I’m having some health issues with my joints, but we had a family trip planned for New York City. This ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxuxJwamLFanm476LC5WPeTouyyU1GXomC was perfect! It’s lightweight enough that my friend could carry it up or down stairs when we needed to. (I can walk very short distances) It was comfortable for me to sit in, I would say if you’re super tall it might be a little cramped. I’m 5’1” and the foot rests were the perfect height. This may not be the best one for long term use, you get what you pay for, but for something that fits our budget that gives me accessibility while we deal with my health this was amazing.
You should have though that that first special assistance check in desk with the baggage line would have been a lower height. Glad you made it there and you got good support from special assistance. It's helpful to see this video and see the positives as often you just hear about disabled people's negative experiences of travelling.
You are truly an amazing person, I don't have the nerve to attempt what you've just shared with us. Thank you. I was born with a mild hit of CP (left side of body couldn't completely develop as the right side), and scoliosis. At age 5 my left pant leg caught on fire, but my leg was severely burned, but it was saved. After 13 months of treatment - and this was in 1948. I pretty much lived a normal somewhat boisterous life until 2007 when it became extremely difficult to take steps. A calcium type growth over a period of time grew between two lower neck vertebrae flattening a small section of my spinal cord. Surgery removed the damaging piece, after a month of in-patient therapy I was able to walk again using a walker, I can't budge one step without the walker. Age (I'm 79) bought on severe lower back pain, surgeries offered temporary relief averaging two years. About four years ago it was best for me to use a wheelchair that I use at home. I can still use my walker for limited distances like to the bathroom (loo!), the bedroom, out to my car (very fortunate that I can still drive). I carry a wheel chair in my car that converts to a transport chair as the large rear wheels are easy to remove/replace. But I need someone to get my walker out from behind my driver's seat, or the wheelchair from the trunk. There is no way I can do this by myself. Fortunately my wife is with me most of the time, which is a blessing on many fronts. I do not have any problems asking a passerby for assistance when necessary, but the feeling of imposing is always with me. One gent actually refused to help me, that stung a bit. I so admire you. I think you're aware that you are a very pretty woman, but also very intelligent and adventurous. I'm so glad you have a wonderful husband who loves you very much, and a daughter I know feels the same. I can see it in your husbands face, the tone of his voice and movement, he knows that he is married to a treasure of a person. You are providing a wonderful service to the disabled community with your videos and how well you speak with knowledge and clarity. Your volunteer work is exemplary. I have a question: prior to being seated on the airplane, you unfolded a large yellow heavy looking section of material that you (?) lined the seat with before you sat down. What was its purpose and is it yours that you take with when planning to fly? Best wishes - always.
I’m a newbie to using a wheelchair but I have to say your videos help boost my confidence in being more mobile with my wheels! This was a great guide to flying with a wheelchair - something we did recently going to Holland. Airport assistance was great. However the physical side of travelling; anxiety, concentration, emotions & exhaustion can make the whole experience a bit more tricky. Thank you for being so open & honest in your videos; they truly help!
Gem you are so inspirational, and I look at of your vlogs, I have a disability very different to yourself, I have multiple sclerosis, and later this year we are going to Florida to see the mouse and Harry P, and we are going to vlog for the first time! I have learnt so many things watching your vlogs, this Sunday I’m taking part in local charity 5km run I will be in my wheelchair and I will have a friend who is going to run alongside me and help me over the hills and a boost when I need it 👨🏻🦽🏃
Way to go!!! I’m impressed you overcame your anxiety about traveling solo. This has really inspired me and I hope this inspires so many more people to get out in our wheelchairs and the best lives we can!
My flight was canceled at O’hare with me in my chair and service dog. Not going to candy coat it, it was a nightmare 😱😱. Definitely most likely am never going to go through Chicago in winter by myself again.
I travel with an electric scooter. I have had both and very bad experiences. I have brought my support dog numerous times. Luggage is a huge problem for me as I cannot lift it. So packing is very difficult in small bag. Severe chronic pain makes sitting on plane very hard and I give myself 2 days to recuperate once I arrive. Accessible transportation is very difficult as most places do not accommodate a scooter. England has been the easiest most accessible place I have been. Very expensive as I find everyone expects a tip to help me. Be very proud of yourself you did great!🤗
You're a lucky one. My wife left me when I got paraplegia, and she brings along my 2 boys. But now I've passed that hard time, I wanna see life with optimism. I wanna live the life with confidence like you do. Thanks for sharing this video.
Hi Gem 👋 WOW a really really big congratulations 👏 you certainly did it very well done you really do inspire thousands of disabled people to get out there and try something new 👍 I am looking forward to watching all your exciting tutorials all about a very brave and very happy lady ......All the best Lin in South Wales uk x
I actually saw the concern on your face throughout, yet you pushed through it anyway. I'm so proud of you & I don't even know you. I have never flown alone, & get confused easily with too much information too, so I felt the feelings of your journey, which made it all the more amazing. ❤
This is a great video. I'm a wheelchair user and have travelled so often on my own and with friends and family too. The experiences I've had are so varied, I have so many amazing stories. I wish I could do a video. Cheers all the best
Wow! I was anxious just watching you! The movie on the flight was "Five Feet Apart." I am hoping to convince my family for me to go to The Rollettes Experience 2021 for a special way to celebrate 10 years in a chair!
