Flying a disabled passenger - advice needed

[goldenhorn]

I need to move my father from a care facility in Perth to a facility in Ballina. He has had a stroke and can’t walk and is wheelchair bound. I’m moving my parents closer to where I live so I can support them better.

I’ve had some quotes for private charter - one was $99,000 and the other was $56,000.

Now I’m wondering if maybe he could go commercial if we book the first row on business and I can get him from the wheelchair to a seat. We would like for direct PER-BNE and then get medical transport to Ballina.

I’ve never had to travel with a disabled passenger before. A few questions -

1. Does QF allow passengers to travel commercially if they can’t walk?
2. Do they provide a wheelchair from drop off to the plane or would we need to buy or rent our own?
3. Does PER-BNE only operate the 737 or is a 330 possible on some itineraries?

TIA for anyone who has experience in this area.

 

[RooFlyer]

I once had to take my disabled sister from Hobart to Brisbane. She is wheelchair bound, but can hobble a few steps.

Booked a wheelchair to board. I took her in her own chair to check-in, then the airport one took over. No questions asked that I can recall as to how disabled the pax was. I'm guessing that would have to make 'own arrangements' re toileting on board.

I think to check-in/beyond baggage carousel, you'd have to supply your own.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[justinbrett]

I need to move my father from a care facility in Perth to a facility in Ballina. He has had a stroke and can’t walk and is wheelchair bound. I’m moving my parents closer to where I live so I can support them better.

I’ve had some quotes for private charter - one was $99,000 and the other was $56,000.

Now I’m wondering if maybe he could go commercial if we book the first row on business and I can get him from the wheelchair to a seat. We would like for direct PER-BNE and then get medical transport to Ballina.

I’ve never had to travel with a disabled passenger before. A few questions -

1. Does QF allow passengers to travel commercially if they can’t walk?
2. Do they provide a wheelchair from drop off to the plane or would we need to buy or rent our own?
3. Does PER-BNE only operate the 737 or is a 330 possible on some itineraries?

TIA for anyone who has experience in this area.

Yes, the policy is here. You will have to get him out of the car but they take over from there with airport wheelchairs.

WCHC - wheelchair cabin

you are immobile within the aircraft cabin and may require assistance with transfer into/out of the aircraft seat you travel with a mobility aid such as a manual or battery powered wheelchair

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-needs/mobility-assistance.html

I can't see any A330s on the route at the moment but they have been previously.

 

[TheInsider]

Can he self medicate and go to the toilet unassisted? If he can't do that then someone would need to travel with him and be a carer.

Also would he be able to transfer from the wheelchair to his seat, or would he need a eagle lift to assist? Qantas do that all regularly.

 

[goldenhorn]

Can he self medicate and go to the toilet unassisted? If he can't do that then someone would need to travel with him and be a carer.

Also would he be able to transfer from the wheelchair to his seat, or would he need an eagle lift to assist? Qantas do that all regularly.

I will be travelling with him and my mother. He has upper body strength but legs are weak. He can take a little weight on them. . I will need to help him into the seat. Is the eagle lift a type of hoist?

Unfortunately, he is incontinent but he wears incontinence briefs which I understand completely waterproof/tight.