|
|
Post by blueskye101 on Oct 18, 2021 0:38:29 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by koala on Oct 18, 2021 0:47:38 GMT -5
OMG, I have the horror story from hell related to this topic. It would be so wonderful if something could be done to improve the way wheelchairs are handled.
|
|
|
|
Post by infinatedreams on Oct 18, 2021 3:50:26 GMT -5
Never had a chair damaged, but had one put on the wrong plane! I went to Tenerife my chair went to Sydney. 3 days to get it back, oh the happy memories of using a squeaking airport chair for 3 days 🙄
|
|
|
|
Post by masterchief on Oct 18, 2021 9:40:31 GMT -5
Never had a chair damaged, but had one put on the wrong plane! I went to Tenerife my chair went to Sydney. 3 days to get it back, oh the happy memories of using a squeaking airport chair for 3 days 🙄 I would be petrified if that happened to me. |
|
|
|
Post by darthoso on Oct 18, 2021 12:32:02 GMT -5
Maybe I'm just a cynic but when I hear the solution being "better training", my eyes roll. Breaking titanium parts and videos of handlers throwing chairs onto planes isn't a training issue, that's a "I don't give a shit about my job" issue. Can't blame them, it's either hot or freezing, loud, smells like jet fuel, and the airlines treat their employees like garbage.
The real solution, in many cases, is to just let PWDs stay in their chair through the flight. The FAA did a safety study that showed it was safe (duh, the Air Force drive tanks and semitrucks on and their planes with passengers onboard), so it is really just a matter of getting existing aircraft modified to do this (airline cabins are designed to be modular, you don't need new aircraft).
|
|
|
|
Post by koala on Oct 18, 2021 12:44:16 GMT -5
Maybe I'm just a cynic but when I hear the solution being "better training", my eyes roll. Breaking titanium parts and videos of handlers throwing chairs onto planes isn't a training issue, that's a "I don't give a shit about my job" issue. Can't blame them, it's either hot or freezing, loud, smells like jet fuel, and the airlines treat their employees like garbage. The real solution, in many cases, is to just let PWDs stay in their chair through the flight. The FAA did a safety study that showed it was safe (duh, the Air Force drive tanks and semitrucks on and their planes with passengers onboard), so it is really just a matter of getting existing aircraft modified to do this (airline cabins are designed to be modular, you don't need new aircraft). I 100% agree with this. The kind of damage that occurs is definitely not a training issue, but of course they want to just apply a cheap fix and call it good. Re-designing the interior to accommodate wheelchairs would be much more expensive, but it would also solve a host of other problems. How wonderful would it be to skip the awful aisle chair and loading/unloading process that is so awkward and painful or to be able to sit in a seat that provides the positioning and support you need. When my husband and I traveled, those two things were just as terrible as dealing with the damaged chair. They are being narrow-minded in trying to quickly fix one specific piece of the problem when they actually need to take a step back and realize that the entire process is the problem. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2021 14:22:25 GMT -5
Maybe I'm just a cynic but when I hear the solution being "better training", my eyes roll. Breaking titanium parts and videos of handlers throwing chairs onto planes isn't a training issue, that's a "I don't give a shit about my job" issue. Can't blame them, it's either hot or freezing, loud, smells like jet fuel, and the airlines treat their employees like garbage. The real solution, in many cases, is to just let PWDs stay in their chair through the flight. The FAA did a safety study that showed it was safe (duh, the Air Force drive tanks and semitrucks on and their planes with passengers onboard), so it is really just a matter of getting existing aircraft modified to do this (airline cabins are designed to be modular, you don't need new aircraft). That seems to be a win-win and practical solution. In addition, I think there should be PWD representatives on board participating during these kind of policy making. Also, I do think education / training for awareness is also important after the right policy is made. |
|
|
|
Post by IcarusFellOnce on Oct 18, 2021 15:40:54 GMT -5
Paralyzed Veterans of America has been working on this for about 3-5 years. Hopefully with Tammy Duckworth and others, we get enough attention to get this passed. Thinking about maybe getting this passed on a state level to put pressure on fed govt TO DO THEIR JOB. LOL
|
|
kro354
Full Member
Posts: 139
Gender: Male
Dev Status: Devotee
Relationship Status: Single
|
Post by kro354 on Oct 18, 2021 16:39:50 GMT -5
It is a challenge because this happens so often and airlines would save money in the long run if they invested in some basic training. There is so much ignorance and it doesn't take much to explain some basic stuff about wheelchairs. One of the times my friend's chair broke we went to a repairman who told us that he offered to go to the airport and train them but the airline told him they didn't want to spend the money. So instead they pay more to fix broken chairs.
