A Walker and the TSA

Raider Fan · ‎03-11-2010

Hi, everyone, I am new to this topic. I am hoping for some good advice about traveling with walkers. My husband and I have traveled extensively throughout the last 52 years. Now my husband needs a walker. I bought a nice walker for him and I am trying to get him used to it. We are flying in a week and I am very unsure about what to expect. How do we get the walker through security? Does he use it until we get to the front of the line where we take off our shoes? I really need to know the answer to this. I think he can use it boarding the plane until the door where they take away strollers, etc. I think this, I don't know this. When we arrive at our destination, where is our walker? He can't walk all the way to baggage claim. These questions are driving me sleepless. Any advice is very much appreciated. Thanks so much, this is a new adventure for both of us.

aubnwa01 · ‎03-09-2010

I'd call the carrier that you're flying on & ask what their policy is in regards to boarding with the walker. They may also be able to direct you as far as what the TSA does, too. It might be easier to have him use a wheelchair or scooter if he can't walk too far.

Nuttmeg · ‎03-09-2010

Please call your airline ASAP, since your husband needs special services.

tipsy · ‎03-11-2010

Call the airline & arrange for a wheelchair escort. They will do everything for you & your husband from getting the boarding passes, checking luggage, getting through security, taking you to the gate, & onto the plane. The walker will be gate checked so you can leave it at the door of the plane & it will be there when you de-plane. Have a wheelchair escort upon your arrival too, & they will get you through to the baggage claim & then help you outside where you can meet your ride or cab from the airport. It's a wonderful service they offer & it will be so helpful for you & really easy! Good luck!

(We just did this with my 91 year old Dad & it was a breeze! We did tip the helpers, but I don't think it's necessary but they did appreciate it)

azgal · ‎03-09-2010

I just got back from a flight using my walker. Some airports have a separate TSA line for handicap. You can keep your walker until you go through the scanner. They ask if you are okay to walk through the scanner. I'm okay with that. If your husband can't do that, I think they would use a wand or pat down.

They do check the walker for explosives. They wipe it with a treated wipe.

You can take the walker to the door of the plane and they will have it ready for you at the door when you land. You need to get a preboarding pass and they will tag the walker with the destination and a gate pick up. I get my preboarding pass at the customer service desk at the gate but you can probably get it when you check your bags.

It really is easy. I hope this sets your mind at ease and have a wonderful time .

“We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it.” Abraham Lincoln

qbetzforreal · ‎08-28-2010

Walkers are valeted during boarding at the gate like strollers. They are there when you deplane at the gate of your destination.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Before my knee surgeries I flew and used the wheelchair service at the airport.They will put you in the chair as soon as you go to the counter to check in and take you all the way through until you board the plane.Make your arrangements ahead of time for the W/C with your airline.

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

All the advice given is great. And please get a pre-boarding pass when you check in. That will put you and you in position to board as one of the first in front of the line. They will handle your walker for you. Also you can get a wheel chair to get you through the airport with an escort helping you along. I see this all the time and it does not seem to slow anyone up.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

@tipsy wrote:
Call the airline & arrange for a wheelchair escort. They will do everything for you & your husband from getting the boarding passes, checking luggage, getting through security, taking you to the gate, & onto the plane. The walker will be gate checked so you can leave it at the door of the plane & it will be there when you de-plane. Have a wheelchair escort upon your arrival too, & they will get you through to the baggage claim & then help you outside where you can meet your ride or cab from the airport. It's a wonderful service they offer & it will be so helpful for you & really easy! Good luck!

(We just did this with my 91 year old Dad & it was a breeze! We did tip the helpers, but I don't think it's necessary but they did appreciate it)

Yes, please tip the escorts. They work for the airport, not the airlines, and they make minimal wage. Especially when heavy lifting is required.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I second the suggestion for the wheelchair. Just tell the curbside sky caps he needs a wheelchair and they'll take care of the rest, including the walker. Big airports are not for anyone with mobility issues. He'd be exhausted before he got to his gate.

I always fly Southwest, use a wheelchair and they treat me like a queen. I'm always first on the plane and have even had the pilot or co-pilot help me store my carryon.

I always give the wheelchair pusher $5.

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