As always, and excellent video, Gem! The one thing I have to do before going somewhere new, is remind myself that people always want to help someone in a wheelchair. All we have to do is ask.
Thank you for sharing this experience. It was really useful as I'm researching how to travel with my 10yo who is a full time wc user. The toilet situation is quite daunting as we have not mastered self transfer yet! Thanks again. We will check out more on your channel.
Thank you for this - I really want to take my mum on holiday (she uses a wheelchair out of the house due to stroke related issues) and the loo situation on a plane worried me. This video was really helpful; :)
When I was working, I've flown many times alone. It got to be routine for me. That doesn't mean that I haven't had any problems, just that I was better able to communicate my needs better the more flights I took. I could fill a whole chapter of the difficulties I've experienced, though: wheelchair on another flight, spokes broken, being blamed for making a flight late, and being left on a plane alone until a cleaning crew came in and got the right authorities to get me off the plane. That last one made me really mad. One nice thing was that many time I would have my seat switched to first class to make it easier when using the aisle chair (easier for them, no so much for me).
I used to work at the airport in Las Vegas providing special assistance. I really enjoyed my job. Just make sure you give them a tip as they don't work for the airline. Those people work very hard making sure you have a great experience. They also know all the shortcuts and where the elevators are.
I'm paraplegic, from South Africa and traveling alone on a public transport is terrifying in my head, but have done it about 4 times, by bus, having to be carried up as they aren't wheelchair friendly.. But this was before I got myself a car.. So, watching you at the airport, I was super nervous on your behalf.. I semi had that anxiety I usually have when also traveling alone in public transport.. I'm super proud of myself I did it.. And I'm also super proud of you for doing it too! You're a total gem.. 💎 Bless you.. And consider yourself a new subscriber.. I discovered your channel today and I've been binge-watching your videos.. 😊😁 Enjoying it! You're an inspiration.. 💕💜
It's that pure innocent joyfulness that makes it so lovely to hear. We forget as we become adults how to experience that pure joy. Well some of us anyways lol
Well done, Gemma! You should be very proud. While I’m not on a wheelchair. But, I definitely feel jumbled in my head and have chronic fatigue. So it was great to see how wonderful the staff were with Virgin. Can’t wait to see the Rollettes video.
I’m in the US and saw a lounge exactly like that at MSP (Minneapolis Saint Paul) for unaccompanied minors (being accompanied by airport guardians), as well as people who are disabled who are being accompanied (by the same people)!
This is really cool and a great perspective. I’d be really stressed with all those bags but you got it done! You can also have someone come through security with you as a disability accommodation, at least in US airports. You just have to set it up in advance
Hi everyone Im back. Let me know if your planning any solo trips, and if you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments. Be sure to subscribe to see all the exciting footage from the Rolettes dance experience in LA.
Wheelsnoheels - Gem Hubbard was security very hard? I have a wheelchair, braces, and a mobility/ service dog so most of the equipment is metal and needs checked.
@@caitlynboylan5456 if you'd rather have a pat down you can actually request them! I'm going to do it on my trip to poland actually with my school so jesus thank god my french teacher designed the whole trip! She's kept the weak kids like me and my spinal-surgery bud in mind :)
I don’t have a disability nor do I travel with anyone who does but this is just so interesting to watch! You shown me a whole other side to travelling! It’s really broadened my views💖
Awesome!! I loved watching this! You did awesome! I am a T-12 paraplegic. I have been for almost 2 years. I totally am NOT ready for a trip like that. Not yet. Good Job and God Bless!!
I’m the same person a while ago who went to Germany and they weren’t that helpful but I went Spain at a different airport they were great very supportive but that time by dad was there plus I have dyslexia and mild autism so it makes me extremely nervous but when you’re seated it feels so much better
I Would Love to see MORE! Travel Videos to Australia. ...More! to the Point!... Brisbane & Melbourn to be precise, ❤️ Some of my FAVORITE Singers Come from Australian. Air Supply, Being the Main Ones
I live in WA state and am gonna go down to CA to Disneyland in a month and a half. It's won't be my first time traveling alone, but it's gonna be my first time traveling alone in my wheelchair. I'm pretty nervous! About the flight, about transportation once I'm in CA, and about managing my own bags. Watching your videos certainly helps. Doesn't fix the nerves, but reminds me that there are people who will help me, and that there are services I can ask for. Crossing my fingers everything goes okay for me. And thank you for putting this out there!
Great vid Gem, got me a bit emotional at the end there. I’ll be travelling solo soon, only from France to UK - but this was helpful. Question- Why do you transfer on to the toilet if you use catheter’s?
