That’s fantastic news!
In the U.K. you would call the airline and tell them you need airport assistance, and they would sort out someone to help you.
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Yeah I called and they were literally of no help when I spoke to them. The woman I spoke to gave me the run down of what happens with the chair (in a very confusing way so thankfully the above run down is far easier to understand), but left out the part about the baggage in all respects.
I’ll call them again and try to get details. I assume they’ll just say “they’ll send someone to help”, but that still leaves me wondering “how will they know unless I walk over, leaving mom or the bags alone for a few minutes” … not liking that idea at all. But, as usual, I’m sure I’m overthinking this.
I think you probably would have to leave the bags with your mum, unless you thought you could manage to get to the disability assistance desk. It’s usually right by the entrance.
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A lot of airlines now do curbside check in. Meaning that if the shuttle will unload the bags, there is usually a skycap who can get to curbside check in. It will cost a few bucks gratuity, but might be worth it.
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I am completely fine with that. I tip everyone when I go on vacation, I want everyone to have a good day 
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I am going to suggest two things:
- Speak w/ both your airline and your airport about what kind of assistance services they have for passengers that need help from curb to airplane. The airline might be the place to start and if you need even more info, try the airport too.
- Contact TSA Cares. We use this for assistance through security with our son who is on the spectrum. You call ~72 hours before your flight and they take down your flight information (both directions) and will forward it on to the TSA support personnel at each airport.
We have found that each airport handles things differently. We are in Philadelphia and are spoiled by a really organized support system. The PHL TSA emails me the day before with a contact number and I call them as soon as we are done checking in. They then escort us through security, making sure my anxiety prone son has a good experience. We just used them for the third time last week and it was very smooth.
No other airport has emailed us. In those instances, we approach the first TSA person we see and request assistance. They have always been helpful.
We don’t require assistance other than security, but I understand that is handled mostly by a combination of the airline and the airport. There should be information on your airport’s website. I would check into MCO as well to make sure you have support on your way home.
Good Luck!
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Hah, as I’m flying out of Philly, that’s great to hear and helps out tremendously! I will definitely do that, thank you!
For getting back, we’ll be using the Contemporary’s curb side check in, so that’ll be easy and MCO won’t be a big deal in either respect (I hope )
Excellent!
Out of the four airports we’ve used TSA Cares for, PHL is the only one that emailed w/ instructions and contact information. They seem extremely responsive.
I wonder if you call earlier than 72 hours if they could help you figure out the curb to airplane support?
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Hi Randall
So sorry to hear about you and your mom but glad you’re still doing the trip.
Thought I’d mention a few wheelchair tips. Make sure your wheelchair has grade-aids - little lever like devices that keep the wheelchair wheels from slipping backward. You flip them on when going up a ramp or hill. Attach a good quality knapsack to the wheelchair handles (my B-I-L uses zip ties to further secure it but that probably wouldn’t work for flying - maybe bungy cords so you can undo them and place the knapsack under the seat or in the overhead bin). And bring a lunch sack (like this one at https://packit.com/ ), that also doubles as an icepack. Be prepared that people are curiously blind to wheelchairs - rather like the motorcycle effect - you’ll have to practice defensive driving.
Disboards has some excellent information on the Disability Access Service (DAS) card at disABILITIES! | The DIS Disney Discussion Forums - DISboards.com - I found their FAQs really helpful when planning a trip with my nephew.
If you have any questions about travelling with a wheelchair or DAS in general I’ll do my best to answer them - I grew up with my dad in a wheelchair and then my nephew has always had one.
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That is wonderful news! I have been thinking wonderful Disney thoughts for you and your mom! As for luggage I have no tips except, I found a great backpack for my family. Each one of us has one. We like to do carry-on only for convenience and cost. You may want to check it out. it may not eliminate your issue, but it might reduce it.
https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101?productid=10126285
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And we’re officially 5 days out!! 
I can’t believe where I am given how only a month ago I was planning funeral arrangments. The fax has been sent, the plans are (more or less) locked in, the mousekeeper envelopes are created, the suitcases are (mostly) packed, and I just gassed up the car for the final time before we go.
Mom is incredbily excited to go, so much so that it’s now driving her nuts because she can’t really do anything to prep for the trip just yet (Imagine being a planner but not being able to actually execute your preperations it because someone already did everything or you’re stuck somewhere.) She’s also scared that the doctors will suddenly restrict her from going (even though that has been the completely opposite case so far). She is getting sent home tomorrow, so we’ll be doing a final big shopping trip to get some last minute things that I purposefully put off so she can buy some things.
I called PHL Airport to see how to get from Curb to Checkin Desk and they were completely unhelpful. Essentially they told me I was on my own. It’s Ok though, mom being able to walk under her own power for a few minutes makes this way easier (I’ll cart the bags, she’ll handle the chair until we get to the deks). On Friday I’ll be calling the TSA to get the final run down of what I’ll need to do there (not worried at all about that now that mom’s breathing has been steady and improving). Called the oxygen people again cause I started getting conflicting information on the battery life again and just to cover, they threw in 2 extra batteries at no charge (yay!).
So it looks like we’re all set. I’m still on high alert because I know this is all subject to change until we walk through those gates but … everything is looking real good.
Just can’t thank you all enough for your help!! Please know it is and has been truly appreciated.
(oh and I passed my courses from last semester and have since learned that, no matter what, I will be graduating with Honors. Now the final few classes will determine just how high those honors will be.)
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So excited for you - and while I won’t speak for everyone, I’m super excited to hear and see your adventures once you arrive!
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Hi, I’m new, but have been following along. I’m so happy you and your mom are able to take this trip together. Cherish it!
Congrats on your courses!
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Congrats on the courses!
I’m so happy to hear everything is coming together, you are going to have the best time!
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Congratulations! On the trip and the coursework. Have a great time. Stay flexible and ENJOY your time together.
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Congrats! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about it!
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Hooray! I really hope everything goes smoothly.
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It warms my heart to see this post. Wishing you a wonderful trip. Please update us on how it went!
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Praying that you have a joyous trip and your mom is in the best possible health she can be in.
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This is such great, exciting news!
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