THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506270450
SECTION: REAL LIFE PAGE: K4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ALEXANDRIA BERGER
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
I USED TO TELL people, ``The longest-running relationship I have is with Bob, the baggage handler at Kennedy airport.'' I'm no longer a free agent, running down jetways, carting my document cases behind me. Now, traveling means I'm like a document case, to be wheeled as baggage.
So here are some first-hand tips for the handicapped traveler. For starters, let's talk about planes.
First, plan ahead. Book your tickets, and advise the airline you're in a wheelchair. Most domestic and all international airlines have a ``help desk'' for special needs; ask for this toll-free number. If you're ambulatory, request ``bulkhead'' seating. If these seats are unavailable, get to the airport early and have the gate agent reassign your seats. If you're lucky, you may be bumped up to first class.
If you travel with your own wheelchair, tag it, ride it to the door of the plane, and ask for it to be put in the hold and brought to the doorway when you arrive. If your chair is collapsible, suggest the flight attendant put it in the plane's closet.
Next, request oxygen for flights over one hour. John Hutchinson, former senior representative for the Pilots Association, says: ``Oxygen requirement standards are set by FAA regulations. The filtering system is changed according to these regulations. Most airlines comply, but you will breathe less oxygen, since standards are not maximum. Air filters sucking up sneezing, coughing germs, then recycling them, can make even a healthy person sick. Jet lag is enhanced.''
Your doctor must fill out a form, which you need to send to the airlines before your flight. While you will pay about $50 for the airline to provide you with oxygen, it's worth it. So do it. Use the oxygen for 15 minutes each hour into your flight, and during landing.
Next, medications. If drugs require refrigeration, put them in zip-lock bags housed in a small cooler. Remove them from the cooler, and ask the senior flight attendants to put the bag in the ice cube compartment. Put your name, flight number, destination and type of medication on the zip-lock bag in black magic marker.
Cruise ships. Most are handicapped-accessible, but call the cruise line to inquire about elevator access. Some ships that boast of accessibility have only stairs.
Traveling by land? Autos and handicapped-adapted vans give you freedom to go anywhere, almost. You can rent a handicapped-adapted van or hand-controlled vehicle.
Forget Luray Caverns: 70 steps. A lift chair is to be ready for the fall, after inspection. Call first.
Most motels have handicapped-adapted rooms. Ask before going. The best rooms of this kind are at Quality Inns. The best source for handicapped travel information and booking: Automobile Club of America.
So get out of your house, see the world and send me your pictures. MEMO: Write to Alexandria Berger in care of Real Life, The Virginian-Pilot,
150 W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Va. 23510. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
IDEAS TO EXPLORE
Rent a collapsible wheelchair: Rehab Health Care, 5873 Poplar
Hall Drive, Norfolk. Contact: John Richards, 466-1553.
Rent a minivan: Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals. Toll Free:
1-800-456-1371.
Adaptive Golf Clubs for unique disabilities: Clever Clubs.
Contact: Dennis ``Bones'' Evers, Bayfield, Colo., 1-303-884-0537.
Sailing: 110-foot double-masted clipper ship refitted for
wheelchair users, cruises Holland's waterways, beginning aboard KLM
Royal Dutch Airlines. Contact Sandy Skrien, 688 Crooks Hollow Road,
Greenville, Ontario, Canada L9H 5J4 or call 1-905-627-2172.
Handicapped Scuba Association. In San Clemente, Calif.,
1-714-498-6128. Training programs and trips.
``Great American Vacations for Travelers With Disabilities,''
Fodor's travel publications, 1994. Cost: $18.
by CNB