If possible, write up some handling instructions and tape it to the back of the chair. Or try to speak with a ramp agent before you board to explain how to disengage the chair, that they can't unscrew stuff to take it apart, can't load it on its side with the joystick on the ground and then drag it around the cargo area, etc. Sounds basic but we've encountered many stupid moves like these in our travels and many of you probably have too.
Being able to stay in your chair onboard would be great but presents other problems (like a bulky power chair effectively blocking off two rows, since passengers need a clear aisle to evacuate) that make it unlikely to happen. At least we have a senator calling attention to the issue.
|
|
|
|
Post by infinatedreams on Oct 18, 2021 17:45:26 GMT -5
Never had a chair damaged, but had one put on the wrong plane! I went to Tenerife my chair went to Sydney. 3 days to get it back, oh the happy memories of using a squeaking airport chair for 3 days I would be petrified if that happened to me. To be fair it was an all round clusterfuck of a holiday. Lost my chair. Arrived at hotel and the disabled room wasnt available. Got a temporary room but couldnt get in the bathroom so had to have the door taken off to squeeze in and then for meals had to use the service lift and wheel through the kitchens to get to a table. When travelling my main concern is in priority ... can i actually use the bathroom. Get on the bed without needing crampons. having a decent enough mattress not to worry about pressure marks. Airports in general are a pain in the arse, getting on and off the plane is always a farce and somewhat demeaning when they 'load' you last and you end up doing silly transfers into the sardine can seats in front of 200 people and thats after you have twatted your shoulders on every seat as they wheel you down the aisle backwards with your feet either dragging or doing a bruce lee kick at gawping passengers and then they ask if you want help ... no i fucking dont, dont touch me, ill do it myself. Wont be flying again, i just cant be arsed with the hassle and the unknown. Its almost like needing a holiday to get over the stress of going on holiday. Its a vicious circle 😂😂 |
|
robert_house
Full Member
Posts: 103
Gender: Male
Dev Status: Disabled Male
Relationship Status: Single
|
Post by robert_house on Oct 18, 2021 19:24:29 GMT -5
I have found the simplest solution is to take Amtrak instead. They never make you get out of your chair, and check-in is as simple as showing up, getting your ticket checked, and going!
|
|
|
|
Post by ProudRealist on Oct 20, 2021 22:52:49 GMT -5
I have travelled quite a bit on international flights as well as domestic... and NEVER, not once did i get my chair back without some damage  So now i've just resigned myself to accepting the fact that it's part of travelling - my workaround is to always pack a simple carry on toolkit to make the necessary fixes/adjustments  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2021 9:26:43 GMT -5
ProudRealist, Given ur vast experience in traveling, what solution would you propose if you r the policy maker ? ✈️
|
|
|
|
Post by IcarusFellOnce on Oct 21, 2021 14:42:32 GMT -5
ProudRealist , Given ur vast experience in traveling, what solution would you propose if you r the policy maker ? ✈️ I second the asking of this question. Would love any and all answers any might have. |
|
|
|
Post by Dr. BiPAP Sachin on Oct 23, 2021 18:00:31 GMT -5
|
|
