Travel Tips for Families Using Mobility Devices
Making trips smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Traveling with a child who uses a mobility device (such as a wheelchair, gait trainer, walker, stander, or adaptive stroller) can feel overwhelming—but with the right planning, your trip can be smooth, empowering, and even fun. Here are therapist-approved strategies to help families feel confident at the airport, on the road, and at your destination.
✈️ 1. Before You Go: Plan, Prepare, and Advocate
Call ahead
Contact:
Airlines or transportation services to document mobility needs
Hotels to confirm accessible rooms, roll-in showers, bed height, and elevator access
Attractions (museums, parks, tours) to verify accessibility routes, sensory accommodations, or equipment rules
Ask specifically:
“Can you tell me exactly what your wheelchair-accessible entrance looks like?”
Clear details matter more than just “Yes, we’re accessible.”
Know your equipment
Take photos of:
How your child’s device folds or breaks down
Key parts (brakes, wheels, straps, supports)
Serial numbers
These help if airline staff need guidance—or if something gets misplaced.
Pack a mobility toolkit
Include:
Allen keys, small screwdriver set
Zip ties + Velcro straps
Duct tape
Extra cushions, straps, footplates, or fidgets
A lightweight rain cover or trash bag for sudden weather
These small items can save a trip.
🚗 2. On the Road: Car Travel Tips
Practice loading/unloading the device before the trip so you know the smoothest method.
Use portable ramps if your vehicle or the curb drop is tricky.
Keep frequently needed items close: meds, snacks, water, wipes, and your child’s favorite comfort object.
Build in movement breaks every 1–2 hours. Even kids who use wheelchairs need changes in position to prevent discomfort.
Pack a lightweight backup mobility option, like a travel stroller or transport wheelchair, if appropriate.
✈️ 3. Air Travel: Making Airports Easier
Request wheelchair assistance
Even if your child uses their own device, airport staff can help with:
Security navigation
Gate transfers
Carrying extra bags
Fewer logistics = less stress.
Through TSA
You can request:
A private screening
A pat-down alternative
A manual device inspection rather than sending equipment through scanners
Tell TSA agents exactly how your child communicates and what movements or touch they tolerate.
At the gate
Get early boarding to give yourself time to secure seats and stow gear.
Confirm how and where your child’s device will be stored—preferably gate-checked instead of checked with baggage.
Attach bright tags with your name, phone number, and “MEDICAL EQUIPMENT – HANDLE WITH CARE.”
Protect your equipment
Use bubble wrap, foam pipe insulation, or towels to pad:
Joystick
Footplates
Side supports
Back canes
Brake mechanisms
Take photos before gate-checking for documentation in case of damage.
🧳 4. Packing Tips That Make a Big Difference
Bring comfort + regulation tools
Depending on your child’s sensory profile, helpful items may include:
Weighted lap pads
Noise-canceling headphones
Chewable fidgets
Stretchy bands for legs
Calming visuals or routines
Include medical and mobility paperwork
Keep these in your carry-on:
Prescription letters
Doctor’s notes
Insurance info
Device manuals
Airline mobility policies (screenshots)
Being prepared reduces delays.
Pack “just in case” clothing
Extra layers help with:
Cold airports
Hot destinations
Clothing changes after spills
Skin protection if transfers require more handling than usual
🌍 5. At Your Destination: Making Adventures Accessible
Scout the terrain first
Use Google Maps street view, park maps, or hotel photos to plan accessible paths and entry points.
Ask for local resources
Many cities have:
Adaptive equipment rental
Accessible beach chairs
Wheelchair-friendly transportation networks
Your hotel concierge or visitor center can help point you in the right direction.
Give yourself buffer time
Kids who use mobility devices often need more time for:
Transfers
Transitioning between surfaces (sand, grass, cobblestone)
Rest periods
Toileting needs
Slower pacing = more enjoyable travel.
💛 6. Tips for Helping Kids Feel Confident and Included
Explain the travel plan ahead of time through pictures or simple scripts.
Offer choices: “Do you want to ride in your chair or use your walker here?”
Invite them to help with tasks they enjoy (pressing elevator buttons, navigating hotel hallways, holding maps).
Build in sensory breaks and quiet zones.
Celebrate small wins: “You rolled all the way to the gate!”
Confidence grows with every successful outing.
✨ Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t have to be off-limits for families using mobility devices. With preparation, patience, and the right supports, trips can become meaningful opportunities for exploration, bonding, and independence.