About Me

Transportation Safety for Pets

Hi, my name is Julie, and here by my side is my faithful companion Frieda, my therapy dog. I love to travel and have spent a lot of time travelling, but unfortunately, a few years ago, my anxiety increased in a way that made it hard to travel. As a result, I got a therapy dog. Frieda has been a literal lifesaver for me, but I have had to learn how to travel with her. In particular, I have had to learn how to help her have a safe experience on different modes of transportation. This blog is devoted to that concept. Whether you are travelling with a working companion or a pet in a pet carrier, this blog has tips on making that experience safe.

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Transportation Safety for Pets

Airport Shuttles for Passengers with Mobility Issues: What You Need to Know

by Noelle Frazier

The concept of an airport shuttle is quite straightforward. The shuttle either collects you from your home or from a designated pick up point and takes you to the airport with ample time to drink overpriced coffee before your flight. The service is efficient and cost-effective.

Having said that, not every air shuttle service can cater to every passenger. Some passengers might have mobility issues that necessitate the use of a wheelchair or walking frame. Does this apply to you or one of your travel companions? If this is the case, then you will need to do a little bit of extra planning.

Ask First

You need to query the matter with the airport shuttle service prior to booking. It really is that simple. It would be disastrous to be waiting to be picked up on your day of departure, only to learn that the shuttle vehicle in question does not have space for the mobility aids, whether it's a wheelchair or a walking frame. The carriage of such items cannot be guaranteed, and such information can be buried in the terms and conditions of the booking. This means that a refund might not be forthcoming, and this is aside from the fact that you now might not have viable means of getting to the airport.

Get Assistance

So prior to making the booking, inform your prospective carrier that a mobility aid will need to be brought. Inform them of the type of aid it is, as well as how it can be packed. A wheelchair is generally collapsible, but you might require assistance to get the person who uses it into one of the vehicle's seats. Is the driver able to assist with this? Only once you have firm confirmation that the mobility aid can be transported should you make the booking.

Get Confirmation

Will you be utilising the same airport shuttle company at your destination? Again, you need to confirm that the mobility aid can be transported and also that the driver can grant assistance if needed. This needs to be confirmed for your trip to the airport, from the airport to your accommodation, from your accommodation back to the airport, and then from the airport to your home. It's vital that you confirm these four stages of the intended service.

So while carrying a mobility aid is certainly possible, you might find yourself caught short if you just assume that any type of shuttle service will be able to do the job.

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