Before I travel, I always photograph my wheelchair from every angle, just in case it gets damaged on the journey. Cory Lee advises tagging your mobility aid with clear instructions on how to handle it. I also make sure I speak to a staff member and repeat my access requirements the moment I arrive at the airport, because relying on assistance showing up when you need it is a gamble. Should you need to starve or dehydrate to sustain the flight, make sure you pack electrolytes for when you land. Never assume you can access an aisle chair or toilet on board – always check first so you’re not caught out mid-flight.
Know your rights
As a disabled person, it’s essential to know your legal rights. It’s one thing to know you have rights, it’s another to invoke them. Having relevant passages saved on your phone or printed in your bag can help you reference them quickly in case of a dispute. It sends a strong message: I’m informed, and I will be heard.
Use AI to help you source and understand the differences in the countries you are traveling in and to as they will vary, and you can’t trust the protections you have in one will travel with you to another. Having clear, tailored information at hand can defuse disputes, save time, and give you peace of mind.
Document everything (good and bad)
Photos, receipts, and written confirmations are all part of your advocacy arsenal. But don’t just gather them for disputes or insurance claims, use them to build confidence in resolving future issues. For example, if you’ve had a successful wheelchair transfer or outstanding assistance, take note of what made it work. Use those strategies as templates to request support in the future, or to push back when things go wrong.
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Pack like an accessibility pro
My travel survival kit always includes a portable charger, medication stored in multiple bags, back-up medical supplies, and a list of my equipment specs. Cory Lee never leaves without duct tape for unexpected wheelchair repairs. Some may benefit from packing a sensory and rest kit with earplugs, an eye mask, fidget toys, or other calming tools for overwhelming environments. Include multiple printed copies of your medication list and mobility aid dimensions, and consider laminating them if you have time. Check where you are traveling to make sure any medications you are carrying are safe to bring.
Expect to get lost—and be okay with it
Even with the best planning, disorientation happens. Lucy Edwards embraces it. “I’m often in unfamiliar cities, and there’s always going to be a moment where you feel lost. Honestly, it can happen even in places I know well, if I miscount a curb or my guide dog is distracted.” Instead of panicking, she problem-solves, using technology, staff support, and her own instincts. “In today’s world, we’re almost never too far from help,” she says. If something goes wrong, Sulaiman recommends pausing, using your calming strategies, then acting from a place of strength and clarity.
