TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Airlines

Plus-Size Woman Shares Useful Airplane Seat Hacks

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Our Takeaway: Plus-size travelers, especially woman activists believe that they are marginalized and discriminated against by airlines and other suppliers and hacks alone will not be enough.

As society continues to put a greater emphasis on the need for inclusive and accessible travel for all people, the aviation industry is taking small steps toward change. There is still work that needs to be done, however, especially when it comes to size inclusivity. Aircraft cabin features including seats, aisles and lavatories make it glaringly obvious that there is a disparity when considering accessibility for plus-size travelers. Although this lack of consideration can be frustrating, influencer KirstyLeanneTravels gave her followers a simple, yet effective strategy to obtain a second plane seat at no extra cost. In a video posted to her TikTok, Kirsty approaches a flight attendant and asks, “Do you know if there are any two seats next to each other free?” The flight attendant tells her that once all travelers have boarded the aircraft, she will check. The TikTok then pans to Kristy on the plane sitting in the extra seat she asked for. Read More.

Major Airline Announced: Step Right Up, We Need to Weigh You

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Our Takeaway: While this was a survey to determine the true average passenger weight in order to calculate the amount of freight, they will be able to accommodate, we hope this is just a one-off event. If this catches on, privacy litigation can’t be far behind.

Airline passengers are well accustomed to weighing their luggage and keeping bags light ahead of departure, but many travelers flying with one airline will soon be asked to step on the scales themselves. Yes, you read that correctly — passengers themselves will be weighed. Throughout the month of June, all Air New Zealand passengers travelling internationally from Auckland airport will be asked to step on the scales to participate in the airline’s passenger weight survey. Read More.

Tips and Tricks to Traveling Safely With Someone That Has Epilepsy

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image of an open suitcase with a woman packing it

Our Takeaway: Please share these hard-to-find insightful tips with anyone you know that has a family member with epilepsy and fears traveling this summer.

People with epilepsy can and do travel using every mode of transportation. However, it may require extra planning, such as ensuring you have enough medication and requesting accommodations if needed. This article will discuss the challenges of traveling with epilepsy, how to prepare, and how to make your trip go smoothly. Read More.

Planes vs Trains: Which is Best for Blind Travelers?

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Woman looking out the window of a train- her face is reflected in the glass of the window

If you can’t see, you can’t drive. It’s that simple. However, throughout the ages, blind people have found many ways to get around. They are adapters and problem solvers. It’s in their DNA. For long trips, it boils down to just about two options: planes and trains. Throughout this post, the author unpacks three categories for both travel options: price, accessibility, and time required. Let’s see which one comes out on top from the Blind Wanderer.

Our Takeaway: For the Blind Wanderer, here are our pros and cons at a glance. Read More.

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck for Disability Families

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view of the Empire State building at sunset as seen from an airplane window

As with anything in life, airport security works a little differently for families with disabilities. Eventually, most frequent travelers end up looking at the benefits of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck. Jennifer Allen shares her family’s experiences of traveling with a wheelchair and medical needs.

Our takeaway: For frequent travelers within the US, TSA pre-check is a useful service that’s worth every penny, even when traveling with or as someone with a disability.  Global Entry is for those who travel internationally to avoid onerous passport checkpoints upon returning to the U.S.  BTW:  TSA Cares is a helpline that theoretically provides travelers with disabilities additional assistance during the security screening process, (Call 72 hours prior at (855) 787-2227) but in practice few TSA airport managers have the time to train their agents on this service. Read More.