Traveling With A Mobility Scooter - Flying & Cruising
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Hi Everyone! I have been getting tons of questions about what it is like to travel with a mobility scooter, so I thought I would sit down and make a little video describing my experiences. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to leave them in the comments. Much love and hugs all around! ♥️
Here are a few links that I mentioned in this video:
~Via Princess Cruise Lines (and most likely other cruise lines as well), you can arrange to rent a mobility device here:
*Special Needs at Sea: 800-513-4515 or 954-585-0575, or visit the Special Needs at Sea website
*Scootaround: 888-441-7575 or 204-982-0657, or visit the Scootaround website
~Here is the FAQs link that will answer ALL questions concerning cruising with a mobility device, just scroll down to "Accessible Accommodations":
www.princess.c...
~Here is a link for my specific scooter:
www.spinlife.c...
~Here is a link for the Spinlife main website:
www.spinlife.com
Been using a scooter for years. Always drive to gate. And down to the gate. They take the scooter and bring to the gate at destination. So easy.
Do they have to take it apart at the gate to go on the plane and vice versa for you to get it back?
@@joannsauter5385 no they don’t need to take it apart.
We just bought a travel scooter and we’re told that the Lthium Ion batteries ARE airline approved. Checked with AC and they confirmed this!!!😊
Thank you for a lovely video by an actual mobility scooter user. We are taking one on our first-ever cruise in May 2024.
Arlynn, my husband has started watching your videos with me and just loves your way of telling how it is! He has a mobility issue with his knees and back. This video really helped him realize that these items are tools not an admission of needing help or pridefulness. We rented a scooter for a NCL cruise last April and it saved his life. Now, he knows that he can do cruising & not feel like a burden to me. I actually used it one day to go to port! That was fun 😊 Just wanted to say thank you for doing these videos, you have a new viewer. Have a great trip in June!
Hi Liz, I read your comment to my hubby Chris last night and I told him that this was one of the nicest comments I've ever received. Thank you so very much for letting me know that I've maybe helped your hubby a little bit..it is good to know that my reach goes a little further than maybe I thought it did. I very much appreciate you taking the time to let me know!! ♥
So helpful for those of us who have never had to use a scooter before for plane & cruise!! Thank you!
I have a Buzzaround EX by Golden Tech. The shocks sure came in handy for all the cobblestones in Europe. I had a Pride mobility scooter previously and even the cobblestones at Disneyland beat me up.
Small lithium ion batteries of a size to power a mobility scooteer are allowed. I have been flying with my lithium ion powered scooter since 2012. There is a lot of confusion about this and airport employees are among the confused.
Hi Arlynn! Good info thanks! Hopefully I won't ever need to use these tips. 🤞 Glad it works so well for you! 💖
Hi Tammy, I too hope that you will never have to use these tips. ;) ♥
Thank you Arylynn! You answered a lot of airport questions for me!
Hi Sue, you are so very welcome! ♥
Thank you so much for all your info. I used scooteround for our cruise in September on the Madi Gras. They as well we're very kinda/we updated Carnival as well. Just remind people they requested prepayment.
This was so helpful- thank you so much!
You are so very welcome melsy!
I bought my mobility scooter last year and took it on 5 cruises and it worked out great. Getting it thru the door is sometimes a challenge but it can be done. Mine was $2,200 so when you mentioned $899 I was like Oh how I wish mine were that price LOL… It is a great thing to have if you have mobility issues though, it makes all the difference on exploring these huge ships!
Hi Taziar Travel, wow, $2200, yikes! I didn't realize that they could be that expensive, of course, mine is really my only experience, so I honestly wouldn't know. I agree with you on the doorways and utilizing a scooter makes all of the difference on exploring those huge ships. :) ♥
Considered getting a scooter myself but my husband thinks I don't need it. I had back surgery for spinal stenosis and a ruptured disc about a year and a half ago and while sitting I'm just fine, but walking or standing is a struggle (painful) after several minutes. He has had surgery on one ruptured disc but standing is his friend - sitting makes him uncomfortable. I think he believes if I get one that I'm giving up. Going to Alaska again (3rd time) in the fall and I hope I can maneuver on my own this trip. If not, I may have to insist on something next trip, or not go. I appreciate all the info you provide us with Arlynn. You're the best!
