Yes, it is possible to book wheelchair accessible seats for many forms of transportation and venues. Most airlines, trains, buses, theaters, stadiums, and other ticketed events offer wheelchair accessible seating options. The process for booking these seats varies by company, so it’s important to contact them directly to reserve wheelchair seats and get details on their specific policies.
Booking Wheelchair Seats on Flights
When booking a flight, you can request wheelchair accessible seating through the airline or travel agent. Here are some tips for reserving these seats:
- Inform the airline you will need a wheelchair accessible seat when making the reservation. Provide details on your mobility limitations.
- Airlines have different guidelines on how far in advance you must request the accessible seat. Some require 48-72 hours notice.
- Not all airplanes have the same wheelchair accessible seats. Consult the airline to find out the specific seat options and legroom space for your aircraft.
- Front bulkhead rows and aisle seats near the restrooms offer more legroom. Exit row seats often have moveable armrests.
- You may need to provide medical documentation about your disability to qualify for the accessible seating.
- Accessible seats are limited in number, so book them as early as possible.
- Verify your reservation has the correct seat assignment.
- Inform airline staff when you arrive at the airport about your accommodation needs.
If wheelchair seating is not available on your flight, request to be placed on the waiting list and check back often as reservations are changed. The airline should provide alternate accommodations like moving you to a flight with an available accessible seat if none can be confirmed on your original flight.
Booking Wheelchair Seats on Trains
Railways also offer wheelchair accessible seating, though policies can vary between train companies. Here are some pointers on reserving wheelchair spaces:
- When purchasing train tickets, request wheelchair seating or the accessible sleeping compartment if traveling overnight.
- Specify if you will be in a manual or electric wheelchair along with your mobility limitations.
- Accessible seating is limited, so book early. Renew your request if the reservation is changed.
- Confirm your accommodation is marked in the reservation before traveling.
- Contact the train company in advance if you need assistance boarding or deboarding.
- Accessible sleeper rooms on overnight trains need to be reserved well in advance.
While trains have designated wheelchair spaces, attendants may need to fold your chair to maximize room depending on the layout. Consult staff for assistance with securing your chair.
Booking Wheelchair Seats for Buses
Local buses are required to be wheelchair accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, you may still need to take extra steps to reserve a space. When booking bus travel:
- Call the bus company to request a wheelchair spot. This ensures room is set aside.
- Notify the driver when boarding that you need the wheelchair area.
- Buses have lifts and ramps for wheelchairs along with securement straps.
- You can request the bus kneel to reduce the slope of the ramp.
- Wheelchair areas have priority seating that folds up for extra room.
- Intercity buses like Greyhound also have wheelchair accessible buses if reserved in advance.
Keep in mind bus wheelchair spaces are limited to two per bus. During peak travel, reservations may fill up. Book as early as you can.
Booking Accessible Seats for Theaters and Stadiums
Many theaters and stadiums have dedicated wheelchair seating areas to ensure good views. Here are some tips for reserving accessible seats:
- When purchasing tickets online or by phone, request wheelchair accessible seating.
- Specify if you need an adjoining companion seat as well.
- If available, book wheelchair seating in the orchestra section near the front.
- In stadiums, aisles are wider in wheelchair areas. Front rows also have more leg room.
- The venue may provide early admission for wheelchair users to get settled before crowds.
- Verify with the box office that your accessible seats are correctly allotted.
Keep in mind venues only have a small number of wheelchair spots. Booking as far in advance as possible, even months earlier for popular events, ensures the best chance to reserve accessible seating.
Questions to Ask When Booking Wheelchair Seats
When booking wheelchair accessible seating, asking the right questions ensures you get the accommodations you need. Be sure to inquire about:
- The specific dimensions, legroom and layouts of the accessible seats.
- If your electric wheelchair or scooter can be accommodated.
- Availing priority boarding and deboarding.
- Getting assistance from staff with transfers or securing your chair.
- What ADA services and amenities are available.
- Booking adjoining seats for companions.
- Bringing service animals.
- Restrictions on numbers of accessible seats.
Individualize your questions based on your mobility limitations. The more details you provide upfront, the better the company can address your accessibility needs.
Other Transportation Options
In addition to trains, planes and buses, you can also request wheelchair accessible seating when booking:
- Cruise Ships: Specify when reserving your cabin. Accessible rooms are limited.
- Ferries: Contact the ferry operator to reserve space for wheelchairs.
- Ride Shares: Companies like Uber offer wheelchair accessible rides if requested in advance.
- Paratransit: Door-to-door shuttle services for passengers with disabilities, make reservations at least one day ahead.
Know that accessibility varies – older transportation vehicles may not accommodate all wheelchairs. Provide your chair specifications when booking.
Plan Ahead for Special Events
For concerts, festivals, conferences and other special events that attract large crowds, reserving wheelchair accessible spots very early is crucial. Event organizers need to know numbers ahead of time to set up adequate accessible seating and amenities.
- Book your tickets as soon as event dates are announced, before the general public on-sale.
- Events often hold special pre-sales just for customers requiring accessible seats.
- If the event is sold out, join the waitlist in case of cancellations.
- Check back frequently as the date approaches for last minute openings.
Do not assume an event venue will have plenty of unreserved wheelchair spots on the day itself. You run the risk of no availability if you don’t book ahead.
Understand Your Rights
The ADA protects your right to accessible public transportation and reasonable accommodations. Some key rights to know:
- You cannot be denied wheelchair seating due to your disability.
- Companies must make reasonable modifications to ensure access.
- No extra fees can be charged for accessible accommodations.
- Service animals must be allowed.
- You have recourse if your rights are violated through complaints or lawsuits.
Ifbooking wheelchair seats, be familiar with ADA entitlements. Do not hesitate to assert your rights if you encounter barriers or discrimination.
Plan Ahead and Be Flexible
Booking wheelchair accessible seating in advance is the best guarantee you will secure a suitable spot, especially for popular travel dates and prime events. Build in plenty of lead time when making reservations. Also be flexible if your first choices are not available. Companies are required to provide reasonable alternate options to accommodate your mobility.
Conclusion
Booking wheelchair accessible seats makes travel, entertainment and public transit much more enjoyable. Airlines, trains, buses, theaters and other venues now actively accommodate people with mobility limitations after years of advocacy and legislation. Take advantage of the hard-won options now available by reserving wheelchair spots early. Careful planning and timely booking creates an accessible experience where you can focus on the journey or event itself, rather than the obstacles.