SaCSCCruiser

On 3/26/2023 at 2:19 PM, kokopelli-az said:

We just use a luggage tag (plus ID in the little storage area behind the back rest).   Many airlines request that you complete a form identifying your wheelchair (make, model, any damage, etc).   It's usually on their website.   

 

When you make your plane reservations, request wheelchair assistance (using your own wheelchair) from the ticket counter all the way to the plane's door.   Those wheelchair pushers know how to get through the lines quickly.  (Tips are appreciated.)

Make sure you take the wheelchair all the way to the plane door (from there it will get put in the plane's storage below).   They will bring it back to you outside the plane's exit door when you get to your next stop.  If it's a connecting stop, a wheelchair pusher will take you to your connecting gate.  You want to be sure the wheelchair is personally with you and in the plane you're on at all times.  If it's your destination stop, a wheelchair pusher can take you to pick up your luggage and outside to your transportation.  

 

PS:   When you get to your boarding area at the airport, let the airline person behind the counter know you have a personal wheelchair that you will be gate checking.   They will probably tag it and will also make sure you have the form mentioned in the first paragraph (if you don't have the form they will fill one out for you).  

 

This is probably more informatoin than you want, but I didn't know if you had any experience with wheelchairs and flying.   

Your information is very helpful. I have a friend who is looking at cancelling an upcoming trip because they are having such a hard time with the airlines giving information about flying with a wheelchair.  They are flying overseas to take a river cruise and they have been told they cannot take their wheelchair on the plane and gate check it- that it has to be shipped separately. They are afraid they will lose the wheelchair before they get to their embarkation port.  
I think they are being given the run around perhaps, and so I am seeking help and better information from folks on this  board.   I am definitely going to be doing some further research.  You have given a wealth of information. Thank you so much. 

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

A passport is a totally unnecessary expense for a one-off cruise (I assume that is the situation with the OP). 

 

And yes, don't go on a cruise or an international trip because you will be attacked by the locals who despise you. 

Well,  often that "one off" cruise becomes an addiction to crusing and then it's worth it to have that passport. 

My opinion?  If you can get the passport before your date of travel- just get it. 

19 hours ago, time4u2go said:

Very nice! Just be aware that things do get stolen.

People steal personalized signs? What on earth do they do with them?  I only assume they are personalized because the big wooden sign had names on it. 

On 9/3/2021 at 8:23 AM, island lady said:

 

.....And most definitely want to try sister line Celebrity, which is getting more and more inviting looking....  

 

We have tried Celebrity and definitely liked it a lot. We were on Solstice twice.  To us, it seemed a touch more elegant/refined but not stuffy at all.  We had a young child (my niece) with us on Celebrity as well and she loved the ship too.   She had a great time in the kids program the first time.  The second time she was not that thrilled to go.   I think it was a combination of her having a new baby sister and wanting time with her parents as a single child again (my parents kept the baby as my brother and SIL were not really ready to take her on a cruise at that time), coupled with the fact that my niece was missed the cut off to age up into the next "Camp at Sea" group, but missed it by a week. She was the only 5 year old in her group- all the rest were 3 year olds. She was going to turn 6 at the end of the week but they would not make an exception and let her go into the next age group.  My brother and SIL were pretty impressed with the kids program the first time. They did a little talent show one night with the kids and my niece had a great time performing.  

We would definitely cruise Celebrity again.   

On 8/14/2021 at 10:48 AM, LadyShiva said:

I agree.  You can always hear the "conversation" from the massive table of guests hosted by a Pinnacle better than your own table, too. That nose level isn't pleasant in such a small and open area.

 

 

It's not like they haven't paid bucket loads of money in the past to get to their Pinnacle status.   All of the Pinnacles I have met are fascinating people.   They know all of the great things about cruising from lots of experience.  Sure, there are some who think they are extra elite and don't have to be kind to cruising newbies.  That said, I have seen far more suite guests who think because they paid a lot for their stateroom that they should have no consequence for being chair hogs, or raising a stink because they "spent their hard earned money" like no-one else on the ship did.   I find most suite occupants far more rude and inconsiderate than most Pinnacles.