Hi M S, I'm so very sorry to hear that your hubby isn't more understanding of your level of pain. I have to agree with you and say that you should probably at the very least rent a scooter from one of the companies that I linked in the description box. You describe yourself the way I feel, I can't stand for hours on end...even minutes on end cause me pain. I sure hope that he gives in and changes his mind for your next cruise...it truly was a game changer for me, my cruises are way more enjoyable now a days. (((Hugs))) to you!! 💗
fly from SLC to LGB monthly visit grand kids. VA disabled and can't walk or stand unassisted. Wife travels with me. 78 years old and 69 years old wife...great help. A auto folding scooter worked for me. Too expensive however, but convenient and light in weight (49 lbs) and easy for rampers to take below from jet bridge. Gate agents usually ask about lithium battery watt rating. If it is allowed they'll either have it remained on scooter or to have it removed and take it with you. Here is how we board...down the jet bridge...get off scooter, depress my remote, scooter folds like the size of a suitcase, my wife helps me into the aircraft. If scooter gets damage, report it to the baggage claim office. One trip to Hawaii my scooter was damaged. American Airlines provided a scooter for my use in Hawaii. They were not able to repair my scooter and replaced it with a new scooter. Never too old to travel. If there is a will there is a way. Thank you Arlynn for your comments.
No one ever shows getting around the buffet on a scooter 😢
You are right I do not show that because I actually get up and walk around the buffet. But I am currently on a cruise and plenty of people are making their way around the buffet in their scooters. It is definitely doable. It is difficult for me to film and to gather my food at the same time whether I’m walking or scuttering.
power wheelchairs are so much better for this, but the lightweight ones may be harder to find for rentals.
Arlynne, I own the exact same scooter. I have found that even if in an accessible cabin, sometimes the hallways are narrow for ease of exiting the cabin ( more than entering) it is easier to put the scooter in "push mode" by releasing the motor via the release on the rear back top left side. Much easier to turn it round the door frame into the hall way...just don't forget to re-engage the motors, or your battery light will flash at you!
I agree on all fronts Rhonda, those have been some of my experience as well. Thank you for watching and sharing for others to see your experiences. :) ♥
I have the same issues (torn meniscus s/p surgery to "correct" it- which actually made it worse. I'm getting ready to go to Europe on a cruise and this info was helpful...worried about the cobblestones in Europe!
Thank you for sharing
Good to see you Arlynn
Hi Karen! Aww, you are so very welcome!! Thank you for watching girl!! ♥
Hi, Arlynn i hope your feeling better by now. Your travel channel is a great idea. All of the info on your trips will encourage others to travel. The scooter was also a good purchase. Have a wonderful week.
Hi Denise, thank you so very much girl!! And yes, I am feeling much better now. :) I hope that you have a wonderful week as well! ♥️
Hi Arlynn, thank you, thank you, thank you! This video was so full of helpful information.
Question - does your scooter take a lot of trunk space? I travel with my son and daughter in law so we have 3 suitcases. I use a transport wheel chair now and feel so guilty having my kids push me. They keep telling me it’s not a problem but I want a scooter. The feel of independence is important to me.
Question - did you get nervous driving your scooter on that last dip before getting on ship. Sometimes it’s so steep. Just wondering if it was hard to control.
Please do a review of your Holland Cruise. Holland vs Princess, food, rooms, entertainment etc. I’ve been waiting for it! I would truly love to hear your opinion.
Thank you ❤
Hi Betty, we have an Outback and a Subaru Sonata, we have to break it down to put it in the Sonata's trunk, and yes it takes up a good bit of space in the trunk. For the Outback, we take the basket off and remove the seat and it sits up in the back in tact. We drove to Ft. Lauderdale (from Virginia) this past January and with the seats laid down, the luggage and scooter fit fine. I would say if they have an SUV or Van, you should be fine (or a large car). :)
Thanks Arlynn for the wealth of information! I have been considering purchasing a scooter and this video was very helpful. Questions! Is the scooter fairly easy to operate? What about when trying to get in the elevator. Also if possible could you do a short video on how to take apart? Thanks so much. Really enjoy all your videos.
