15 Things That Can Go Wrong Traveling with a Disability

Traveling can be fun and stressful. The problems are often multiplied for travelers with disabilities. What could go wrong? Turns out, quite a bit. The journey is a rollercoaster of unexpected obstacles, and poorly thought-through solutions.

Preparation does help, but it doesn’t eliminate surprises. There are airline policies, inaccessible bathrooms, or missing ramps to deal with, and getting around while managing accessibility needs requires patience, adaptability, and a solid sense of humor. Here are 15 potential challenges to keep in mind:

Airline Inaccessibility

Traveling by air is a common pain point for travelers with disabilities. Loading can damage wheelchairs, seating arrangements often don’t meet special needs, and even pre-boarding procedures can be chaotic. In a single year, some American airlines damaged or mishandled more than 10,000 wheelchairs and scooters.

The Hotel Rooms That Aren’t Accessible

You book an accessible hotel room only to get a shower you’ll need to perform acrobatics to get in and out of, or a bed that is also impossible to transfer to. Standards for accessibility vary widely by location, and descriptions online can be misleading.

Obstacles to Public Transportation

Buses, trains, and subways aren’t always as accommodating as they say. Travelers can be left with broken elevators, inaccessible stops, or misinformed staff. A study shows that nearly 25% of U.S. transit stations do not meet basic accessibility requirements.

Inconsistent Sidewalk Accessibility

Exploring a city on foot? Keep an eye out for elevations in the sidewalk, like missing curb cuts or exposed grassy areas; and include the possible dangers of parked cars blocking a ramp or blind spots for drivers. Many city sidewalks were designed long before accessibility was a priority, and wheelchair users and people with mobility aids have a hard time navigating the maze.

Rental Car Hassles

Do you need a vehicle with hand controls or wheelchair storage? They are hard to come by or arrive late and derail your plans.

Insufficient Help at Attractions

You can brag that a museum, a park, or a historic site is accessible, but that doesn’t always mean the experience is a seamless one. Hearing impairments may not be accommodated by audio guides, ramps may go nowhere, or key exhibits may be out of reach.

Language Barriers

Traveling abroad with a disability is a whole other ball game. It’s frustrating to have to explain your needs in a language you don’t speak fluently, or at all. Basic terms like “wheelchair ramp” will not travel well.

Restroom Accessibility Is Unpredictable

It’s like a scavenger hunt to find an accessible restroom. Poorly maintained or improperly designed facilities will create more problems than they solve, even if such facilities are present.

Service Animal Restrictions

Service animals are invaluable to many, but not all countries, or establishments, accept them. Policies among airlines and local laws differ, and it’s exhausting trying to convince skeptical gate agents, hotel staff of your animal’s role.

Lack of Knowledgeable Staff

Lack of training among staff can be an unnecessary hurdle, whether it’s a tour guide, flight attendant, or front desk clerk. Staff that are poorly trained can actually make situations worse if they don’t know what they are doing.

Medical Equipment Mishaps

There’s another layer of worry that comes with traveling with medical equipment. Keeping your gear safe and functional is crucial, but it’s not easy, from TSA mishandling to storage issues on planes.

Accessibility Features Overbooked

Demand can outstrip supply whether it’s accessible seating at an event or priority boarding. The result? The scramble to somehow bring about alternate arrangements, while watching others making the most of the little resources there are.

Inaccessible Dining Options

Dining out with low vision can be challenging – tight seating, inaccessible bathrooms, or menus without braille and/or large print. It’s not just about being able to physically access the experience, sometimes it’s about feeling included in the experience.

Weather Complications

Bad weather can ruin anyone’s plans, but especially those with disabilities. Accessible routes can become impassable quickly when they are rain soaked ramps, icy sidewalks, or extreme heat.

Unexpected Costs

The costs can pile up from hiring specialized transportation to booking adapted accommodations. According to a 2015 study by the Open Doors Organization, adults with disability that travel spend more than $17 billion a year in the U.S. alone, but they often pay more for fewer choices.

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