Traveling with Equipment
If a patient is planning to travel with a piece of ALS Society of BC equipment it is important that the following guidelines be observed:
- Insurance - The patient must provide the ALS Society of BC with written proof that the piece of equipment is covered under the liability of the patient’s homeowner policy prior to departing for their trip. Any patient that takes any ALS Society of BC equipment on a trip without notifying the Patient Services Director can be held responsible for any damages to the equipment incurred while traveling and at their destination. Note: All ALS BC equipment is insured for travel within Canada and United States
- Repairs - Upon providing the insurance documents the Patient Services Director can provide information to the patient about what to do if a repair is needed. Please contact the Patient Services Director for approval and additional information. (For example: if there is an ALS Society in that state or province that could assist).
Travel Notes. Did you know?
- Most airlines will transport a wheelchair (manual and power) for no charge.
- Check in at the airport when traveling in a wheelchair is required 3 hours prior to departure.
- If traveling on an aircraft with a power wheelchair the patient must declare the type of battery on their chair at the time of reservation.
- Certain aircrafts have extendable restroom walls that allow for a caregiver to assist easier (example: 747 and larger)
- The baggage tag that is affixed to the wheelchair needs to indicate where the patient would like it to be held for them once they reach their destination (example: At the gate or at special baggage area)
- The patient can stay in their own wheelchair until they reach the gate for comfort.
- Patients must make sure that a special transport chair is going to be on board if they require it during the flight.
- Flight attendants are not required to assist a patient in and out of the restroom.
- Patients can request special seating with removable arms and closest to the bulkhead portion of the plane.
- Caregivers may be eligible to fly at a discount rate.
- All prescription medications must be in their original packaging with clear labels or they may be confiscated at security.
If you are planning to take a trip and are in need of equipment or would like to know about beach wheelchairs, please contact Lisa Hercus at 604-685-0737 ext.226 or patientservices@alsbc.ca