Hi Suzy you are so very welcome!! To answer your questions, yes, the scooter is super easy to operate and I had no problem getting in and out of elevators. :) Just pull it straight in, you don't have to turn it at all, it fits in the elevators that way, then just back it out the same way you pulled it in. :) It is not hard to take apart girl, trust me on that front. :) Again, thank you for your sweet words and for watching! ♥
Thank you so much Arlynn. So, appreciate this video and your wonderful words. I am sitting here having a pity party for myself. My husband and I was going on our first ever cruise this August to Alaska. I had written you several times about using a scooter on a cruise. You were so nice to answer all of my questions for me Thank you so much for all your help and answers. We have saved and planned for so long for this. I found out yesterday I have to have shoulder surgery. I know it is going to be a long recovery. I know there will be other times it just is so disappointing after so much planning and dreaming about what we might get to see or do.
Aww, hi Sandra, I'm so very, very sorry girl. But, I'm betting that you will enjoy your cruise even more once you have had and have recovered from your surgeries. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers girl!! ♥
@@arlynnstravels Thank you so much. I am grateful it is only shoulder surgery. So many others have so many more terrible things they are dealing with in life. Thank you again for the very helpful video.
We own our own scooters, but they are too big for the standard cabins. On our cruise to Hawaii, we were unable to get an accessible cabin. (They sell out quickly) We rented two scooters from Scootaround on Princess to Hawaii. Easy Peasy. You fill out the form online with which scooter you need, you select your ship and your date, and it populates everything you need. You pay the rate, and you are good to go. The scooters were sitting in our stateroom when we arrived, and we just left them in the room on debarkation day. As you did, we took the arms off and put them on the top shelf in the closet. We were able to put one scooter in the closet, and put the other scooter against the unopening part of the balcony door. Since the batteries were removable, we pulled them off the scooters and plugged them in when needed.
My hubby had a major stroke 10 tears ago resulting in very limited mobility and balance issues. I purchased a Luggie scooter about 6 years ago. Lifesaver! Several cruises and doing a transatlantic ending in Rome in April (nervous as the Sherpa!). This scooter folds like a baby stroller so I can handle it myself in and out of car. Expensive -$1800 w removable lithium battery that I keep w me at gate check on plane. We try to get an ADA room on ships but sometimes it’s difficult. I think people get the rooms when not needed-hubby needs the extra safety in bathroom. Scooter has been a saving grace for us to travel either by plane, car or cruise ship. I’ll keep you posted on how Rome is with a scooter. Several Mediterranean ports also. It’ll be an adventure but the other alternative is to just stay home. I always need a vacation after our vacations though as the mobile spouse. I must do all the heavy lifting! I also suggest the scooter driver practice before using on a trip. Steering can be a bit finicky especially in tight spots and elevators.
Hey there, I don't see your name so my apologies for not saying your name here. But, I thank you first for watching and second for your story about your hubby's stroke (I'm so sorry about that) and your "sherpa" duties...bless your heart, I know that is not easy, but, yes, a scooter sure does help in that manner. I appreciate you relating your story and I hope that others have seen it and it will help them to make the decision to go ahead and either rent or invest in a mobility scooter. ♥️
I have learned so much from your videos. My MIL is considering using a scooter. She is mobile but can’t walk for long periods of time. I do have questions about uses the scooter in ports and on the cruise.
How do you manage getting in and out of stores, especially those that have smaller areas to maneuver through?
If tendering is required for a port, will Princess make accommodations to get the scooter to land? The reason I ask is I went on a Celebrity cruise last September and they announced they would be unable to accommodate scooters or wheelchairs.
I love the idea of using the scooter to get from the stateroom to the dining rooms and other areas. What is done with the scooter while you are eating or doing other activities?
Is the theater accommodating? Meaning using the scooter to get there but wanting to sit in a seat.
Thanks for always sharing your knowledge with us!
Pam
Hi Pam, first thank you so much for your sweet words, I very much appreciate you watching!! 💗 Now, let me see if I can answer your questions:
How do you manage getting in and out of stores, especially those that have smaller areas to maneuver through?