I'm blind, in a wheelchair and physically and mentally disabled in other ways. It's a nightmare to travel. Especially considering I'm 14. I've traveled from my home in Indiana back to my birth country of Germany before by myself. It was the scariest thing ever
I used to fly to Spain a lot on my own with a power chair. Special assistance at Manchester airport are great! The only thing that is annoying is they ask for details about your chair and the batteries over and over again! When you book tickets,when you book special assistance, and when you book in your bags and when you board!! Very annoying! I can walk a little and use crutches to get to the toilet. My biggest issue is legroom. I’m in a lot of pain and not being able to move much makes it really painful and takes me at least a day or two to recover fully from a flight. Even booking extra legroom while better, isn’t enough. I think we should get extra legroom free and if possible be upgraded first before other people.
Great information for traveling! My son is in a wheelchair and would like to know if British Airways has wheelchair accessible toilet in international flights? Any information is greatly appreciated.
There's a suitcase like you have designed for wheelchair users the handle hooks onto the bar on the back of your wheelchair backrest bar and the wheels go all different ways so it won't fall over,
You should be proud of yourself no matter what happens! I only flew once and it was after my health had worsened and I had to be assisted. I can understand a little of how you felt.
Also you're doing absolutely fantastic handling all these hurdles traveling Solo; I commend you significantly. I'd never be able to handle traveling to another country on my own 😱 I've done it with family and friends but alone would be absolutely terrifying so major major props ❤️❤️❤️
When I travelled through Heathrow terminal 5 with my elderly mother the assistance person for her wheelchair didn't show up so I had to hurriedly push her through the terminal myself so we wouldn't miss our flight.
Congratulations, that’s a super big accomplishment your first independent flight particularly going from one country to the other. Super glad it went well. Do you have any videos about intersections between having dyslexia and being wheelchair user?
Random comment about the wind and flying- a head wind will slow you down as you are flying against the wind (think of it as a hand pushing against your chest as you're trying to move forward) while a tail wind speeds you up and means the wind is coming from behind (so imagine a hand pushing you from behind- speeds you up instead of slowing you down) [makes it a lot easier to understand the kind of flight you can expect knowing what kind of wind your trip is facing]
I'm a high functioning autist with agoraphobia and flying alone, even from a tiny regional airport to tiny regional airport was the most difficult thing in my life. I spent ages hiding in the disabled loos having a panic attack, it was not fun. Even flying with my family is difficult as I get overwhelmed really easily by loud noises and lots of lights. I really hate airports but I actually love the sensation of flying!
I use a wheelchair from a company based in Staffordshire England who also make my basketball wheelchair. Its custom built for you called a RGK Tiga fx its one of the worlds first rigid frame wheelchairs that folds down small enough to fit in a aeroplanes over head storage it takes the worry that they might forget my chair or damage it in the hold.
I am flying from the US to Liverpool in the UK for the first time in the next couple of months for my birthday by myself for the first time. I am absolutely terrified of something happening (my luggage/wheelchair getting lost, using the restroom, etc.) I cannot transfer independently anymore like I used to when I was younger. I am absolutely terrified of something happening (my luggage/wheelchair getting lost, using the restroom, etc.) I am also hearing impaired and need an interpreter to be able to understand people on the plane.
Thanks for sharing! i flew from Hawaii to Sydney, Sydney to Adelaide by myself and im a Quadriplegic, bit scary but the staff where amazing even delaying a flight for 1 hour for me
Blimey Gem! NEVER seen a chair user wear a backpack, push their chair and pull a suitcase at the same time... obviously you ARE Superwoman! 🦸🏼♀️ I notice you don’t wear gloves. I’ve got some great ones I think you’d like that are little push mitts I’ll email you a link.. xx
Chantel York Yes. Look up Rolli Moden. They are based in Germany and the website is available in English. You will have to pay more but I’d highly recommend them. In general the quality of products are excellent. I’m assuming you are in the UK? You may want to get your order in before Brexit!
@@HighTen_Melanie Oh no, please don't say that, I am from the USA! Well if they don't then I'll just keep looking. It's so hard to find gloves that are made good and don't hurt my hands or get destroyed within a week or two and are comfortable. I've tried making my own but I'll just say this... I'm not that creative and just made it worse haha
Unless they've improved dramatically in the last 5 or 6 years, Heathrow is absolutely the worst airport for handicapped assistance. We've been left stranded in a hallway and ultimately had to make our own way to the "Special Assistance Lounge", which was not nearly as nice as the one you had. We've been left stranded at the top of a flight of stairs, We've been left stranded at the bottom of the stairs, We've been left in the Special Assistance lounge until our flight had left. They nicely gave us a chit for less than £5 to cover our meal while we waited for another flight. The last time I flew alone, and very nearly got arrested for rude, harassing behavior to the Special Assicane Staff because I told them to keep their hands to themselves - I did get to my flight with minimal trouble that time, though.
I have recently been refused a flight because I cannot self evacuate in an emergency. I can stand, but I cannot walk. The travel agent tried a few airlines and they all apparently have the same policy. I really want to travel to Mexico from the UK solo to see some friends. But the airlines are saying I need to have someone with me. I wonder if this is a new thing since Covid? Have you flown solo since Covid?
