Tucson, Arizona
Amazing video! So helpful. Thank you
Thank you for sharing your experience! Wonderful video editing & post commentary. No boring scenes that we had to slog through 😀 It was super helpful for a newbie! Wonderful travels & adventures to you & your beautiful family!❤
I love the amount of effort you’ve put into the video! Sean’s camera skills are on point!
Excellent advice thank you. My next trip will be my first by myself needing assistance for the first time. You make it look fun xx
Thank you for your videos, Gem! I'm an occupational therapy assisting student, and channels like yours are invaluable! I can't obviously learn all of these kinds of things firsthand, so I'm grateful to be able to learn from you. I understand how much time and effort goes into their creation. I think you are doing amazing work!
thank you so much for posting content which i can relate to as someone who has recently become a full time wheelchair user. it really makes me feel as though i’m not alone in a time where i have felt so lonely.
Awww your welcome. I’m glad you don’t feel alone, as there is a good network here. 😍
I am so glad discovering your channel. I have serious mobility issues now and used to be a frequent flyer due to my job in the tourism sector. Now I am terrified, how I could even get through a train station alone an airport. I hope, you can teach me some lessons or signposting me some good tips. Thank you very much
Hello Mrs Gem, nice to see you again. Thank you for the informative video. Very handy to know.
I have an update on my Dyson; I never thought I would say this about a Dyson: it wasn't any good. There I was vacuuming away and all was well until I switched the hoover off. Then a lot of dust fell out.
There were no blockages, the Dyson was just not powerful enough to suck the dust up into the dust container.. Luckily, my carer was there and she applied dustpan and brush. The Dyson was sent back.
Thanks for the tip about not leaving the aircraft until they bring your chair Gem x
Excellent this trips with tips on how it is to travel being a person with disability!
Thank you so much for sharing this video - I get a lot of stress when travelling with my disabled relative because I want him to be as comfortable as possible, and unfortunately some airlines make that as difficult as possible. all the tips you shared (and others shared in the comments) are very helpful.
Thank you so much for your videos! This year I flew for the time with my wheelchair and your videos where such a good preparation! I flew in Germany with Eurowings Düsseldorf-Berlin-Düsseldorf in August 2 weeks ago with Ryanair Cologne-Rome-Cologne, successfully, inclusive trips on public transport in Germany all alone. 💪🏻 Keep it up! Love your Videos!🙏🏻🌈
your video has made me want fly for the first time and such great tips thank you so much you are so full of information
Thank you so much, your video has given me hope. I’m just fresh 3 years into my injury. Thank you so much
Thank you for posting this! I'm a new wheelchair user and I'm going to be flying Amsterdam-Barcelona tuesday so this helped me with my nerves
Great video! My wife has a disability and this video gives us some great tips!
thank you for the great tips
Phoenix instinct luggage is absolutely incredible, particularly travelling solo.
I agree, I love this luggage so much
Although this luggage is practical as a solo traveller, the cases are ridiculously heavy, even before you put anything in them, and the zips refuse to slide smoothly. I can't quite decide whether I love them or hate them!
Just wanted to add a tip for those travelling with someone… when my husband and I went on our honeymoon, we packed one large suitcase and two smaller carry on bags. I think we had a small backpack and a duffel bag. We checked our large bag and I held our carry on while he pushed my wheelchair. (backpack went on the back) I could also store some stuff in a bag attached to my wheelchair behind my legs. We rented an apartment with laundry, which helped reduce the amount of stuff we needed to bring.
Thank you for useful info.
Making You Their Problem instead of Them Your Problem. Can be really powerful when necessary.
Sad it is necessary though.
This is an amazing channel Gem.
Aww thank you 🤩
Got back from a trip to Rhodes couple of weeks ago with Jet2, my first holiday since becoming a wheelchair user at the begining of this year.
The outward trip was exactly as promised with both the company and the airport staff being very helpful and efficient, On arrival in Rhodes disembarking the plane my chair was there waiting by the door on the platform lift, we were escorted from there through the airport in a flash and straight out to an awaiting adapted transport taxi and straight off to the hotel.