~Well, that is a good question, if it is too small to maneuver through I don't go in honestly. For instance, in the Delft store that we went in in Curaçao, there was no way that I could get my scooter in there, so I did get up and walk in there for a bit. I took small breaks by setting what I wanted to purchase down on the counter and then I would zip out to my scooter that was parked near the entrance and take a little break and then go back in and do more shopping. That seemed to work well. :)
If tendering is required for a port, will Princess make accommodations to get the scooter to land? The reason I ask is I went on a Celebrity cruise last September and they announced they would be unable to accommodate scooters or wheelchairs.
~For Princess, normally they do not allow one to tender if they cannot do without the scooter. So if one cannot manage to get on and off of the tender and then walk around the port or get to the excursion vehicle, well for me, I just don't tender. (There are some ports where they utilize larger tender boats, I've never tried, but, if that is the case, one might be able to do that tender).
I love the idea of using the scooter to get from the stateroom to the dining rooms and other areas. What is done with the scooter while you are eating or doing other activities?
~For all of the cruises we've been on, I drive my scooter to where our table is located in the MDR (main dining room) and a crew member takes it and parks it, usually near-by and I walk a short distance to my seat. They are very accommodating. In the buffet, you can park it beside your table if there is room or along the wall as you enter. In other venues, they crew will help you.
Is the theater accommodating? Meaning using the scooter to get there but wanting to sit in a seat.
Yes, very, there are "accessible seats" in the back of the theatre and there are ramps up and into the theatre, very easily maneuvered.
When you put it under the bus to do a tour, do you have to take it apart?
Which parts come off?
Does it come with a lightweight bag to put the parts in for storage under the bus?
Sorry, I may have missed a bit as we got a delivery while I was watching, and I forgot to pause the video.
You look great! I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for posting them.
Hi JG, I am answering you from my other RUclips channel but it’s me Arlynn. I encourage you to research your excursions and make sure that they are accessible for somebody with a mobility scooter. Princess cruises will say one way or the other if they are or not. If you are taking an excursion/tour that is friendly to accessible folks and they have a motorcoach then they usually just fold down the front handlebar and load it into the bottom of the bus that way. What comes off of the scooter is the basket, and the seat can be lifted off, and as I said, the handlebar can be folded down. Edited to add you can also remove the battery.
@@ArlynnsCountryCraftCorner Thanks for telling me. I have only needed a scooter once so far, but now I have been diagnosed with lung disease, and my energy isn't what it used to be. I haven't cruised since before the pandemic, but I love Princess. The last cruise was to Alaska for our anniversary (married in 1988) and we got an aft suite. It was amazing.
Ahhhh yes, an aft suite in Alaska, I imagine that was absolutely wonderful!! I'm so sorry to hear of your lung disease, but, am happy that you will possibly use a scooter to help you on your next adventure. We were married in 1982. :) ♥️
All airlines & airports have to offer Special Assistance. You can gate check your scooter at each connection & use your scooter in the connecting airports.
Yes that is exactly what I did on our last journey.
Thanks for all your information. I will be flying for the first time, American Airlines, with a mobility scooter. I no have a heads up. We will be also causing in September, and glad I have the scooter.
Glad it was helpful!
Have used both companies. Both great.
Hi Arlynn! Thank you for this video it was very informative. But I do have a ? Do you know if traveling by plane you can bring your own equipment ? I have a portable transport chair that gets a lot of use because it folds up so when there are shopping trips doctor visits etc. my hubby wheels me as I can’t do long distance or stand for long without sitting. I haven’t researched myself, just thought you might know. Thank you❤️🙏🏻🥰
Hi Karen, I'm sure that you can bring whatever you need with you on the plane, I would call your specific airline and discuss how to handle it on your specific flights though as I don't want to tell you something and then have it not be true. :) ♥
Your video has been very helpful. Thank you.
Aww, thank you so much Colleen, I'm so get that you found this video to be helpful. :)
Hi Arylynn!! Patty Polly here!! You look beautiful!! Thanks for sharing!! Love ya girl🥰
Hi'ya Patty!! We are hopping around everywhere on the Internet today aren't we girl. ;) Thank you so much for watching and as always for your sweet words! ♥
Girl, you make me smile!! I’ve had one knee replacement & need the other but I have been dodging that knife for quite awhile🤓. And I have had one back surgery, and trying my best to NOT have another. And I have arthritis as you know sooooo, it’s good to hear positive advice on how I can still travel if I need a travel scooter. Question, and please feel free to PM the answer. You’ve lost 62 pounds in 6 months? Please, for the sake of my knees & health can you share HOW?! I need help😞
I had to take that step. Had to admit and embrace my new situation. Your video made me feel better about this scooter issue.
