Rollin' Through: A Guide to Traveling with Your Mobility Walker

Don't let your mobility walker stop you from making those big travel plans. You have every right to travel the world as much as anyone else does and your mobile capabilities shouldn't leave you feeling otherwise. That's why it's time to put the stress of traveling with a mobility walker behind you and keep rollin' through!

And we're here to help you. We've put together this amazing guide on how to travel with your mobility walker. Below are all the tips, tricks, and preps you'll need to know about before scheduling your flight.

Doing so will keep your travels comfortable, stress-free, and relaxing. Continue reading below to find out more.

Rollators for Travel

Before planning your long-distance trip, you should know that rollators are the best forms of mobility walkers. If you've ever traveled before, then you know just how much walking and exploring you do while on vacation. With all of this walking in your future, it's best to have a rollator by your side.

Rollators make walking a breeze because of their convenient wheels. You should also consider bringing a rollator with you that has a seat connected to it. This way, should you happen to become tired during your explorations, you can simply take a seat wherever you may be!

Carrying Accessories

The next thing you should consider is how you'll manage to carry your accessories along with you. Whether it be your medical equipment and supplies or a healthy snack and water bottle, you'll need to store these items alongside your mobility walker. A mobility walker bag is the best way to carry all of your needed items along with you on your mobility walker.

They fasten neatly on the bag of your rollator and you won't even notice that yours is there until you need to grab something out of it. Don't feel like you have to be counted out of those amazing tours because you have no way of carrying your necessities while using your mobility walker. These bags make it possible!

Advising the Airport

Please be sure to advise the airport and airline if you'll be using a mobility walker. Give them at least 48 hours notice if not more so that they can prepare to accommodate you. It's the law that the airlines must accommodate those in need, and they will work with you to provide any assistance that you might need.

Let them know if you can use the stairs or not, if you need assistance getting to your seat, if you need an armrest, or any other accommodation that you can think of. Telling them in advance means that they'll have enough time to have the appropriate staff onsite to assist you. There might also be accommodations that the airline will ask you about, which you didn't even think of!

Provide Documentation

Always have your name on your device and contact information in case there is trouble locating it. This might seem like an obvious thing to do when bringing your mobility walker with you on your travels, but just double-check to make sure it's there. There have been times when airports confused personal walkers with the airport's walkers.

You'll also want to ensure that your assistance requirements are on file with the airline. This is especially important if you require assistance when getting off of the plane at your destination. Make sure the airlines know you'll need assistance when you arrive so that you're not stuck waiting on the plane for the appropriate staff to come to assist.

Selecting Your Seat

It's also a great idea to pay that extra fee to select your seat ahead of time. Aisle seats are the best option for you as it'll make your boarding and exiting the plane much easier. Sitting by the window with two other people blocking the aisle makes it hard to get in and out to use the bathroom and such.

You'll also want to consider pre-boarding options. If you need any extra time getting on the plane, then this will come in handy! You'll be called to board before everyone else making it less stressful.

Gate Check at Airports

Most mobility walkers can be gate checked, meaning you'll have the full ability to walk your walker right up to the airplane. Just keep in mind that if your device uses a Lithium-Ion or Wet Cell battery there might be some restrictions. Give the airline a call ahead of time and discuss the type of battery with them.

They'll be able to give you specific instructions.

TSA Security at Airports

If you cannot walk through medical detectors, you can request to have a manual pat-down at the airport screening. You can also request to have a same-sex screener perform the pat-down. This makes getting through TSA security much easier for you.

Available Escort Passes

If you are traveling alone, then you can request an escort pass from the airport that allows your loved one to escort you to the gate and provide you with the assistance you need. You can also pre-arrange a time with one of the airport's escorts. This ensures that there's someone there waiting to assist you with your travels.

Finding Your Mobility Walker

If you check your mobility walker in at check-in rather than at the gate, be sure to ask where to find it when you arrive at your destination. Some airports and airlines have specific areas for mobility walkers to be picked up. You'll want to know this information ahead of time rather than waiting for it at luggage pick-up and it never arrives.

Travel in Ease With Your Mobility Walker

Don't let your mobility walker hold you back from traveling to any location you desire. Travel with ease with your mobility walker by following these simple steps.

And for more walking aids, be sure to check out our Mobility and Accessibility products!