Travelling by air with disability

Travelling is a part of life that everyone should be able to enjoy equitably, including people with disability. The spectrum of disability is broad, with many nuances. However, there are some general tips that can help us stay healthy when we roam this beautiful planet.

Things to think about before you travel

Travel Insurance

Peace of mind can help us enjoy travelling, and a  part of that peace comes from having travel insurance. It's important to find out who will cover our disability, while looking at reviews to see how helpful they are during claims. There are some insurers who will even cover wheelchairs and assistive equipment, which is critical for some of us. There is value in looking at details of policies, for example, like the possibility of medical evacuation when in a country that may not offer the same healthcare options like Australia.

Researching your destination

Understanding the healthcare system and options for both emergency and non-emergency care at the destination is a good extra step of preparation in case something happens. It's also worthwhile looking at options to secure medications, medical supplies and assistive equipment in the event that anything is lost in transit. Similarly, understanding accessible accommodation and transport in destinations will help, but standards in every country are different.

Contacting your airline

Call the airline ahead and let them know of your requirements. Especially when travelling with assistive devices that have batteries, these conversations can avoid challenges at the airport. 

Most travellers with disability have a plan for getting in and out of the airline seat, as well as physically moving within the plane if they do at all. If not, though, a conversation with the airline staff at check-in can help plan for this. Safe transfers to airline seats and aisle chairs are important to avoid fractures, among other complications like skin tears. In-flight, make sure that emergency medical supplies are accessible. If you travel with paid support workers, brief the team and practice before the flight for any contingency. For some, devices like calf muscle pumps or pressure stockings to avoid deep vein thrombosis may be necessary after a discussion with a healthcare provider. You may even need to consider options like regularly moving or wearing loose fitting clothing to avoid pressure ulcers, if you are at risk. 

Talk to your GP

With that done, we can talk about travel planning with a trusted healthcare provider like a general practitioner. This may include having letters and prescriptions; and a suitable stock of emergency medications and equipment; as well as getting an understanding of unique infectious diseases that may create risk at the destination. Not only might these considerations be important at the destination, but some supplies might be important in-flight. Preparation also means being ready to pass through security checks with the necessary documentation. Security checks can be tricky, particularly with assistive equipment and medical supplies, but briefing the security officer as soon as you interact with them can sometimes be helpful.

Things to think about whilst travelling

Check with airline staff

Particularly during the long flights, it's useful to think about hydration and food intake that will support your daily personal care routines.

Think about support systems

While you are away, consider what effect travelling may have on support systems, like support payments or the National Disability Insurance Scheme. If you are travelling with paid support workers, ensure that these systems will continue to provide for them for the duration of travel.

Planning can help minimise stress and complexity when things go wrong. And sometimes, things do go wrong. If it does, have a list of people that you can call for help, including the Australian Consulate. 

Everyone should have the opportunity to explore our world. We are still creating the environment for everyone to do this equitably. However, know that the more we travel, the more that we educate and shape the world for those with disability to travel better in the future.

Lastly, have fun. In-flight, this might be books, movies, or a great set of headphones for some music. And, at the destination? Make the world your accessible oyster.

Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board April 2023.