I've been a paraplegic for 13 years now and I'm about to get on a plane for the first time since I've been in my chair! Thanks for the video

I've flown international, and they have an aisle chair the flight attendants use, but there are a few issue to know; first, the flight attendants are not allowed to help you transfer, so if you're not able to transfer for yourself or if you've been stuck over by a window, it may be a bit more difficult, next you will have to be bold with them in giving instructions because they do not understand how the aisle chair needs to be positioned and lastly, when you're done, they sometimes have walked away so you will need to use the call button if that type of plane has one inside the bathroom.  Plan in advance, from the time you realize you need to use the restroom, to the time they actually get you there can be a while, it took them 45 mins on a recent flight.  Bring lots of sterile wipes because airplane toilets are very dirty and if you're like me having to self cath, it can give you a mentally horrible feeling.

This is how my boyfriend uses the bathroom in a plane: Using the restroom (toilet) on a plane (Wheelchair user) (Paraplegic). He wants to be able to use the bathroom by himself so he always asks for the back seats, which are as close as possible to the bathroom. He also made a video of how he boards a plane with the aisle chair on his channel. That said, using the bathroom in a plane is admittedly the worst part of the trip for him. Also, he recommends United Airlines for international flights. He was very disappointed by American Airlines that made one of his trips horrible regarding accessibility on a flight from France. He used Frankfurt, Brussels and Paris airport several times so if you need any tip to travel there, you can get in touch with him.

I fly to NY and NJ from PR and never had any issues boarding the plane with that narrow wheelchair but something happened one day on a flight from PR to JFK .  I was watching from my window seat the baggage handlers  loading luggage into the plane and it was then when I saw a guy trying to fold my wheelchair (my chair is a rigid) . That asshole was pulling on everything with force and even flipped the wheelchair upside-down causing all kinds of scratches on the frame and after a couple of minutes of frustration he threw it on the ramp. When I got to NY one of the arm rest  was missing and nobody could find it but fortunately my brother in law was the ramp supervisor that day and he found it still in the belly of that plane that was bound to Europe in 10 minutes. Now I take with me in the plane every part that may come loose and also tape a small sign on the chair saying "this is a rigid wheelchair do not try to fold"

You have great tips. I've been a para since 1985 and it gives "fear of flying" a whole new dimension! I have flown a lot including Utah to Ireland. They did have an on-board aisle chair for the bathroom but I didn't use it. I have a continent urostomy on my belly (internal pouch, no external bag) so I can cath in my seat into a zip-lock bag and place it inside a barf bag for later disposal. I can literally do it in my sleep, so under a blanket is not too hard. I try to take advantage of my seatmate's potty trip for more privacy. My biggest fear is losing bowel control so I dose up on immodium for a long flight.

The best fun is that the people who board later don't even know I'm a "crip" until we meet at baggage claim!

My first time using an isle chair I had a family come up to me and the flight person and the Mom helped buckle me in she said it was just like a baby’s car seat. I was so thankful haha

Hey Brian. I was recently paralyzed from the waist down and I've been dreading my trip across the country. This makes it a lot clearer and easier for me. Thanks!

Just wanted to say thanks for this video and your others, I have a lot of anxiety about having to make my first flight. I'm just about a year into my injury and even though I went through a month long inpatient rehab there were a ton of stuff they don't touch on and the fact that I had (many don't) access to the internet in my room meant I was able to take full advantage of videos made by yourself and other Paraplegics...Anyway, keep up the great work and thank you!

Just to note: All commercial airlines are required to have a wheelchair closet on-board, in the front by the cockpit entrance. As per federal law you must be allowed to put your wheelchair in it so long as it folds or breaks down to 13″ x 36″ x 42″ or smaller. If your wheelchair doesn’t fold this small without removing anything, but it will fit in this space with the wheels/backrest/headrest/etc. removed, and the wheels/backrest/headrest/etc. can be removed without the use of tools, not only do they have to let you use this space, they have to help you take your chair apart.
(Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ae47679a5dc0b0cdd685abc7e3437dbb&mc=true&node=pt14.4.382&rgn=div5#se14.4.382_167)

§382.123   What are the requirements concerning priority cabin stowage for wheelchairs and other assistive devices?
“(b) If a wheelchair exceeds the space provided for in §382.67 of this part while fully assembled but will fit if wheels or other components can be removed without the use of tools, you must remove the applicable components and stow the wheelchair in the designated space. In this case, you must stow the removed components in areas provided for stowage of carry-on luggage.”
(Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ae47679a5dc0b0cdd685abc7e3437dbb&mc=true&node=pt14.4.382&rgn=div5#se14.4.382_1123)