I just got a scooter for traveling, so I am finding your talk very interesting. I'm about 15 minutes in and wondering why you don't use your scooter on layovers. I would think it would make more sense to pick it up at the gate and ride it to the next gate.
Hi Lynette, most of our layovers are not all that long, 1-1/2 at the most lately as a matter of fact. I'm too nervous too have them gather the scooter from under one plane, bring it to me at the gate, for me to scooter to the next gate and then recheck the scooter and have them put it under the plane again, It is much easier and more efficient to arrange for wheelchair assist at the layover airport (unless it was an overnight).
@@arlynnstravels I plan to gate check and pick it up to use during the layover. My logic is that way I know it has made it that far and if I then gate check for the next plane, it is more likely to be on the right plane. We tend to have longer layovers because we fly from a small airport and our layovers are at major hubs. We always fly on Delta. Thank you for the reply.
Hi Lynette, it’s me Arlynn just answering from my other RUclips channel’s handle so to speak. It sounds like you have it all planned out and it sounds like it will work perfectly for you. I wish you a wonderful travels!! ❤️
@@ArlynnsCountryCraftCorner After I replied I realized that my scooter is a lot more compact and easy to use. The whole scooter weighs only 45 lbs and just folds for transport. The seat folds down and then the control stick folds down over the seat. The folded dimensions are 40 x 22 x 17. I purposely got a small lightweight one so my husband and I could easily lift it in and out of our SUV. It's a So-Lite scooter from Journey. I'm like you and can walk, but not long distances, so I only use it for vacation.
I agree.
Thanks for the video. I have bad knees as well and have had a total knee replacement a few years back. I did use a wheel chair in the airport a few times. The surgery has allowed me to have much better mobility. Are you planning on surgery in the future?
Thank you for watching J Booth and I'm very happy for you and your knee surgery, that is great! :) ♥
Have you since done this with the scooter from gate to gate
You MUST show a video of disassembly and trunk storage.
I don’t disassemble mine for trunk storage. We can simply loosen the handlebars and fold them down and if necessary, the seat just lift off. That is as much taking apart as we do with my scooter.
my problem is i am a single traveler how do you handle luggage with the chari
Skycaps before check-in or other volunteers. Most people are happy to help, especially since they can preboard the plane with you. Also, some scooters have attachments that you can use to attach your wheeled luggage to. And you can operate a scooter with one hand.
Thank you for helping this sweet lady. It sounds like you are well traveled and experienced. @@kbf6434
I have a really good roller bag that I can roll with one hand and drive with the other. You might need help going thru security, getting everything up on the conveyor.
Renting a scooter for the first time for an upcoming Alaska cruise. Do you have a name tag or some type of identifier on your scooter?
Actually you addressed this issue. Fantastic video!!
I always attach a luggage tag on my scooter.
@@carolhuff1109Thank you for the idea. I'm going to do exactly that because I heard one key works for all of them
Plus I hide an apple AirTag on my scooter.
I am having trouble finding out how to manage when I can't take the scooter on a tour/excursion.I am ok transferring but cannot walk longer distances. I just want to know if there are places that the scooter can be parked until the excursion has been completed so that it can be retrieved and then we can do more exploring.
When we were in Paris we had to leave my scooter to go on a Seine cruise because the ramp was closed. I knew this ahead of time so we found a place we could lock it to, a fence behind the stairs with a cable long enough to go thru the side of the seat, the top of the batteries and snuggly around the body. In Amsterdam we got to leave it in the tour guide office to go on a canal cruise.
Be careful if flying Copa Airlines. They pried open my scooter control unit, for an unexplained reason. This shorted out my scooter control board resulting in it needing to be replaced. Copa then only awarded 70% of scooter cost, as an International flight.
Yes, I would like to know your opinion on Holland America.
Okay Cathy, I'll try to do a comparison soon. :)
Arlynn, great info and tips on traveling with a mobility scooter, Thanks! Question re: Princess transfer from Ship to airport. Do you have to take your scooter apart for it to fit underneath the bus? Thanks!
