Traveling with a
Spinal Cord Injury

Tips for Traveling with a Spinal Cord Injury


Airlines Reservations

When making airlines reservations, tell the agent the following things:

  • If you have a disability
  • If you’re taking a wheelchair (manual/powered)
  • If you’re taking a powered wheelchair, what type of batteries has
  • If you have a service dog
  • Where you prefer to sit
  • If you need help getting on/off the plane with aisle chair

Hotel Reservations

When making hotel reservations, tell the agent the following things:

  • You have a disability
  • If you’re a wheelchair user
  • What your needs are regarding the bathroom
    (i.e. roll-in shower and a shower chair)
  • Anything else you feel is necessary to tell the agent
  • Ask about accessible transportation

Train Reservations

When making train reservations, tell the agent the following things:

  • If you have a disability
  • If you’re taking wheelchair (manual/powered)
  • If you’re taking a powered wheelchair, what type of batteries it runs on
  • If you have a service dog
  • Where you prefer to sit

Other Travel Tips

  • Call ahead and confirm reservations and transportation. Do not take anyone’s word that a destination or transportation is accessible – confirm it yourself. Ask if there are any stairs, curbs, ramps, elevators, etc. A great trip can quickly turn into a disaster if a destination claims to be accessible and you arrive to find that there are two stairs and no ramp.
  • If possible, find out if there are repair stops in the area of your travel destination. Or if necessary, travel with a back up wheelchair and or spare parts (tire tubes).
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance in case connections don’t connect or claims of accessibility are inaccurate.
  • If traveling outside the US and traveling with equipment that needs electrical charging, make sure the electrical currency of your travel destination(s) is the same as your equipment or that you have a converter or one will be supplied for you.
  • If you take medications, be sure to bring enough with you. Check with your doctor, if traveling to places with extreme temperatures, destinations and activities.
  • Plan a rough itinerary.