My first flight (with disability)

Two months ago, when I first booked my flight home to Lismore for Christmas, my expected mobility was uncertain. I didn’t know if I would still be in a wheelchair, or getting around easily with my prosthetic leg. A colleague with disability (she also has prosthetic limbs) urged me to book a wheelchair, as “It’s one of the few advantages of living with disability, so you might as well make use of it.”

Contrary to a misconception amongst some friends and family that I wouldn’t “need” a wheelchair once I had my prosthetic leg, there is always the chance I will need to use a wheelchair again. The experience of learning to walk again after an amputation can be non-linear. While I haven’t used the wheelchair in about six weeks, the possibility of needing it again remains, especially if I might be unable to wear my prosthetic for various reasons.

All of this research also led me to explore the option of hiring a wheelchair while home in Lismore, and fortunately, our local South Lismore chemist offers a range of accessibility gear for hire.

I arranged for wheelchair assistance at the airport, too, just in case I needed it. However, upon arrival at Sydney Airport on Sunday, I informed the check-in staff that I wouldn’t require a wheelchair after all. A family in the queue behind me, with an elderly mother hoping for a wheelchair, overheard the conversation and, with the staff’s cooperation, arranged for her to use my wheelchair instead. They were a very happy family, and it was no skin off my nose.

Apprehensive about getting to and from Sydney Airport by public transport (as I normally would), I elected for an Uber ride, despite the peak hour price surge. The driver lived on the North Coast for a few years and we had lovely chat.

I was also worried about the length of the walkway between Terminals 1 and 2 (Qantas Club and Jet Star Checkin). Although there is an electric walkway between the two terminals, it goes too quickly for me to get on and off safely at the moment. Fortunately, there are also lifts between airport levels, despite one sounding like it was on its last legs, no pun unintended.

The airport security staff, understanding the challenge posed by my prosthetic limb, used a hand-held scanner, as I couldn’t walk through the x-ray scanner. They even offered a walking stick when my crutch needed to go through the scanner, with a security officer providing support for balance.

At the end, one of the assistants asked, “Do you prefer a lift or escalator?” This thoughtful approach, giving me the choice rather than making assumptions, was appreciated.

The only drawback was the distance to Gate 56 for my flight. Reflecting on a previous conversation I had with a colleague who also has prosthetic limbs about the potential advantages of using a wheelchair, she mentioned the possibility of long walks.

Upon reaching the Jetstar counter, I was greeted warmly, and an attendant offered a seat upgrade, securing an entire row for me.

Although I was first to be allowed on the plane, I was also the last to get off. At Ballina Airport there is only a staircase down onto the tarmac, though the option existed to use a lift up and down from the aircraft.

Though I didn’t need to use some of the accessibility assistance for the trip, it’s nice to know they exist. And of course, I should emphasize these were my experiences, and the experiences of other people with disability might be quite different.

My takeaway messages from this experience in case you need assistance. 1. Assume you might, just in case you do. The airline staff seemed to really appreciate the advance notice, rather than turning up unannounced. You can always change your mind if the circumstances change. 2. Have a conversation with your airline through chat or phone, so you understand what might be possible.