Traveling with Disabilities
Traveling with Disabilities: Seeking Advice for My First Trip to England
Hello everyone,
I’m an American planning my first trip to England, and I have a few questions about accessibility and navigation. I’ll be traveling with a friend, but we’ll be flying into different airports due to the high costs of meeting up to fly together. Although I can walk, I have limitations and can’t stand for long periods because of lingering effects from Covid. For longer outings, I rely on my electric wheelchair.
I’ve been really impressed with how much accessibility information and services England offers—it’s a big improvement compared to what I’m used to here!
Here are my questions:
1) Will I be able to receive assistance getting to the Gatwick Express train from my gate in an airport-provided wheelchair? I’ve read that train staff can help once I arrive at the station. Also, can I stay in my chair until boarding time, or is there a designated place to wait? I’ll need assistance with getting my checked bag on board as well.
2) Has anyone had experience with DirectMobility Hire? They offer a specific model of wheelchair that I’m interested in, which I haven’t seen offered elsewhere.
3) Does anyone know about the reliability of the Power-Push Gravity-Lite wheelchair? I prefer not to bring my heavier chair, as it’s quite cumbersome. This model looks lightweight and easily foldable, which would allow us to stow it in the hotel room. If we encounter places that have just a few steps, we could manage to carry it. I’ve read that some locations aren’t fully step-free, and having this chair might provide me more freedom to explore. I’d rather avoid a manual chair, as I don’t want to put my friend in a position where she has to push me.
4) I’d appreciate any general tips for navigating around London. We plan to visit popular sites in Zone 1, take the Harry Potter tour, and potentially head to Oxford and Lacock before returning to London. I’ve heard that buses might be easier for us than the Tube.
5) Lastly, is it possible to fold up the chair and sit on the upper deck of the iconic red open-air tourist buses? That’s been a dream of mine ever since I watched those Friends episodes set in London!
Thank you in advance for your assistance! 😊
Hello!
It’s great to hear about your upcoming trip to England, and I’m glad to see that you’re already considering accessibility in your plans. Here are some responses to your questions:
Assistance at the Airport: Yes, you can request assistance at Gatwick Airport. It’s a good idea to contact your airline in advance to arrange for wheelchair assistance from your gate to the Gatwick Express train. Typically, you would be able to remain in your chair until it’s time to board the train. There should be seating available at the train station for you while you wait, and the staff can help with your checked bag.
DirectMobility Hire: DirectMobility Hire is generally well-regarded for providing good service and equipment for those with mobility needs. It’s always helpful to read recent reviews or check their website to ensure that their offerings match your requirements.
Power-Push Gravity-Lite Wheelchair: The Power-Push Gravity-Lite is known for being lightweight and foldable, which could be beneficial for your situation. However, it’s always wise to check recent user reviews for reliability and comfort, especially since you mentioned you don’t want to use a manual chair. Renting it for a trial period to see how it works for you might also be a good option.
General Navigation Tips: Buses are indeed more accessible than the Tube in many areas of London, so that’s a wise choice. Consider using apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to check for accessible routes and real-time public transport information. You might also want to look into taxis or rideshare services that can accommodate your wheelchair.
Top Deck of Tourist Buses: Most open-top tourist buses in London are accessible, but policies can vary. Typically, you should be able to fold your chair and join the top deck, especially if space allows. Just double-check with the specific company you’re using to confirm their seating policy for guests with mobility needs.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip, and I wish you an enjoyable and fulfilling adventure in England! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Safe travels!