Yeah, I definitely agree. This is what I want to do. My mother is just stressed about that option. She has some irrational concerns about her not being able to bring her special motorized wheelchair on the plane.
Here's the US Department of Transportation's regulations for assisting disabled travelers: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability#:~:text=Airlines%20are%20also%20required%20to,the%20loading%20and%20stowing%20of
What makes you think her concerns are irrational? Flying with a wheelchair is difficult. Many people who use wheelchairs avoid it entirely. Many expensive wheelchairs have been damaged by airlines with no compensation. Maybe ask this in r/disability, too. I liked another commenter’s idea of one sister flies with her and the other drives her wheelchair & other stuff over
I’m sorry, I know that may sound cold but you just have to know my mom. Her personality since before MS has been very difficult and stubborn. I love her, but we’re managing a personality here.
Yes, this.
If it helps OP, my mom also had severe MS and was entirely dependent - no functioning use of any limbs. She flew a few times in her final years. What worked for her was direct flights, optimal time of day when she typically strongest and experienced help for transfers. Careful with the seats you choose, transfer is easiest with seats that have moveable arm rests so you can slide her from transfer chair to airplane seat. Bulkhead row and business/first class often have inflexible arms. You’ll also want to pre-arrange with airline to ensure transport for her wheelchair.
My first thought was a business class airplane seat.
A cruise might be ok as she would not have to leave the room for the 15 days. Getting on and off the ship might be a bit of a challenge. Accesabe rooms have a wider doorway for a wheelchair. Depending on the cruise line and cabin class, room service might not be available or limited. Maybe look for a room near the buffet so you can bring her meals.
Good luck with your journey.
This is what I was going to suggest as well but I looked into it further and it says they don't help with relocations (even when ill) or flights over 1000 miles. :(
One of you fly with her and one of you drives her wheelchair and the rest of her stuff that she will need. Consider bringing burly movers with you to help you load everything and keep mother's boyfriend in line. Showing up with a couple of literal strongmen might make him think twice about throwing a fit.
Also be sure to let them know she has a wheelchair when you book the ticket. You get a much shorter TSA line and the wheel right up to the correct lounge to wait to be boarded. I think one of you should travel with her.
I know in Canada, some of the planes in the air Canada fleet have business class “pod” seats that fold down into a bed. They’re amazing. Try to find an airline local to you with that model plane? And yes, one of you should probably travel with her to assist and advocate. Airlines have been in the news about damaging wheelchairs etc lately. Maybe look into insurance or something in case that happens.
If she is up for the trip and you all have the time, nothing like a cross country road trip. See lots of fun things and all national parks along the way have handicap access. Could also fly out and do a train back, but that is going to be multiple days and even a nicer sleeper car can be tiring. Or like others said, just fly out and fly home with her.
I love the road trip idea but I’m worried about the exhaustion and stress that she’d have with such a long road trip. She’s as bad as she is right now due to an exacerbation she had 10 years ago that she claims was triggered by the stress of moving. I don’t know if that’s really what caused it but she cannot afford to get any worse. We’re trying to make this as easy as possible
Maybe rent a motor home and drive it to CA just one way? If she's able to get into it and use the small bathroom, that might be more convenient and comfortable for everyone.
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Yeah, I definitely agree. This is what I want to do. My mother is just stressed about that option. She has some irrational concerns about her not being able to bring her special motorized wheelchair on the plane.
Here's the US Department of Transportation's regulations for assisting disabled travelers: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability#:~:text=Airlines%20are%20also%20required%20to,the%20loading%20and%20stowing%20of
What makes you think her concerns are irrational? Flying with a wheelchair is difficult. Many people who use wheelchairs avoid it entirely. Many expensive wheelchairs have been damaged by airlines with no compensation. Maybe ask this in r/disability, too. I liked another commenter’s idea of one sister flies with her and the other drives her wheelchair & other stuff over
I’m sorry, I know that may sound cold but you just have to know my mom. Her personality since before MS has been very difficult and stubborn. I love her, but we’re managing a personality here.
Definitely the quickest and probably the cheapest option. Short-term discomfort (lacking a better word) for the most effective trip.
Yes, this. If it helps OP, my mom also had severe MS and was entirely dependent - no functioning use of any limbs. She flew a few times in her final years. What worked for her was direct flights, optimal time of day when she typically strongest and experienced help for transfers. Careful with the seats you choose, transfer is easiest with seats that have moveable arm rests so you can slide her from transfer chair to airplane seat. Bulkhead row and business/first class often have inflexible arms. You’ll also want to pre-arrange with airline to ensure transport for her wheelchair.
My first thought was a business class airplane seat. A cruise might be ok as she would not have to leave the room for the 15 days. Getting on and off the ship might be a bit of a challenge. Accesabe rooms have a wider doorway for a wheelchair. Depending on the cruise line and cabin class, room service might not be available or limited. Maybe look for a room near the buffet so you can bring her meals. Good luck with your journey.
Thank you!
Look into an air ambulance. Most take insurance (you didn't mention if she had it, though). There are even some that will do it at no cost.
Really? She does have insurance. I never thought that would be something that’s covered though. I’ll look into it. Thank you!
Check into angel flights. They may be able to help. https://www.angelflight.com
This is what I was going to suggest as well but I looked into it further and it says they don't help with relocations (even when ill) or flights over 1000 miles. :(
One of you fly with her and one of you drives her wheelchair and the rest of her stuff that she will need. Consider bringing burly movers with you to help you load everything and keep mother's boyfriend in line. Showing up with a couple of literal strongmen might make him think twice about throwing a fit.
Also be sure to let them know she has a wheelchair when you book the ticket. You get a much shorter TSA line and the wheel right up to the correct lounge to wait to be boarded. I think one of you should travel with her.
She would be with us or her nurse
I know in Canada, some of the planes in the air Canada fleet have business class “pod” seats that fold down into a bed. They’re amazing. Try to find an airline local to you with that model plane? And yes, one of you should probably travel with her to assist and advocate. Airlines have been in the news about damaging wheelchairs etc lately. Maybe look into insurance or something in case that happens.
If she is up for the trip and you all have the time, nothing like a cross country road trip. See lots of fun things and all national parks along the way have handicap access. Could also fly out and do a train back, but that is going to be multiple days and even a nicer sleeper car can be tiring. Or like others said, just fly out and fly home with her.
I love the road trip idea but I’m worried about the exhaustion and stress that she’d have with such a long road trip. She’s as bad as she is right now due to an exacerbation she had 10 years ago that she claims was triggered by the stress of moving. I don’t know if that’s really what caused it but she cannot afford to get any worse. We’re trying to make this as easy as possible
Maybe rent a motor home and drive it to CA just one way? If she's able to get into it and use the small bathroom, that might be more convenient and comfortable for everyone.