In the USA you can call the airport and a TSA agent can assist you all the way through security, from helping with your bag, to screening, even all the way to the gate if you need it. They can meet you at the front door to the plane if you need it. Or whatever parts you do need help with. :)
When I cam home from LA, they could quite get that I needed help with my bags and though security but I didn't need pushing. Their attitude was so bad, in the end I just struggled on my own. xx
I needed a wheel chair flying out of Cairo airport with a collapse lower back disc, was helped all the through to the boarding gate. All the passengers boarded and I was being called on the tannoy, but I couldn't move as it was a push only chair. Another late passenger came hurrying through and I got him to push me. The cabin crew couldn't believe I'd been left there, they were about to remove my luggage, anyway they did make up for it and put me in business class.
I'm planning to go from Australia to the states once our borders open and I'm packing it that LAX won't let me in because I'm disabled and on my own, ridiculous I know but that's anxiety for you lol
I’m going overseas to Germany from Australia this Saturday by myself. I’m autistic, dyslexic etc. It’s too flights and were able to talk to someone from the airline I’m taking for special assistance etc.
I've done Perth to Germany (Munich) with my partner. I got terrible terrible motion sickness on the Perth to Dubai leg I nearly didn't get on the second flight I was so sick. I've since done Perth to London again on my own which caused me a few panic attacks. I would say.... Just aim to get on the plane. Once your on the plane a certain amount of adrenaline kicks in which helps. Some things that can help though. If you can afford it, buy lounge membership that is usable for your flight. The lounge is less busy and much much quieter than the terminal. It also feels safer when traveling alone. Second - don't leave your seats up to chance. Pick your seat, look for seats without someone next to you. Speak to the airline about how full the flight is, if it's possible to guarantee a seat without someone next to you (Don't be surprised if they can't) but check the seating maps and see how you go
Hi Gem I think as well as dyslexia you may have Irlen syndrome a brain processing disorder that makes the page move and also some people can have photophobia or light sensitivity it is great having you doing these videos
I get nauseous and often throw up when I’m nervous so I’d be really struggling with something like that. I don’t have a physical disability or anything, travelling alone would just be really hard for me.
This looks like 5000 times easier than it is for electric wheelchair users. Is it always like this for those who use a wheelchair and have the use of their arms?
I’m having some health issues with my joints, but we had a family trip planned for New York City. This ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxuxJwamLFanm476LC5WPeTouyyU1GXomC was perfect! It’s lightweight enough that my friend could carry it up or down stairs when we needed to. (I can walk very short distances) It was comfortable for me to sit in, I would say if you’re super tall it might be a little cramped. I’m 5’1” and the foot rests were the perfect height. This may not be the best one for long term use, you get what you pay for, but for something that fits our budget that gives me accessibility while we deal with my health this was amazing.
I am a teenager in a wheelchair and I’m going on my first flight alone soon, so I’m watching every video I can! Thank you for all the helpful info! 💜
Have you gone on your trip yet, and if so how did it go?
Good luck
From and to where did you go?
@@VulcanOnWheels I totally forgot about this comment ha ha. I left from Chicago and went to Virginia 😊
You should have though that that first special assistance check in desk with the baggage line would have been a lower height. Glad you made it there and you got good support from special assistance. It's helpful to see this video and see the positives as often you just hear about disabled people's negative experiences of travelling.
You are truly an amazing person, I don't have the nerve to attempt what you've just shared with us. Thank you. I was born with a mild hit of CP (left side of body couldn't completely develop as the right side), and scoliosis. At age 5 my left pant leg caught on fire, but my leg was severely burned, but it was saved. After 13 months of treatment - and this was in 1948. I pretty much lived a normal somewhat boisterous life until 2007 when it became extremely difficult to take steps. A calcium type growth over a period of time grew between two lower neck vertebrae flattening a small section of my spinal cord. Surgery removed the damaging piece, after a month of in-patient therapy I was able to walk again using a walker, I can't budge one step without the walker. Age (I'm 79) bought on severe lower back pain, surgeries offered temporary relief averaging two years. About four years ago it was best for me to use a wheelchair that I use at home. I can still use my walker for limited distances like to the bathroom (loo!), the bedroom, out to my car (very fortunate that I can still drive). I carry a wheel chair in my car that converts to a transport chair as the large rear wheels are easy to remove/replace. But I need someone to get my walker out from behind my driver's seat, or the wheelchair from the trunk. There is no way I can do this by myself. Fortunately my wife is with me most of the time, which is a blessing on many fronts. I do not have any problems asking a passerby for assistance when necessary, but the feeling of imposing is always with me. One gent actually refused to help me, that stung a bit. I so admire you. I think you're aware that you are a very pretty woman, but also very intelligent and adventurous. I'm so glad you have a wonderful husband who loves you very much, and a daughter I know feels the same. I can see it in your husbands face, the tone of his voice and movement, he knows that he is married to a treasure of a person. You are providing a wonderful service to the disabled community with your videos and how well you speak with knowledge and clarity. Your volunteer work is exemplary. I have a question: prior to being seated on the airplane, you unfolded a large yellow heavy looking section of material that you (?) lined the seat with before you sat down. What was its purpose and is it yours that you take with when planning to fly? Best wishes - always.
