Wheelchair Travelers on Airlines May Get Better ‘Air Access’

This is a very valid point DJ....because currently its pretty 'primitive'....there is vast room for improvement. lonewolf, this chair looks like a great, functionable idea but i wonder how many airlines will purchase it?......and if there will additional cost to the 'disabled' traveller 

Thankyou for sharing 

wavewolf...im not sure if you know but in July i travelled here from the UK to visit and stay with DJ for two weeks in Canada. This was a journey i would have been reluctant to embark on too Pre-SCI days.

Rest room access is a tricky one but can I ask if you do intermittent catheterising? If you do then you will probably be better 'cathing' in the disable toilets in the airport lounge before boarding. This should give you several hours....If your flight is longer than 4 hours can you consider using an indwelling for the journey?

If you self void and need to go to the toilet on board you will only be able to access them if you have upright mobility . I had to get up and walk about the plane every hour to keep curculation to my legs so i walked with crutches. Are you able to walk with aids still?

So just back to the toilet issue...if you are mobile enough to make your way to the toilets then you may be better using the toilets near the cabin (crew area)...the toilet there is not normally busy as the crew use it. Some of the other toilets had had a small queue sometimes and you dont want to be stood in a queue of feel rushed once you are in the toilet.

Ideally before you book your flight...take note of the aircraft name, type and number and google the aircraft you will be flying on and get an image of the seating area and layout  (some companies will have this on their website)

Once you see the seating area you can call the airline and book your flight, speak to someone directly so you can book an aisle seat and one that is as near to the cabin area as possible. Keep your tab open on the seating plan so you can see exactly which seat you are being offered and you can yes or no it 

In addition i booked the seat that was just before a toilet ..not because i wanted to use it but because there was no one sat behind me and i had room to sit my crutches behind my seat   you will be able to see all this on the seating plan.

This is what i did as part of my preparation and being organised and well prepared is what made my journey more manageable