Sadly the return was not as smooth, on arrival at the airport the special assistance were helpful but only had one staff member taking numerous people through the airport. as I had a friend with me we made our own way, the general airport staff were fantastic, on seeing my chair getting us fast tracked through their own sections to the gate.
On the tarmac things changed, another passenger was loaded on to the lift but the small ramp on the my side of the riser would not fold down so my wheelchair and myself were repeatedly rammed into what was essensially a large curb by the (i assume) baggage handler several times until which point my chair was tipped over sideways and only by being able to grab onto a rail was I able to prevent myself from being unceremoniously thrown onto the tarmac.
On arrival at Manchester and having waited until the other passengers has disembarked I got to the door to find no sign of my chair, which i was told had been sent to baggage collection and I would have to get it from there.
Took the shine off what had been a great experience.
I'm glad I watched this video. I'll be traveling with my mom who is new to using a wheelchair.
hey Gem thank you for this video, im going on holiday on Thursday 3rd Nov and its the first time since starting to use my wheelchair more. im nervous about them having my wheelchair but im gonna take photos before hand just in case anything happens.
great video wheelsnoheels gam hubbard great channel keep up the good work well done
Wow I traveled a few months ago and had the same experience I thought it was bad but after watching this video it became interesting for me
I got to stay in my power chair on a few rides which I loved. Jungle cruise, finding Nemo, toy story mania ride, and the safari ride at Animal kingdom
Me too!
I’m going to stay at Newport bay hotel in a couple of weeks so looking forward to watch your video from Disney. Want to see how accessible it is as a wheelchair user.
That wall phone..... 😱🙈
I had something similar happen to me at a hospital of all places.
I travelled with a fresh surgery fixed broken ankle from Indonesia to Hamburg. There was great wheelchair support in Denpasar and Dubai. The Emirates crew was extremly helpful too.
Great advice. Not leaving the plane until the wheelchair is at the plane door 👍🏻
I'm using a cane as a walking aid, but still good to know, in case I will ever be in need of a wheelchair
Such a dad thing to say about the neatness of fields. My dad would say the same thing
Good information Gem have a day love from TEXAS
I watched the video, I liked it, and I thank so much for the effort - God bless you
I lovey stimulite cushions and your right when I travel it stays with me I don't let it out of my sight
Another advice, learned the hard way. Make sure that your sideguard is screwed or fixed to your chair. If they come off during the flight, it can take long to find them in the huge storage compartment of a plane. And many people will not understand why sideguards are important and expensive
A hassle getting on and off but worth it to me. Have not had my chair damaged fortunately.
thanks for sharing this video
Very informative. Thank you.
Great tips as usual, thanks for the video!
So helpful thank for the tip of not getting in the isle chair without ensuring the wheelchair is at the door
Such a great family 👪 ❤️
Thank you 😊
Loved the video! Just wondering why you decided to fly and not drive/take the EuroStar? I would love to see your experience on the passenger EuroStar as a wheelchair user ☺️
Thank you, I've realised I may ABSOLUTELY need my wheelchair 100% on my travels 😢 since I sadly Actually can't walk.
Yes, I literally find out about it daily over and over again. 😔💔 I'd say because too many people are constantly rude since without accessibility everywhere I am forced to walk more than my capable 3 steps and have to sit on ground of stores, pharmacies etc and even crawl so... some people HAVE yelled at me even for "faking my disability" and inability to stand or walk because I can TECHNICALLY stand up a bit, kinda. So it's engraved in my mind I can go on my entire trips with only crutches, it would be the end of me within minutes 😅😰
I would’ve never noticed the assistance phone was difficult to get because the chair was in the way. Now I see that, it gets my attention.
I enjoyed your video, as usual, Gem! I’ve only flown with my wheelchair twice. Both times were not great experiences. I hope to travel in the future by car.
I'm still completely petrified to travel by air with my powerchair. Everyone who I know who has tried to take a complex rehab chair by air has ended up having it broken. They are over 40k to replace.
