Manual wheelchair for traveling quad

[rtr]

I'm looking for a wheelchair that can be folded for storage in the airplane cabin. The chair should provide enough support for a quad and a reclining back, if possible, for lazing in the sun after I arrive. Any recommendations?

[Chris Chappell]

Check out www.nuprodx.com (http://www.nuprodx.com)

Onward and Upward!

[rtr]

Thanks Chris, but your link led to a commode chair rather than a manual wheelchair. I'd look pretty silly waiting for the plane with my butt hanging through the hole. <LOL>

Of course, it would be easier to make it through the security checks! http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Chris Chappell]

RTR, ah, ummm, sorry http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/redface.gif http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif

Let me try this again. Have you tried any of the wheelchair manufacturers/distributors such as:

www.tilite.com (http://www.tilite.com) www.sportaid.com (http://www.sportaid.com) www.invacare.com (http://www.invacare.com) www.quickie.com (http://www.quickie.com)

I have a Ti folding manual chair which travels very easy.

Onward and Upward!

[Craig T]

Chris, I too use a folding Ti Lite, but fear traveling with it due to the track record of airlines in handling luggage. I'd rather rent or borrow a folder for air travel. Have you had any difficulties?

[Chris Chappell]

CraigT, No never a problem. I make sure its tagged with my info, I discuss it repeatedly with the gate attendant and flight attendant before boarding and again about 1/2hr before landing.

So far, so good.

Onward and Upward!

[rtr]

The back folds down on the chair I have now. It doesn't squeeze together. Do you think it is easier to travel with a chair that folds or squeezes? I'm wondering about things like taking a taxi and keeping the chair in the airplane's cabin. I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has traveled with a wheelchair.

[betheny]

I use a Ti sport. Just take out the seat cushion and it folds right up. The airlines always let me take it in the plane w/ me. They put it in the closet thing that is to the right when you first enter the plane. It also goes in taxi trunks very well, but usually a friend loads it. I wouldn't want the airlines to check my chair like luggage. P.S. Pack your footrests in your suitcase if you can. I use a folding back which isn't much support. Betheny

[rtr]

Thanks Betheny. That's exactly the information I need.

Have you traveled a lot since your injury? Do you have any more good advice?

[betheny]

I don't travel as much as I used to, but I travelled a lot. Haven't been out of the US again yet. One thing- the major airports pay someone to help people like us, so don't feel like you're inconveniencing someone if you need help changing planes etc. If you can stand at all, it sure helps. If not, work on those tranfers. Getting from the aisle chair into the seat might be hard. My doc in rehab was determined not to allow me to quit travelling-when they planned outings, he insisted on one to the airport in Houston for me! I've had a lot of return since then, but he was adamant that it can be done by a quad. All travel was always a stress and a hassle, it helps if you remember that that is part of the adventure. My doc said on trans-Atlantic flights I should use an indwelling cath. Keep smiling (that also helps) and happy trails! Betheny