I’m a newbie to using a wheelchair but I have to say your videos help boost my confidence in being more mobile with my wheels! This was a great guide to flying with a wheelchair - something we did recently going to Holland. Airport assistance was great. However the physical side of travelling; anxiety, concentration, emotions & exhaustion can make the whole experience a bit more tricky. Thank you for being so open & honest in your videos; they truly help!
It's made me think that maybe going abroad might be an option, something I've dismissed since acquiring my disabilities. Thank you x
Gem you are so inspirational, and I look at of your vlogs, I have a disability very different to yourself, I have multiple sclerosis, and later this year we are going to Florida to see the mouse and Harry P, and we are going to vlog for the first time! I have learnt so many things watching your vlogs, this Sunday I’m taking part in local charity 5km run I will be in my wheelchair and I will have a friend who is going to run alongside me and help me over the hills and a boost when I need it 👨🏻🦽🏃
Way to go!!! I’m impressed you overcame your anxiety about traveling solo. This has really inspired me and I hope this inspires so many more people to get out in our wheelchairs and the best lives we can!
Ah what a lovely comment thank you so much. x
I did this with a service animal on july 4th, terrifying when you add wheelchair, animal and being underage!
My flight was canceled at O’hare with me in my chair and service dog. Not going to candy coat it, it was a nightmare 😱😱. Definitely most likely am never going to go through Chicago in winter by myself again.
Youre very brave. I'm scared to fly now solo.
Wow well done. xx
@@punky19761 Even as an able-bodied person, O'Hare is torture. Never again.
I travel with an electric scooter. I have had both and very bad experiences. I have brought my support dog numerous times. Luggage is a huge problem for me as I cannot lift it. So packing is very difficult in small bag. Severe chronic pain makes sitting on plane very hard and I give myself 2 days to recuperate once I arrive. Accessible transportation is very difficult as most places do not accommodate a scooter. England has been the easiest most accessible place I have been. Very expensive as I find everyone expects a tip to help me.
Be very proud of yourself you did great!🤗
You're a lucky one. My wife left me when I got paraplegia, and she brings along my 2 boys. But now I've passed that hard time, I wanna see life with optimism. I wanna live the life with confidence like you do. Thanks for sharing this video.
Right when you needed her support, she was gone. That's hard. Sorry you had to go through that.
Hi Gem 👋 WOW a really really big congratulations 👏 you certainly did it very well done you really do inspire thousands of disabled people to get out there and try something new 👍 I am looking forward to watching all your exciting tutorials all about a very brave and very happy lady ......All the best Lin in South Wales uk x
I actually saw the concern on your face throughout, yet you pushed through it anyway.
I'm so proud of you & I don't even know you.
I have never flown alone, & get confused easily with too much information too, so I felt the feelings of your journey, which made it all the more amazing. ❤
This is a great video. I'm a wheelchair user and have travelled so often on my own and with friends and family too. The experiences I've had are so varied, I have so many amazing stories. I wish I could do a video. Cheers all the best
Five feet apart is probably one of the saddest films I've ever seen 😭💔
Correct. Yeah it was sad.
Wow! I was anxious just watching you! The movie on the flight was "Five Feet Apart." I am hoping to convince my family for me to go to The Rollettes Experience 2021 for a special way to celebrate 10 years in a chair!
As always, and excellent video, Gem! The one thing I have to do before going somewhere new, is remind myself that people always want to help someone in a wheelchair. All we have to do is ask.
5 FEET APART YASSSSS I WATCHED IT THIS MORNING!!!!!!!!
Assistance at Heathrow isn’t very good sometimes. I’m visually impaired and sometimes they’ve just not really helped me
Yep I was a little disappointed. Although the man who took my bag for me was super sweet. But I had to fight for help
Thank you for sharing this experience. It was really useful as I'm researching how to travel with my 10yo who is a full time wc user. The toilet situation is quite daunting as we have not mastered self transfer yet!
Thanks again. We will check out more on your channel.
Proud of you for shooting all this for travellers on a wheelchair. Thanks! And all the best!
Thank you for this - I really want to take my mum on holiday (she uses a wheelchair out of the house due to stroke related issues) and the loo situation on a plane worried me. This video was really helpful; :)
I'm pretty sure it is '5 feet apart.' I just watched it on Netflix recently.
Be confident in yourself...there is so much we can do when we set our fears aside!
When I was working, I've flown many times alone. It got to be routine for me. That doesn't mean that I haven't had any problems, just that I was better able to communicate my needs better the more flights I took. I could fill a whole chapter of the difficulties I've experienced, though: wheelchair on another flight, spokes broken, being blamed for making a flight late, and being left on a plane alone until a cleaning crew came in and got the right authorities to get me off the plane. That last one made me really mad. One nice thing was that many time I would have my seat switched to first class to make it easier when using the aisle chair (easier for them, no so much for me).