I love the fact you are handed caffeine befor you utter a single good morning 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 im the same
Hahaha! I hate mornings
@@Wheelsnoheels I'm grumpy in the morning very grumpy I'm stiff as a board raging hip pain two kids who want chocolate cake for breakfast and a dog begging for a pee 👹🤣🤣🤣🤣 absolutely hate mornings lol
I’m traveling by myself from Tokyo to Hokkaido in the summer.
I went to Okinawa recently & used the airline’s wheelchair & picked up my own chair with a staff member at baggage collection. I was a bit nervous it would get damaged and I’d be playing Pokémon Go on cane for the whole event. 😬💦
Hello. I will soon be working as a passenger assistant agent at an airport in California. Assisting those who require a wheelchair to and from their flight. What advice do you have for me? Your perspective will allow me to understand your needs and concerns from a passenger’s point of view. Thank you!
Hi Gem, love your videos, very interesting and informative......One question, what is the brand of chair cushion you think works best? Regards, David.😮
When I was younger and my Grandfather died, they didnt have wheelchair accessibility in the USA and so I was unable to fly to his location, my mom actually was forced to drive me and her to his location. Nice to see they have this ability now.
If you ever do decide to go anywhere else in the US, here is the resource that is an excellent thing to have www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability
I flew on Sun Country last weekend, and it was not how I had heard of everywhere else being. No preboarding at all. I waited to be the last one on so there was no line, theoretically to take my crutches straight to my seat. But there was a line even when they told me it was good, and the carpet was slippery. They had my wheelchair at the airplane door though
The 1 tip, I found is get there the night before and if you can to twilight check in, and try a get a hotel next to the air port.
my wife had bad anxiety, and had a lot of panic attack, (I in a powerchair, and it has taken 3+ hours to do the check in for my chair)
So on the day of travel, we try to be in a hotel we can walk to the check in, get walk across to check in, so not problem, having breakfast, car breaking down, so thing on the road.
We check in last night, we just make our self know to special assistance, who check there is still have no problems with my chair, they walk us though security, the normal fun with wheelchairs, they drop use in the lounge. they make the people on the desk know about my wife anxiety problems, we fill up on the tea and cakes.
they find us very early so we are normal on the plane first by a long way.
we are always last off, and special assistance walk us, though everything all the way to our transport.
(once the bus driver got lost, but to help with her anxiety she always travel with "her" GPS, she know where she need to get too, so help the bus driver, the bus driver most likely knew the way but it took my wife mind of how long it was taking to get to the hotel.)
so on the day of travel there is no stress at all.
(we have had to call off holiday because of my wife having a panic attack.)
I wanna give my my a trip for her bday.. thanks for this video😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I absolutely find it helpful!
This is a great vid, and a reason why i love my RGK Tiga fx as i can fold it up to hand luggage size and keep it either on the over head storage with wheels or in a storage cupboard on board greatly reduces anxiety.
are you able to go down the plane aisles in your RGK Tiga fx or do you have to use an aisle chair whilst carrying your folded down chair?
@@rebeccac1001 no you can’t , will still have to use their isle chair, but then they can put your chair above you or in other storage inside the plane so you definitely know it’s with you it’s safe and when you land they can get it out ready. And you don’t have to carry it the flight attendants will I just show them how it’s folded down.
I have a similar manual wheelchair which folds exactly as the RGK Tiga fix with 25 inch wheels. Most city hoppers in Europe do not allow me to put my folded wheelchair in the overhead storage nor I am I allowed to put the wheels in the overhead storage. City hoppers from KLM only allow overhead storage which fits handluggage size. I am still anxious for the cargo hold and damage to my wheelchair. Rae, do you have experience with this situation? And if so, how do you manage?
I am due to go on holiday for first time since using a chair. Flying with easy jet.. I have a rgk tiga fx.. worried about folding it and taking wheels off and it going in the hold. Didn't know they will let you put it in a cupboard on the plane!
@@WHURobKip they let me put it in the cupboard on a virgin Atlantic flight but easy jet planes are small not sure if they will.
Wow. They look after you well in Gatwick
I got to stay in my power chair on a few rides too at at Disney world! Jungle cruise, finding Nemo, and toy story mania ride. Also the safari ride in animal kingdom
I think Dover Calais ferry is bathroom accessible I’ve been on it
Thanku for helping video
Thanks Gem 👌
Some of your experience is worse than I get in the US but some is better.
