6 Tips for Traveling with a Physical Disability

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates a number of measures to make transportation and lodging, among other things, more accessible for individuals with disabilities.¹ However, the U.S. Department of State warns that every country has its own laws and regulations regarding accommodations for disabled travelers, and enforcement of those regulations can be inconsistent.² On the State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” page, you can search for the name of your destination. On the destination country’s page, look for the “Local Laws & Special Circumstances” section to find relevant information for travelers with disabilities. Contacting the embassy or consulate in that location can also be helpful.

If you are going to a country where you don’t speak the language, Mobility International USA, a nonprofit that aims to advance disability rights globally, offers an “Accessible Travel Phrasebook” to help travelers with disabilities explain their needs in 35 languages from Arabic to Vietnamese.³ It’s available in PDF form, so you can carry it as an e-book or a file on your phone while you travel.

When booking your trip, tell the reservations agent about any conditions or accommodations you may need upfront. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) bans airlines from discriminating against passengers because of disability, but airlines usually need advance notice if you will need assistance or are traveling with medical equipment/assistive devices or a service animal (more on that later).⁴ If you are flying with a wheelchair, especially a motorized one, and expect to board a smaller plane, such as ones commonly used for regional flights, check that it will fit in the cargo compartment before officially booking the flight.

Most assistive devices – like crutches, walkers, braces, wheelchairs, and medical devices used to administer medications – can be carried on the aircraft only if they fit:

• Into the overhead compartment,
• Under the seat, or
• In a designated stowage area if the device fits and is FAA-approved.⁵

Still, airlines may have different rules, especially regarding bulky equipment, such as wheelchairs, and potentially hazardous items, such as portable oxygen devices. For example, airlines can require up to 48 hours’ notice for passengers traveling with oxygen devices, as well as requiring them to check in an hour earlier and show a medical certificate.⁴

When at the airport, consider requesting to preboard if you need extra time to board, stow equipment, or sit down. According to the U.S. Department of Travel (DOT), airlines must allow passengers with disabilities the opportunity to preboard, but the passenger must make a preliminary request to the gate agent.⁶

You never know when a hearing aid battery might die or a wheelchair can malfunction. It’s wise not to assume that replacement supplies will be readily available in other locations. Even if supplies are available, language can be a barrier if you’re in a foreign country. If your trip is on a tight schedule, a stop at the medical supply store can disrupt plans. Just as it’s wise to carry extra medication as a precaution against running out, it’s equally smart to bring extra batteries and other supplies for your equipment, as well as a copy of your prescription, if necessary. 

For equipment that must be charged or plugged in, make sure to carry extra plug adapters when you are traveling abroad, since not all countries use the same wall outlets. A surge protector is also a good idea if you are traveling somewhere where the power supply is variable; you don’t want to fry a device you rely on in the middle of your trip.

In addition to giving your airline carrier advance notice if you are traveling with an oxygen device, plan on taking a copy of your prescription with you.⁸ Also, while most bus and train lines allow oxygen on board and in checked luggage, the American Lung Association recommends calling your local bus or train office at least three days before departure to ask about their policies. Similarly, tell your cruise line when you book that you’re traveling with oxygen, as most cruise lines require four to six weeks’ notice.⁹

Regulations for carrying personal oxygen are tight, especially on airplanes. TSA allows personal medical oxygen cylinders to pass through the screening checkpoint and into the gate area, but the FAA won’t allow them in the cabin or cargo hold because they’re considered a hazard, and airlines are not required to provide medical oxygen service.¹⁰ If you need to fly with oxygen, your best bet is to use a portable oxygen concentrator – but be sure it’s a make and model approved by the FAA.¹¹