I used to work at the airport in Las Vegas providing special assistance. I really enjoyed my job. Just make sure you give them a tip as they don't work for the airline. Those people work very hard making sure you have a great experience. They also know all the shortcuts and where the elevators are.
Well done travelling on your own u r so brave
Thank you. It was daunting in some parks. But in the end I loved it. x
I'm paraplegic, from South Africa and traveling alone on a public transport is terrifying in my head, but have done it about 4 times, by bus, having to be carried up as they aren't wheelchair friendly.. But this was before I got myself a car..
So, watching you at the airport, I was super nervous on your behalf.. I semi had that anxiety I usually have when also traveling alone in public transport.. I'm super proud of myself I did it.. And I'm also super proud of you for doing it too! You're a total gem.. 💎
Bless you.. And consider yourself a new subscriber.. I discovered your channel today and I've been binge-watching your videos.. 😊😁 Enjoying it! You're an inspiration.. 💕💜
It must have been nerve wracking. I can only imagine the butterflies.
I love Daisy Bell’s laugh
It's that pure innocent joyfulness that makes it so lovely to hear. We forget as we become adults how to experience that pure joy. Well some of us anyways lol
Well done, Gemma! You should be very proud. While I’m not on a wheelchair. But, I definitely feel jumbled in my head and have chronic fatigue. So it was great to see how wonderful the staff were with Virgin. Can’t wait to see the Rollettes video.
I refuse to use code padlocks, as my code changed and I could never open them again. Keys for life. 😂
One of the best movies in the world. Amazing for awareness as well.
I want to try and travel on my own now! I love this!! Also I wish the U.S. had a special assistance lounge
Mahkyla Howes I’m in UK Aand have never seen this, it’s so cool. Maybe it’s a London thing, I’ve only ever flown from Manchester
I’m in the US and saw a lounge exactly like that at MSP (Minneapolis Saint Paul) for unaccompanied minors (being accompanied by airport guardians), as well as people who are disabled who are being accompanied (by the same people)!
@@jessicawatson7360 it’s not just London every airport I’ve been to have a special assistance lounge and those people get to board first aswell
Wonderful presentation as always. Oh and America got more beautiful when you arrived. ♥
This is really cool and a great perspective. I’d be really stressed with all those bags but you got it done!
You can also have someone come through security with you as a disability accommodation, at least in US airports. You just have to set it up in advance
Hi everyone Im back. Let me know if your planning any solo trips, and if you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments. Be sure to subscribe to see all the exciting footage from the Rolettes dance experience in LA.
I always had a bulkhead seat when I flew with Monarch (R. I. P. 😭).
Wheelsnoheels - Gem Hubbard was security very hard? I have a wheelchair, braces, and a mobility/ service dog so most of the equipment is metal and needs checked.
@@caitlynboylan5456 if you'd rather have a pat down you can actually request them! I'm going to do it on my trip to poland actually with my school so jesus thank god my french teacher designed the whole trip! She's kept the weak kids like me and my spinal-surgery bud in mind :)
You were watching five feet apart! Lol I happened to watch that last night!
I don’t have a disability nor do I travel with anyone who does but this is just so interesting to watch! You shown me a whole other side to travelling! It’s really broadened my views💖
Awesome Gem. Well done I’m glad you’re proud of yourself, so you should be! Can’t wait for the rest of the LA vlogs
I did a domestic flight by myself. I couldn’t figure out how I’d push a suitcase in a wheelchair by myself, so I just took a backpack & handbag.
Awesome!! I loved watching this! You did awesome! I am a T-12 paraplegic. I have been for almost 2 years. I totally am NOT ready for a trip like that. Not yet. Good Job and God Bless!!
One day you might. :)
I’m the same person a while ago who went to Germany and they weren’t that helpful but I went Spain at a different airport they were great very supportive but that time by dad was there plus I have dyslexia and mild autism so it makes me extremely nervous but when you’re seated it feels so much better
I Would Love to see MORE! Travel Videos to Australia. ...More! to the Point!...
Brisbane & Melbourn to be precise,
❤️ Some of my FAVORITE Singers Come from Australian. Air Supply, Being the Main Ones
Five feet apart and amazing Movie but absolutely heart wrenching
Sweet video. The aisle chair is always a struggle for me as well. It's the weirdest contraption on the face of the Earth.
I live in WA state and am gonna go down to CA to Disneyland in a month and a half. It's won't be my first time traveling alone, but it's gonna be my first time traveling alone in my wheelchair. I'm pretty nervous! About the flight, about transportation once I'm in CA, and about managing my own bags. Watching your videos certainly helps. Doesn't fix the nerves, but reminds me that there are people who will help me, and that there are services I can ask for. Crossing my fingers everything goes okay for me. And thank you for putting this out there!
