The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the whole year. 2024 projections estimated approximately 72 million people traveling by car and 6 million people flying for the Thanksgiving holiday. Similarly, there are millions who travel during the winter holidays, either to visit family and friends or take much needed and relaxing vacations. This, of course, brings with it more crowded airports and roadways than usual.
No matter where you go or how you travel for the holiday season, it is especially important to ensure that you are well prepared so you can be as comfortable as possible during your travels. Ability Central offers this informative guide to help make your travel planning and journeys easier.
Plan Ahead
Begin Early
Preparations and planning for your trip should begin as early and as far in advance as possible. You will want to allow yourself ample time to research and find options for the best flights, accommodations, travel routes, activities, and requests for any assistive needs along the way to your destination.
If you are traveling by air, opt for direct flights if possible to avoid the hassle of maneuvering multiple airports and planes. If you are traveling by car or other form of roadway travel, have a well planned route that includes accessible stops as needed.
Create a Packing Checklist
Put together a detailed packing checklist as you prepare for the trip. This will help you to avoid forgetting anything essential. Be sure you mark off each item as you pack so you have visual proof that the item has been packed.
Bring the Essentials
Put together a travel health kit with any and all essentials you need, such as medications and prescriptions, health insurance information, and a mask. Pack extra items where possible.
If you are traveling with children who have special needs or disabilities, be sure to pack everything that is needed for them (and you) to be comfortable for the duration of the trip. Gather together needed sensory processing items, activities, fidget materials, and anything else that you would normally use at home. In addition, pack items that will help with sleep if traveling later in the day or through the night.
Get Vaccinated
Check for any required vaccinations if you are traveling to areas outside of the country and make an early appointment to get these vaccinations. Additionally, discuss any other needs you may have with your healthcare provider as well.
Taking the Trip
As mentioned, millions of people will travel during the holidays. Airports, roadways, and service businesses will be busier and more crowded than usual. This certainly presents challenges for anyone, but it presents unique challenges especially for travelers with disabilities who require extra care and precautions.
Air Travel
Get to the airport early!
Bring IDs, medical information, medications, equipment and supplies, plane boarding passes, chargers, and anything else you need with you at all times during your travels
Take advantage of wheelchair and guided assistance
Check with the airline for options available for flyers with disabilities, such as early boarding
Make requests for any assistance needed at the airport or on the plane well in advance of your travel
Prepare for delays and other issues
Advocate for yourself, identify your disabilities where needed, and don’t be afraid to speak up
Don’t forget to offer a tip to airline workers who provide assistance
Usually the most stressful part of air travel is the security and screening process at the airport. No one enjoys the process but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) usually strives to make this experience as smooth and convenient as possible. However, as you make travel plans and preparations, be sure to check and review carefully the full TSA guidelines for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions here.
Do not hesitate to let TSA workers know about your disabilities and needs. If for any reason you have a less than satisfactory experience with TSA security and screening, you should submit a complaint directly to the TSA Contact Center and follow the steps provided on that site.
Traveling by Car
Map out where you are going as much as possible
Research for accessible stopping points, like restrooms and restaurants, along the way
Travel with a companion if possible who can help with driving and other needs
Make sure your vehicle is in good traveling condition before your trip or consider renting an accessible vehicle and a wheelchair, if needed
Check the weather for the days of your travels and plan accordingly if traveling with medical equipment or if you have sensitivities to weather conditions
Plan for multiple stops if traveling with children who have disabilities
Avoid sensory overload by packing sensory processing kits
Be over prepared versus under prepared!
Traveling on a Bus
Purchase bus tickets in advance and consider traveler’s insurance
Check with the bus carrier regarding guidelines and procedures
Research the bus routes and stops to your destination
Notify the bus line ahead of time regarding your disabilities and needs
Ensure you are given priority boarding and seating
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides information and requirements regarding bus travel and ensures that travelers with disabilities may not face discrimination for any reason according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. You can read more about the FMCSA requirements here.
Additionally, the Federal Transit Administration provides detailed guidelines on its website regarding accessible transportation for vehicles, facilities, and services.
There’s An App for That!
Travelers with disabilities can use a mobile device app to assist with communication, navigation, and other travel needs. Here are some current examples:
AccessibleGo was created to allow users to book accessible flights, hotels, and rental cars and includes city guides for accessible attractions around the United States.
Be My Eyes is a free, award-winning app designed to connect individuals who are blind or have low-vision with volunteers and businesses who help users through live video.
iAccessLife allows its users to rate, review, and research locations based on accessibility that helps both travelers and companies to make improvements.
Live Transcribe is a free transcription app from Google that captures live audio and speech and converts it to text.
Travel Tips Recap
Plan ahead and begin early
Create your itinerary and make it as detailed as possible
Pack efficiently and essentially
Use apps
Check for Accessibility — wheelchairs or medical equipment that is available to use or rent as you travel and/or at your destination
Bring a friend
Know your rights
Be prepared
Have an emergency plan
Don’t forget to have fun!
Inclusive Travel Resources
BraunAbility offers a list of 10 wheelchair friendly destinations that may be fun for you and family or friends for the holidays.
Disabled Holidays offers an easy to use website where you can search and find inclusive holiday travel destinations and packages.
TravelAbility is building a network of resources and events to support businesses and individuals with inspiration and accessibility travel options.
US Department of Transportation Wheelchair and Guided Assistance information and tips are available on its website.
Wheel The World is a searchable database for accessible accommodations, rentals, and trip planning resources.
Check out other Holiday-Edition guides from Ability Central here:
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Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
