Ok, just talk to my mom regarding our upcoming trip to the world. She's concerned about the flight - she's never taken her scooter (ECV) on a plane before and wants to know what they do with it. She was really concerned that if they put it underneath somewhere it will get scratched, bumped, breathed-on wrong, etc.
Anyone have any experience with this?

Also, she has circulatory problems, and sitting upright for long periods of time (ie: a 6+ hour flight to Florida) results in a very swollen, painful leg. Does anyone know which airlines would be best for comfort in this area? Is she going to be forced to go first class?


Thanks for your help!!
-A

What I can tell you is not universal. the ECV will be put in baggage, they will want you to disassemble it as much as possible for travel. and they will charge you extra, perhaps a lot extra for an ECV. there is a better way. there are several companies in the Orlando area that specialize in ECV rentals. they will deliver it to your hotel, set it up, and pick it up on your last day. the units they rent are very nice, and often include canopies to keep the sun off the user. this would allow you to arrive at the airport and use a courtesy chair at both ends. the only requirement will be for your mom to board the DME bus. if she is unable to do this you may need to work this out with DME before you arrive.

as to the flight, be careful, if the airlines find out the problem with your mothers circulatory problems they may not let her fly. one of the most common emergencies in the air (and this is something I know for sure) is strokes and other problems due to blood clots on passengers. consult your doctor as to the wisdom of her flying. among ideas the doctor may suggest would be special leg hose to increase circulation, taking a flight that requires plane changes, changing seating positions frequently during the flight, and standing up and walking around frequently.

The airlines will not disassemble the ECV. However, it is suggested that if the basket comes off easily it be removed and carried into the plane with you.

Most ECVs now hav gel (spillproof) batteries. When checking in tell the airline that this needs to be "gate checked" and they will give you a tag. It can be driven all the way down the jetway to the aircraft door. It will be one of the last items loaded on board, and one of the first items off and it will be returned to the aircraft door. Be sure to remove the key and put it in "freewheel" when geting off, and lower the tiller to the seat.

Here is a link (http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20) to where you can get a lot more information.

Based on personal experience, it would be wise to have a Dr's note to say that she can fly. She would also do well to do the feet exercises if she can. Is she mobile at all? If so I was advised by my consultant to walk 15 - 20 yds hourly to help prevent DVT and swollen feet. Flight socks must be supplied professionally and not over the counter from a pharmacist as these only work when they are fitted specifically to the patient.

Airlines are far more aware now about DVT related problems and encourage you to get up and walk about far more than you used to be able to. She would also need to drink plenty of water, as blood becomes thicker when you dehydrate, hence the increased risk of DVT again.

Hope you have a wonderful trip :)