Great vid Gem, got me a bit emotional at the end there. I’ll be travelling solo soon, only from France to UK - but this was helpful. Question- Why do you transfer on to the toilet if you use catheter’s?
I'm blind, in a wheelchair and physically and mentally disabled in other ways. It's a nightmare to travel. Especially considering I'm 14. I've traveled from my home in Indiana back to my birth country of Germany before by myself. It was the scariest thing ever
Well done.
I used to fly to Spain a lot on my own with a power chair. Special assistance at Manchester airport are great! The only thing that is annoying is they ask for details about your chair and the batteries over and over again! When you book tickets,when you book special assistance, and when you book in your bags and when you board!! Very annoying! I can walk a little and use crutches to get to the toilet. My biggest issue is legroom. I’m in a lot of pain and not being able to move much makes it really painful and takes me at least a day or two to recover fully from a flight. Even booking extra legroom while better, isn’t enough. I think we should get extra legroom free and if possible be upgraded first before other people.
Super proud of you!
I love to see your emotions. I’m proud of you too. I love to travel. You are helping me💙
Great information for traveling! My son is in a wheelchair and would like to know if British Airways has wheelchair accessible toilet in international flights? Any information is greatly appreciated.
There's a suitcase like you have designed for wheelchair users the handle hooks onto the bar on the back of your wheelchair backrest bar and the wheels go all different ways so it won't fall over,
Great work accomplished👍👍
You should be proud of yourself no matter what happens! I only flew once and it was after my health had worsened and I had to be assisted. I can understand a little of how you felt.
Well done u did great .can't wait see next video x
Also you're doing absolutely fantastic handling all these hurdles traveling Solo; I commend you significantly. I'd never be able to handle traveling to another country on my own 😱 I've done it with family and friends but alone would be absolutely terrifying so major major props ❤️❤️❤️
When I travelled through Heathrow terminal 5 with my elderly mother the assistance person for her wheelchair didn't show up so I had to hurriedly push her through the terminal myself so we wouldn't miss our flight.
Congratulations, that’s a super big accomplishment your first independent flight particularly going from one country to the other. Super glad it went well. Do you have any videos about intersections between having dyslexia and being wheelchair user?
Random comment about the wind and flying- a head wind will slow you down as you are flying against the wind (think of it as a hand pushing against your chest as you're trying to move forward) while a tail wind speeds you up and means the wind is coming from behind (so imagine a hand pushing you from behind- speeds you up instead of slowing you down) [makes it a lot easier to understand the kind of flight you can expect knowing what kind of wind your trip is facing]
five feet apart is the film -> i'm honestly addicted to this film!
I'm a high functioning autist with agoraphobia and flying alone, even from a tiny regional airport to tiny regional airport was the most difficult thing in my life. I spent ages hiding in the disabled loos having a panic attack, it was not fun. Even flying with my family is difficult as I get overwhelmed really easily by loud noises and lots of lights. I really hate airports but I actually love the sensation of flying!
Proud of you! Never gone traveling since I became paraplegic (mainly due to the pandemic), but this will definitely help if I ever go traveling again!
I'm so glad watched this! I want to go a study there in England and have been so scared to try because of being in a wheelchair
I use a wheelchair from a company based in Staffordshire England who also make my basketball wheelchair. Its custom built for you called a RGK Tiga fx its one of the worlds first rigid frame wheelchairs that folds down small enough to fit in a aeroplanes over head storage it takes the worry that they might forget my chair or damage it in the hold.
Really happy things went well, from Heathrow and Virgin and the staff and LA, I must say I always look forward to you vlogs
Thank you so much x
Dear Gem. I have always liked your video's
I am flying from the US to Liverpool in the UK for the first time in the next couple of months for my birthday by myself for the first time. I am absolutely terrified of something happening (my luggage/wheelchair getting lost, using the restroom, etc.)
I cannot transfer independently anymore like I used to when I was younger. I am absolutely terrified of something happening (my luggage/wheelchair getting lost, using the restroom, etc.) I am also hearing impaired and need an interpreter to be able to understand people on the plane.
Wow, that's a lot to deal with. How did it all go?
Thanks for sharing! i flew from Hawaii to Sydney, Sydney to Adelaide by myself and im a Quadriplegic, bit scary but the staff where amazing even delaying a flight for 1 hour for me
Blimey Gem! NEVER seen a chair user wear a backpack, push their chair and pull a suitcase at the same time...
obviously you ARE Superwoman! 🦸🏼♀️
I notice you don’t wear gloves. I’ve got some great ones I think you’d like that are little push mitts I’ll email you a link.. xx
Can you share the info here for them? Ive been trying to find gloves that work well for me.
Chantel York Yes. Look up Rolli Moden. They are based in Germany and the website is available in English. You will have to pay more but I’d highly recommend them. In general the quality of products are excellent. I’m assuming you are in the UK? You may want to get your order in before Brexit!
@@HighTen_Melanie Oh no, please don't say that, I am from the USA! Well if they don't then I'll just keep looking. It's so hard to find gloves that are made good and don't hurt my hands or get destroyed within a week or two and are comfortable. I've tried making my own but I'll just say this... I'm not that creative and just made it worse haha
Chantel York I used to wear cycle gloves if that’s a help. You could try Amazon?
