pwyckoff
05-19-2003, 02:47 PM
I thought this might be instructive for all disabled Segway riders, and potentially for the Segway population at large.
I recently took my Segway from San Francisco to Washington DC flying Jet Blue from Oakland Airport to Dulles. I cannot state more emphatically how positive my experience was, which I believe was in part due to a little planning, decent manners and some good luck.
Here are some of my experiences and suggestions:
Call the airline ahead of time and indicate that you are disabled and will be bringing your own personal mobility device called the Segway Human Transporter. Be prepared to answer questions about the weight, battery, ability to fold the handlebars etc.
At the airport, be sure to have your currently valid disabled auto placard visible (I made some reduced size copies of the placard, laminated and put on a chord around my neck). Be prepared to show security personnel your valid disability card (the one you keep in your wallet from the DMV), and of course remain ultra cordial and polite (try to get your boarding pass from the automated dispenser prior to going through security, so you don't have to wait on line at the check in counter).
Though every airline has its policy (Jet Blue is fantastic!), you should be able to ride your Segway from the entrance of the airport directly to the gate where airline personnel will take it, stow it, and provide you with a gate check voucher which you will present on landing. The Segway will be brought to you at the gate.
Note: Upon return, I was asked whether the battery cables could be disconnected, so be prepared to explain how the battery is self-contained, sealed in plastic etc.
I used the Segway throughout the airport, in shops, restaurants, up and down elevators and on transit buses at Dulles without problems. In order for Segway users to establish a positive first impression, one must ride VERY SLOWLY and continue to display your valid handicap placard at all times. I believe that these positive first impressions can eventually extend to the Segway population at large, thereby increasing the chances for acceptance on public and private transportation, in airports, train terminals etc. (note the already positive acceptance in France).
Since transportation from the airport to one's destination may be an issue, I would recommend investigating either city taxi vans or private car services that employ large cars (i.e. Lincoln Town Cars) where the Segway can easily fit in the trunk.
As for my stay in Washington, it could not have been more agreeable. I used my Segway in the hotel, rode down Pennsylvania Avenue, in and out of the World Bank building, for coffee at Starbucks, and lunch at a French brasserie.
The inquiries were fast and furious (as expected), but always positive and constructive.
I recently took my Segway from San Francisco to Washington DC flying Jet Blue from Oakland Airport to Dulles. I cannot state more emphatically how positive my experience was, which I believe was in part due to a little planning, decent manners and some good luck.
Here are some of my experiences and suggestions:
Call the airline ahead of time and indicate that you are disabled and will be bringing your own personal mobility device called the Segway Human Transporter. Be prepared to answer questions about the weight, battery, ability to fold the handlebars etc.
At the airport, be sure to have your currently valid disabled auto placard visible (I made some reduced size copies of the placard, laminated and put on a chord around my neck). Be prepared to show security personnel your valid disability card (the one you keep in your wallet from the DMV), and of course remain ultra cordial and polite (try to get your boarding pass from the automated dispenser prior to going through security, so you don't have to wait on line at the check in counter).
Though every airline has its policy (Jet Blue is fantastic!), you should be able to ride your Segway from the entrance of the airport directly to the gate where airline personnel will take it, stow it, and provide you with a gate check voucher which you will present on landing. The Segway will be brought to you at the gate.
Note: Upon return, I was asked whether the battery cables could be disconnected, so be prepared to explain how the battery is self-contained, sealed in plastic etc.
I used the Segway throughout the airport, in shops, restaurants, up and down elevators and on transit buses at Dulles without problems. In order for Segway users to establish a positive first impression, one must ride VERY SLOWLY and continue to display your valid handicap placard at all times. I believe that these positive first impressions can eventually extend to the Segway population at large, thereby increasing the chances for acceptance on public and private transportation, in airports, train terminals etc. (note the already positive acceptance in France).
Since transportation from the airport to one's destination may be an issue, I would recommend investigating either city taxi vans or private car services that employ large cars (i.e. Lincoln Town Cars) where the Segway can easily fit in the trunk.
As for my stay in Washington, it could not have been more agreeable. I used my Segway in the hotel, rode down Pennsylvania Avenue, in and out of the World Bank building, for coffee at Starbucks, and lunch at a French brasserie.
The inquiries were fast and furious (as expected), but always positive and constructive.