If they even suggest theres no room unless there is already another passenger's wheelchair in that closet they have violated federal law.
CFR Title 14, Chapter II, Subchapter D, Part 382, Subpart E, Section 382.67, Subsection (e)
“As a carrier, you must never request or suggest that a passenger not stow his or her wheelchair in the cabin to accommodate other passengers (e.g., informing a passenger that stowing his or her wheelchair in the cabin will require other passengers to be removed from the flight), or for any other non-safety related reason (e.g., that it is easier for the carrier if the wheelchair is stowed in the cargo compartment).”
(Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/382.67)

More info can be found on this masterpost here: https://phoenixonwheels.tumblr.com/post/167626925261/fuckyeahparaplegia-phoenixonwheels

I highly suggest you read through it as i had no idea before now these even existed.

I'm going to Scotland next year, June of 2018, I'm a T7 paraplegic and I am NERVOUS AS HELL. I've never been on a plane, much less in the 4 years I've been in this chair. I have absolutely no idea how I'm going to get through this, I'll be sure to get it on video and post here how it works put

This video is heaven sent my boyfriend is flying from north Carolina to here in Seattle he's quadriplegic C6 and hasn't flown in over 20 years now I can give him some great ideas Thanks🙂

I flew to Poland from Denver with a layover in Frankfurt Germany. I brought my metal walker, but was transferred to a wheelchair to move around the airport faster. I can stand and limp, so I was wheeled up to the doorway of the plane and used the walls and seats for assistance as I limped through the aisles to my seat.

Interestingly, in my smaller plane ride to Katowice, I was brought to the runway on a bus and transferred to a L-Shaped metal seat and strapped in, wherein I was carried up the stairs into the little plane and pushed down the aisle to my seat. They let me limp off through the aisleway when we landed, which was nice.

I will say that the Frankfurt Airport was the nicest place I've ever flown as a disabled person. They wheeled me to a staging-room, which had coffee & water and restrooms out of sight of the general public of the airport. From there they would wait till my flight was boarding then wheel my out to handle the rest of the trip. In the meantime they watch over your stuff while you get to be a tourist, rather than a disabled dude carrying a pile of bags, which is probably the best experience possible. Nice videos, my dude.

Thanks so much for the information, I've never had to fly since I've been in the chair. You've made me feel better about flying!

For international flights they should also have aisle chairs. Make sure they do before you pull away from the gate. It's better if you go on a larger plane also because you will have to use one of the bathrooms which is in the middle section (as opposed to the sides) that has two bathrooms with a middle divider. Make sure they know how to move the divider otherwise you will be sitting outside the bathroom with them trying to figure it out, in the aisle chair.  If you don't have one of the bigger bathrooms its like gymnastics getting in a small one.

Even if you get first class or business class the bathrooms are likely to be the smaller ones and you will have to go all the way back to coach to use one back there.

As far as sleeping, try to upgrade to business or first with lay-flat seats, but I know that gets expensive. When you get to the gate ask to be moved to the "front of the plane" so they don't have to take you through all the aisles. I've gotten a couple upgrades for free to bc and almost always get upgraded for free to economy plus. Also ask if there is anyone in the seats next to you because it will be hard for them to get around you. I've had them clear entire rows for me without asking and slept across three seats.

Go to sites like seatguru to see the layout of your aircraft.

If you go to Europe consider taking the train between countries as it is cheap, fast and you get to stay in your chair with easy access to the bathroom. I've also found the Europeans extremely helpful to anyone in a wheelchair.

Get back to me with any other questions.

Great video! I am a C5-6 and flew to Greece a few years ago - 14 hours total from NY. What was nice was the flight wast full so I had an empty chair next to me and could literally lean over for pressure reliefs. Wife helped with bathroom stuff and I spent about a week getting ready for the flight. Really want to watch your diet before a long flight like this; dont need any surprises at 35K feet!

As an OSU nursing graduate (a while ago!), I want you to know how much insight your videos have given me into the "living in the world" life of people who who have suffered SCI's. I have cared for several patients in the hospital and many times have wondered how they worked it all out after going home.  You are a natural born teacher, and with honesty and charm you are providing much needed knowledge and information to all of us. Thank you for your courage in sharing your life and I am looking forward to further installments.

Hi Brian. Excellent stuff, I've just discovered your youtube channel & I'm  really grateful to you for your videos. Thanks.
Walter.    Scotland

I'm in a wheelchair and am going to be traveling out of state in a few days,  sure it's only a two hour flight but I still had watching this video on my pre-travel check list.

Hi. I’m a part time wheelchair user. I can’t walk long distances (ie through an airport. Or even store) so I found this very helpful.

nice tips and will not only be helpful to me, but I’m sure many others.  Thanks