I'm always anxious I'm going to miss my train with 2 an hour so I can only imagine , also dyslexic with mobility aids :)
OMG I love five feet apart x
Unless they've improved dramatically in the last 5 or 6 years, Heathrow is absolutely the worst airport for handicapped assistance. We've been left stranded in a hallway and ultimately had to make our own way to the "Special Assistance Lounge", which was not nearly as nice as the one you had. We've been left stranded at the top of a flight of stairs, We've been left stranded at the bottom of the stairs, We've been left in the Special Assistance lounge until our flight had left. They nicely gave us a chit for less than £5 to cover our meal while we waited for another flight. The last time I flew alone, and very nearly got arrested for rude, harassing behavior to the Special Assicane Staff because I told them to keep their hands to themselves - I did get to my flight with minimal trouble that time, though.
In the part of the video -where they are taking you to your seat . Who is filming? Because you don't have your camera.
One of The special assistance team. He is also carrying my bag for me 🙌🏽
I have recently been refused a flight because I cannot self evacuate in an emergency. I can stand, but I cannot walk. The travel agent tried a few airlines and they all apparently have the same policy. I really want to travel to Mexico from the UK solo to see some friends. But the airlines are saying I need to have someone with me. I wonder if this is a new thing since Covid? Have you flown solo since Covid?
Big hack I go toilet and all that first so I don’t have to go on the plane I could just imagine that chaos but love to fly
In the USA you can call the airport and a TSA agent can assist you all the way through security, from helping with your bag, to screening, even all the way to the gate if you need it. They can meet you at the front door to the plane if you need it. Or whatever parts you do need help with. :)
When I cam home from LA, they could quite get that I needed help with my bags and though security but I didn't need pushing. Their attitude was so bad, in the end I just struggled on my own. xx
Wow this vid seems really helpful as there are loads of different problems people in wheelchairs come acrss
there sure are
@@Wheelsnoheels Never flown in a plane big enough that it has space IN the cabin for a ♿.
Now I know I could do it on my own to thank you xx
I needed a wheel chair flying out of Cairo airport with a collapse lower back disc, was helped all the through to the boarding gate. All the passengers boarded and I was being called on the tannoy, but I couldn't move as it was a push only chair. Another late passenger came hurrying through and I got him to push me. The cabin crew couldn't believe I'd been left there, they were about to remove my luggage, anyway they did make up for it and put me in business class.
Thank you for sharing.
You owned it on that solo flight.
Well done! I am only getting use to wheelchair life, i will be flying by air very soon. I wil be keeping an eye out for your future videos.
Well done you! Lots of great tips and ideas for travel.
that's wonderful! well done!
I don’t know how you watched five feet apart on a plane full of people because it had me absolutely sobbing
You are just amazing ❤️ huge Inspiration ✌️
I'm planning to go from Australia to the states once our borders open and I'm packing it that LAX won't let me in because I'm disabled and on my own, ridiculous I know but that's anxiety for you lol
The Big Heaviest Backpack!
They don't have a Special Assistance lounge at Luton - that one's dead posh! 😋
I’m going overseas to Germany from Australia this Saturday by myself. I’m autistic, dyslexic etc. It’s too flights and were able to talk to someone from the airline I’m taking for special assistance etc.
I've done Perth to Germany (Munich) with my partner. I got terrible terrible motion sickness on the Perth to Dubai leg I nearly didn't get on the second flight I was so sick. I've since done Perth to London again on my own which caused me a few panic attacks. I would say.... Just aim to get on the plane. Once your on the plane a certain amount of adrenaline kicks in which helps. Some things that can help though. If you can afford it, buy lounge membership that is usable for your flight. The lounge is less busy and much much quieter than the terminal. It also feels safer when traveling alone. Second - don't leave your seats up to chance. Pick your seat, look for seats without someone next to you. Speak to the airline about how full the flight is, if it's possible to guarantee a seat without someone next to you (Don't be surprised if they can't) but check the seating maps and see how you go
Hi Gem
I think as well as dyslexia you may have Irlen syndrome a brain processing disorder that makes the page move and also some people can have photophobia or light sensitivity it is great having you doing these videos
Dyslexia can have similar symptoms as mires irlen thats why many benefit from overlays
What were you using to haul your bag? That is something I still struggle with quite a bit.
Is the sling yours or is that an airline safety tool? New to wheelchair. Learning a lot from you❤️
I get nauseous and often throw up when I’m nervous so I’d be really struggling with something like that. I don’t have a physical disability or anything, travelling alone would just be really hard for me.
the film that you said to comment was "Five Feet Apart"
This looks like 5000 times easier than it is for electric wheelchair users. Is it always like this for those who use a wheelchair and have the use of their arms?
Five feet apart was a good movie.
Great Video!
Where did you purchased the yellow emergency adapts seat cover? I really need one for myself. Thanks.