I race handcycles so I'm always traveling with a large box for my handcycle as well as 3 bags for medical equipment.
I have 1 leg that works to a point so I refuse the isle chair. I've been injured using them in the past, being very tall I have also broken one of my legs as it slid under the seat in front of me and we hit turbulence. (I didn't notice until I got home and removed my pants.)
Never take in caffeine before a flight, it makes you need to pee and God help anyone who uses a wheelchair needing to use the restroom on an airplane.
With security I tend to joke with them and make them smile and laugh, they appreciate that and genuinely don't give you as difficult of an experience.
You mentioned Disney in Florida, that was my last trip to take part in Run Disney. We did a half marathon in the part and the route took us through Cinderella Castle. (See the video on my page.)
14:14 Bulmor Sidebull ambulift.
Somebody asked me to say this LOL.
This was very useful, thank you. I had to travel with my father who often needs a wheelchair due to Parkinson's and it was a scary prospect due to the unknown condition the wheelchair is returned in. Our experience was mixed as on the flight back the wheelchair was broken and we had to get one from the airline before leaving. I would never want to risk a multi-flight or to a non-English speaking country without some form of plan B and C incase I needed to purchase one quickly outside an airport. Perhaps you know of workarounds in this scenario which could help people further.
I've got an add-on for your next episode of disability news. Did you hear about the boy who got refused in America boarding of flight because he needed a special church set up and then I'm refused to take the chair that he needed inside the cupboard
This is really interesting, I always enjoy travel blogs particularly from an accessibility standpoint. It makes sense that you would wanna make sure your chair was there before getting off the plane. What was the song you had playing in the background?
I went to a restaurant that was tagged as “wheelchair accessible…… parking lot” only the street parking was “wheelchair accessible” you had to go up stairs to order or get anyone to help you. And anyone who uses a wheelchair knows that street parking isn’t the most accessible parking… I had to send a friend in to order for me with my debit card….. bc I couldn’t get an employee to come help bc they were busy. Google should have just said no accessibility features.
yes: sush a good tip. I heard it before buf forgot it. Thanks for remainding me!
The last few times I've flown, the assistance booked with the airline hasn't been passed on to the airport. Every since covid restart my wheelchair hasn't been brought to the plane door
this has been really usefull info
As someone who isn’t confined to a wheelchair, I have nothing but admiration for you, I could never imagine spending most of my life moving in a chair. I can’t sit still for nearly long enough
It would be great to watch a video about emergency evacuation from an aircraft.
You are awesome ❤ and very beautiful heart 🥰
I am from India I am a disabled person and you are living life
I did a isle chair too
0:15 0:20
I am thinking about transferring from full-time walker to a wheelchair I am still debating on it and what kind of advice do you have
Is there a changing places toilet at Gatwick Airport?
Okay, the seats are right in front of the phone so you can’t reach it……..😟😖😏🥴🥴😵💫
I know! 😵💫😵💫
❤ I absolutely love this airport. Which one is it..
Gatwick
Why did you fly? Why not just get a coach that goes on the ferry or via the channel tunnel?
This was the most direct easiest option for us at the time, but next time I would like to get the Eurostar. We took the Eurostar this summer to the Paralympics games. You can check out the video here if you like? 💎ua-cam.com/video/CXaBwOgkewQ/v-deo.htmlsi=lvPhlSvVoHdIc62N
@Wheelsnoheels Cool, thanks. I have Crohn's Disease, Autism, and ADHD. It's a shame people aren't as understanding when it comes to hidden disabilities like these.
I'm assuming the Special Assistance people are run by Gatwick rather than the airlines?
My very first flight was very good. The flight was very smooth both way. I enjoyed it. And Florida was great. My brother got me a disability friendly condo, and I loved my first visit to Disney world, and universal too. We were the first to get on and the last to get off and my power chair was right by the door too
Do you have wheelchair closets or seat strapping for wheelchairs in the UK? Also, is there a reason why you didn't use your Adapts sling?
is that your daughter she so cute.. love you guys mickey ears