Travelling with a wheelchair or walker

I'm hoping some of you can help with this - there is a chance we may have to travel with a wheelchair or walker or cancel our upcoming trips. Still lots of time to decide, and hopefully we won't need either, but lately I've been thinking so many people travel with one or the other, why cancel?

Having never done it, it seems daunting. If using the walker, I presume we can just check it with our bags and they'll get a wheelchair for him? (he can walk only short distances so even our little airport would be too much for him) I saw when we booked our flight that they now have a spot for "requires wheelchair assistance". If at that point he requires a wheelchair full time, I would think we'd have to bring one? Or can they be rented in Negril?

We love to sit on the beach, so I'm not sure that would be possible? I don't think walkers work very well in the sand?

We've booked ground floor rooms, so stairs aren't an issue and the paths around the resorts are good for walking...

Looking for people's thoughts & experiences on this before we need to make our decision...

Thanks in advance :)

Check with your airline about access to a wheelchair as soon as you arrive at the airport to check in (like at the door). When you book your tickets there are usually questions about needing special assistance, that's where you want to request a wheelchair. Also ask them about checking the walker versus checking it at the plane (like people do with strollers). You may want it nearer to you rather than in baggage claim.

As for beach wheeling.... I wish!

Not shilling or anything, but Seastar has a disability unit (room 4 ground floor) that features ramps and a roll-in shower. Much of the resort has good access, expect maybe the pool but help is available.
I've seen lots of big strong staff guys carry special needs folks right out to the sand on the beach or the pool at cliff resorts.
All things are possible in Negril. You just need to inquire.

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Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

I'm hoping some of you can help with this - there is a chance we may have to travel with a wheelchair or walker or cancel our upcoming trips. Still lots of time to decide, and hopefully we won't need either, but lately I've been thinking so many people travel with one or the other, why cancel?

Having never done it, it seems daunting. If using the walker, I presume we can just check it with our bags and they'll get a wheelchair for him? (he can walk only short distances so even our little airport would be too much for him) I saw when we booked our flight that they now have a spot for "requires wheelchair assistance". If at that point he requires a wheelchair full time, I would think we'd have to bring one? Or can they be rented in Negril?

We love to sit on the beach, so I'm not sure that would be possible? I don't think walkers work very well in the sand?

We've booked ground floor rooms, so stairs aren't an issue and the paths around the resorts are good for walking...

Looking for people's thoughts & experiences on this before we need to make our decision...

Thanks in advance :)

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I use a wheelchair @airports. I make sure(1) it's included in my flight notation (2) advise flight attendants when I get that I need a wheelchair when I arrive (3) Breeze to get thru Immigration has a wheelchair line FAST (4) Make sure you have your luggage stand out, the wheelchair attendant even takes luggage off puts it on a cart a another wheelchair line at customs is FAST... Remember to have small change getting my BIG A** Bags off the luggage conveyor is HUGH - I usually give them $10-15 US

i too have started using wheelchairs when leaving the plane and as gail said its easy fast makes mobay arrival unnecessary. i have seen a beach wheelchair...has huge wheels i don't know how they got it in.

Thank you everyone for your replies. Good information to have, if we do need to take the walker we will check it so he can use a wheelchair at the airport. Hopefully by October he'll be stronger and won't need either, time will tell.

Thanks again!

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I like this idea better!!!!!!

2nutz - Prayers for strength so this will be a non-issue.

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Originally Posted by WestEndGirl

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I like this idea better!!!!!!

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Now let's not give him any ideas! That's too funny :)

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Originally Posted by luvmylabs

2nutz - Prayers for strength so this will be a non-issue.

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Thanks!

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Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

Thank you everyone for your replies. Good information to have, if we do need to take the walker we will check it so he can use a wheelchair at the airport. Hopefully by October he'll be stronger and won't need either, time will tell.

Thanks again!

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My advice is to take it anyways. If you need it, you'll have it and you can always leave it with someone who can use it in Jamaica. St. Anthony's would be a possible donation place?? (Just thinking...)

Two years ago, I took my wheelchair down to Accompong Town and did not need it. Today, it is available for anyone who does in the community and comes in quite handy. I did the same with my walker last year.

After spending almost 3 years in a wheelchair, I have a good deal of sympathy for people who need one and can't afford it.

Just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance

I took my girlfriend to JA a few times and she was wheelchair bound due to MS. Got around the whole island. In the sand, roll the wheelchair backwards. There is always someone willing to help.