Customers are encouraged to consider the below list of useful tips to ensure a seamless travelling experience.
Start to plan their trip early and well in advance.
If you are travelling long distances and not sure whether you will be able to sustain long hours then it may be recommended flights be broken up into segments more suitable.
Become informed about various travel services and resources to meet any special needs both locally and overseas.
Arrange for a wheelchair, wheelchair accessible hotel rooms, wheelchair car rental, enquire about lift equipped accessible vans or vehicles.
Check with hotels or places of stay for inner and outer door widths to accommodate wheelchair access and approved bathtubs, grab bars and roll in showers.
Consider national companies offering travel nurses, companions or assistants to accompany customers with medical concerns.
Organise passport, visa compliance, validity and copy of documentation and immunisation requirements prior to departure.
Organise travel and/or auto insurance.
Arrange for extra supplies of medication or prescriptions, letter from a doctor or specialist. Learn the names of any medications.
Ensure eyeglasses, contacts, dental work and physical/health check are performed.
Check your destination city local health and medical services and associations well prior to departure.
Talk to anxious family members or friends about airline service measures and measures in place to facilitate your journey at your arrival destinations.
Remember that an assistance dog may subject to quarantine, safety, airline policy and other regulatory requirements.
Obtain travel books, audio enabled books, access guides and travel experiences of how customers with special needs have travelled in various locations.
If you are travelling with special equipment, have knowledge of type, type of power, etc. and notify the airline prior to departure.
Ensure your wheelchair is locked and stabilised, torso and feet are secure.
Double check any arrangements made.
Make a list of phone numbers of those who could assist at your destination.
Take any medical cards, discount cards, insurance policies, phone numbers, airline tickets, confirmations, credit cards, debit cards, driver’s license and passport with you and pack prior to departure.
Consider any products for urine drainage and storage if necessary prior to flight.
Label wheelchairs.
Arrive early at the airport to discuss any special assistance information with staff.
Minimise delays by providing all necessary medical documentation to Singapore Airlines which is treated in confidence.
Look for elevators and lifts at airports.
Arrive at the boarding gates ahead of the boarding time to discuss any special assistance information with staff.
Communicate with the crew in the air for any special assistance required in flight.
Remember the airline will take an individual approach and not make assumptions each time customers travel on board.
Remember the airline will endeavour to assist and address your concerns for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Performing gentle exercise (if possible) is encouraged in the air.
Drinking plenty of fluids and fruit to encourage salivation.
Using eye drops or ointment if required.
Using ear drops if required.
Using suitable skin moisturiser or emollients cream if required.
Wearing light weight clothing.
Using necessary personal amenities.
Establishing a toilet routine, feeding routine if required.
Using reminders if required.
Having knowledge of turbulence, a common and unavoidable factor in flight.
Check with staff when a wheelchair will be available once off a flight.