Flying with crutches?
Dec 15, 2006, 10:18 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: AS
Posts: 322
Flying with crutches?
Do to an unfortunate and somewhat embarrassing event last weekend I am confined to crutches for at least three weeks. This is the first time that I have ever had to fly with crutches and I'm wondering whats the deal? Will security give me any trouble? I assume this means no exit rows 
? Anything I should be know?
? Anything I should be know?
Dec 15, 2006, 10:33 am
#3
Join Date: May 2001
Location: IAD
Posts: 6,146
I asked the same thing a few weeks ago.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=624813
To make this somewhat UA relevant, I must say I can't imagine travelling with a boot on my foot in regular Y. E+ was a godsend.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=624813
To make this somewhat UA relevant, I must say I can't imagine travelling with a boot on my foot in regular Y. E+ was a godsend.
Dec 15, 2006, 10:34 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 99654
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,450
Unfortunately you arecorrect.. no exit row, but make sure you let the
airline know ahead of time. they may aven give you a bulkhead seat.
Generaly its not a big issue. You should be able to travel with your crutches.
And if you like, request a wheel chair. It will breeze you through the security
and if applicable.. Immigration and customs.
airline know ahead of time. they may aven give you a bulkhead seat.
Generaly its not a big issue. You should be able to travel with your crutches.
And if you like, request a wheel chair. It will breeze you through the security
and if applicable.. Immigration and customs.
Dec 15, 2006, 10:38 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SJC
Programs: Does it matter any more?
Posts: 2,149
From past experience with a family member, we always requested wheel chair assistance at the airport (SFO, JFK, BOS). It helped a great deal esp with security. I accompanied the family member till the gate with a gate pass from United obtained when checking-in.
on board, they typically gave her a bulkhead seat. never an exit (obviously). she always boarded first (this was before sfo instituted the red carpet etc.). one fa usually accompanied her on board and helped stow the crutches in the FC cabin (usually the coat cabinet).
this was ua about 12-16 months ago. i dont' know how things have changed since then.
on board, they typically gave her a bulkhead seat. never an exit (obviously). she always boarded first (this was before sfo instituted the red carpet etc.). one fa usually accompanied her on board and helped stow the crutches in the FC cabin (usually the coat cabinet).
this was ua about 12-16 months ago. i dont' know how things have changed since then.
Dec 15, 2006, 11:02 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
Yeah I have seen this happen.... they do reserve a seat for disabled passengers so if you call up and tell them you'll need that seat they can put you in it. For example on the A319/320 I see they now block 6D/E for this purpose.
Dec 15, 2006, 11:09 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 20,404
I did this last year on a 320 to SJC and a 757 from OAK. I was in F.
Threw them in the closet and FAs were generally pretty helpful. I was good at the "hop" although it did shake the plane a bit.
Word of advice: empty your bladder as much as possible before takeoff to avoid having to get up during the flight.
Threw them in the closet and FAs were generally pretty helpful. I was good at the "hop" although it did shake the plane a bit.
Word of advice: empty your bladder as much as possible before takeoff to avoid having to get up during the flight.
Dec 15, 2006, 1:40 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2003
Location: SAN
Programs: UA GS/1K/MM, VA Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 5,581
I've found that flying with crutches is very difficult. Either I can't flap them quickly enough, or the aerodynamics aren't suited to flying.
I'd recommend using your crutches to get to a comfortable seat on UA
I'd recommend using your crutches to get to a comfortable seat on UA
Dec 15, 2006, 11:14 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: DEN
Programs: nada these days
Posts: 438
Definitely go for wheelchair assistance at the airport! Crutches + baggage = DISASTER. Take whatever you can get! Good luck!
(Did you sprain your ankle while trying to walk in four-inch heels after a few drinks? Because that's what I did last night! Don't feel stupid!)
(Did you sprain your ankle while trying to walk in four-inch heels after a few drinks? Because that's what I did last night! Don't feel stupid!)
Dec 15, 2006, 11:54 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1P /Starwood Gold/Hyatt Plat/UA RCC
Posts: 1,535
Hope you get well soon. I had knee surgery last year and those things become a pain. I never travelled with them. I cant imagine walking a long crowded terminal with them. I would go with the wheelchair. I hear IAD is very bad for getting chairs to the plane on a timely basis. The last flight I was on we waited over 30 minutes for a wheelchair person to be deplanned.
Good luck
Good luck
Dec 16, 2006, 1:04 am
#12
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,970
I am going to move this to the Disability Travel forum where others - not only the UA folks - can contribute. Thanks for your understanding.
iluv2fly
moderator, UA
iluv2fly
moderator, UA
Dec 16, 2006, 7:02 am
#13
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: United MP
Posts: 7,822
I have had to wait at other airports as well. I didn't notice IAD being worse than others.