Hey there Kathy, for my transfer, they simply rolled the scooter underneath the motorcoach. They didn’t have to break it down.
Great! Good to know, Thanks!
@@ArlynnsCountryCraftCorner
When you go about using your scooter in town at home do you take it apart to put in your car or how do you lift into and out of your car
I honestly no longer need to use it around my town, I'm much better now a days...(although I do still take my scooter on our cruises because I can get tired). Anyway, when we did take it with us around town, it would fit in the back of our car and my hubby lifted in and out for me. (We have a Subaru Outback...an SUV).
Thank you, thank you for this video !!! I am in the same situation as you are with knee issues. We are taking a Princess cruise to Alaska in August. Do you stay in balcony cabins ? I am hoping there will be enough room in the cabin for the scooter. How do you charge the scooter in your cabin ? And how long does it take to charge ? I am so grateful for all the information you provided !!! You are a true blessing !
Hey there, this is me Arlynn. I’m just answering you from my other RUclips channel account. Regarding if a scooter will fit in a balcony room, it may be tight, but you should be able to get it in the door with no trouble, just be sure to take the arms off. Regarding where to park at once in the room, you will probably need to park it over by the sliding glass door. Or honestly unless you have a deluxe balcony, you may need to park it in the closet area and move it when necessary. I just don’t know if it will make it past the bed and if you’ll be able to turn it to get it to the slider because of the shelving unit that sits there. I have a video for a balcony room, I will try to give you a link to that so that you can see what I’m talking about. Honestly, we usually do have a mini suite and it fits in there with no trouble at all. Regarding how long it takes to charge, not long at all, just plug it in, either at the desk area or the shelving area above where the refrigerator is each night.
Here is the link to a balcony cabin that we had on the Ruby princess. This is before we had our scooter though. I hope this helps. My hubby seems to think you should be able to get it in with no trouble and around that shelving unit.
ruclips.net/video/4ezvuJU7QME/видео.htmlsi=ZXISCql8_KAPQ1ti
Scooters charge using a regular outlet.
@@ArlynnsCountryCraftCorner Thank you !
Just one item to check with your airline. Here is what is on Delta's site.
Hi Carol, I don't see anything from Delta, did you try and give me a link?
Sorry I cut and pasted it all but it isn’t showering up. I’ll get you the link.
Curious - do you have a preference between Holland America and Princess? I love Princess so I cannot imagine any other cruise line quite measuring up. :)
Hi MS, I actually do a comparison between the two in this video. I honestly prefer Princess, but, Holland sure has a lovely product and if the itinerary was right, I'd absolutely sail with them again. :) Here is a link to that video where I do a comparison between the two lines. ruclips.net/video/ztROFpbQvnk/видео.html
First thank you for the mobility topic. we are taking a cruise to Alaska with a scooter in May, but won't be using an airline. Since you go on Princess, could you tell me what there protocol for covid test before you board. They keep giving me different answers. Thank you.
Hi Ed, at this very moment in time, there are no Covid protocols that one needs to meet for an Alaska cruise. That said, keep an eye on your Cruise Personalizer and your email, if something changes, Princess will make an announcement and I'm sure send you and email. Thank you for your kind words!
@@arlynnstravels Thank you
I would love some advice! Please! If I need a mobility aid for anything longer then 100 feet approximately am I better off to rent a scooter when I get to Mexico and use a wheelchair in the airport. Or renting a mobility scooter and flying with it to Mexico. I’m new to this. I’m 39 and really need help.
Hi @stephaniefockler335. I think that you would probably be fine with renting a scooter you get to your cruise ship. I would encourage you to ask for a wheelchair upon arrival at the cruise terminal though as there can be lines and a lot of standing around there...so just stop and ask one of the employees at your embarkation terminal and they'll be glad to help you. Now, all of that said, IF you have a lot of cruises in your future, I would encourage you to invest in a scooter and go ahead and travel with it. :) I hope all goes well on your upcoming trip and that you have an amazing time!
❤
Does insurance cover cost if scooter it dies complicated you have to meet annual part b deductible of 177 bucks the Medicare pays eighty percent it’s like a thousand bucks outbof losketvforvseniors disabled I never got one I don’t need ine
I honestly have no idea.