Airline Rules and Regulations for Persons with Disability and Medical Conditions

When traveling with persons with disabilities, always remember that there are a few rules that you need to consider, especially when boarding an airplane. You should be prepared not only in packing, but also in familiarizing yourself with the air travel rules involved. People with disabilities and those with medical conditions have specific rules to follow, and these may differ depending on the airline company that you choose.

The first and the simplest thing you need to do when preparing for a trip with a disabled person is to tell the airline company. Inform the staff when you are calling to make your reservation, and explain to them the specific disability or medical condition that the person has. You need to do this since most of these people need to bring along their medical equipment and their assistive or adaptive devices with them when traveling. These equipments may require extra accommodations so it is essential to inform the staff. Plan these ahead of time so you will be able to see to it that all the person's needs are met upon boarding without breaking any airline rule.

You also need to know, or at least familiarize yourself with the screening process in the airport. If that person has medical equipments that will set off the alarms of the metal detectors, they will have to undergo an additional screening. Assure him or her that it will only take a while, and that the people who will screen him or her are highly trained professionals who know what to do when dealing with persons with disabilities.

People with disabilities have the choice of removing their shoes or leaving them on in an airplane. They can leave them on if they want to, but this may require additional screening in most airlines. If it is possible, the person should remove his or her shoes to avoid another screening. In some airlines, it may involve a quick swipe of a metal detector wand. If the person is unable to remove his shoes, more screening may be required, which may cause some trouble and discomfort for that person.

People with medical conditions who have medications that need to be taken at a specific hour are allowed to bring that medication in their carryon luggage. They have to keep the dosage in little amounts so as not to cause trouble due to the current ban on liquids in airports. People with medical conditions have to provide the proper medical identification and prescription if required. Airlines require that medications should be in their original packages with the name of the person who owns it. Medicines may be confiscated if the requirements are lacking.

Keeping these reminders in mind will help you travel easily with a person with disability. Do not hesitate to contact your local airline office if you have any questions on their rules and regulations when traveling with a person with disability or with a medical condition. Planning ahead is the key to make your flight hassle-free and enjoyable.