[Accessible Japan]

Hi Cheryl,

Thank you for using the forum.

As far as I am aware, every airline requires wheelchairs to be stored in the hold as there is no space in the cabin and no way to secure it in case of turbulance etc…

There is a group trying to change this, but no success yet as far as I know.

You might want to read this:
http://www.allwheelsup.org/wheelchair-airplane-traveling-guide/

I strongly recommend take a number of pictures of the wheelchair at the airport just before getting on the plane. This lets the staff know that you are paying attention (hopefully inspiring them to be extra careful!), but more importantly, in the event that something does happen, you can prove to the airline that it was fine before putting it on the plane and therefore. Take the pictures at the airport so the airline can’t say “we don’t know when you took those, it could have been any time”.

Also, you will likely have the opportunity to chose whether to check the wheelchair at the baggage counter, or at the gate. Choose the gate so your daughter can ride in the comfort of her own chair longer, and so that loading the wheelchair will be separated from other baggage and get special treatment.

As for airlines, if you are coming to Japan I recommend a Japanese airline as they are very careful with wheelchairs. I feel that JAL does better than ANA but either are great.

Maybe @sarahtengler (from Impact Vacations – an accessible travel agency) can suggest other good airlines?

I have flown many times, but only had a problem once or twice. So, the likelihood of anything going wrong is slim – don’t worry too much! If anything does happen though, send me a message and I can put you in touch with either a repair place or a rental place here in Japan.

But I don’t think you’ll need it. (^_^)