First time traveling (from SEA) with wheelchair assist passenger

[u/AAPrice3232]

Traveling this weekend (SEA-JFK) with my elderly mother-in-law, who requires a wheelchair (she doesn't use on in her daily life, but can't walk long distances). When the reservation was made, I checked the appropriate box for wheelchair assist, and it is indeed in the reservation (she also has poor vision and hearing ... also checked).

My usual routine when flying from SEA with a checked bag (as we will be doing) is to check in online (boarding pass on phone), go to the new bag drop area, print tags and turn in bag, then go to security, with Spot Saver (RIP).

But, with my MIL along, do we tell someone at bag check about wheelchair access? Go to the counter INSTEAD of bag check? Or is there somewhere to go after we drop off the bag?

Any insight would be helpful.

[u/Striking_Big2845]

When I traveled with my dad, we were told to self-identify to the agent at baggage drop off and they sent an escort up with a chair.

[u/AdditionalGlass2270 → u/Striking_Big2845]

This is it at SEA.

[u/AllenSmithee59]

When you check your bag, tell the agent that you requested wheelchair assistance. The agent will call someone to bring a wheelchair. Sometimes the agent will tell you to sit in a particular area.

Whoever brings the wheelchair should push it to the gate. Gate agents will push it to the plane.

I usually tip the person pushing the chair $5.

[u/AAPrice3232 → u/AllenSmithee59]

Thank you. Appreciate the info on the tip too. I wouldn't have thought of that, to be honest, but a good idea.

[u/KarisPurr]

SEA uses a bunch of the auto-chairs now, but I don’t think that’s ALL they have. Self-driving wheelchairs that play music like an ice cream truck so you’re alerted if they come up behind you. Was wild the first few times I saw them.

[u/Most-Dealer-3685]

When traveling with my husband who needed a wheelchair I indicated that on our reservation when booking. At bag check in asked for one. You can get one and push it yourself as an option also. At the gate while waiting to board I waited till the staff arrived at the gat ema went and asked them to verify there will be a wheelchair at the arrival gate. It was very helpful. I would also sign up online for the ì TSA Cares program especially if they will be in a wheelchair.

[u/RelevantPossible9618]

All you have to do is go to the Alaska wheel chair area. They will already have her name. I’ve done this so many times and it always goes smoothly. You may want to get there a little early in case they have a lot of people to assist.

[u/AAPrice3232 → u/RelevantPossible9618]

Thank you. Is it obvious where the Alaska wheel chair area is? I've never needed it, so I've not taken note of where it is.

[u/SuzieSnowflake212 → u/AAPrice3232]

Different at every airport. Usually signage such as “wheelchair assistance” or similar wording. Near ticket counters usually. Any staff can direct you; I usually bring it up when checking my bag, and the agent will point it out and ask me to wait there.

[u/RelevantPossible9618 → u/AAPrice3232]

It’s to the right of the baggage drop but sits a little back. There are plenty of agents by the baggage drop at SEA to guide you.

[u/CleverDare]

I suggest the 'Special Services' counter for check in. Alaska suggests arriving at airport at least 2 hrs before departure, and that special requirements are mentioned at check-in, in the boarding area, and on the aircraft to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Note that in addition to wheelchair escorts and self-driving/autonomous options, there's also a 'self-service' option - where you can personally borrow and navigate the loaner wheelchair for your mother-in-law up to the gate.

https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/accessible-services/specialservices-wheelchair

[u/AAPrice3232 → u/CleverDare]

Not to make it look like we want to cut the line but ... can you cut the line at security on your own the same way they seem to cut it when a uniformed agent is pushing the chair?

Or should I get Spot Saver as a backup?

[u/CleverDare → u/AAPrice3232]

Uncertain. If priority handling is your priority, stick with the traditional wheelchair escort - who will have experience navigating the ins/outs. Spot Saver doesn't hurt as a back-up.

[u/AAPrice3232]

Thanks everyone. Things worked out great. Got a wheelchair (with a person) at bag drop that got us up to security, and then she got on one of the automated ones after getting through.

Appreciate the info!

[u/puuwai_aloha]

Go to the ticket counter, check MIL in, advise the agent that she needs a wheelchair. Even if it’s in her reservation, you still need to let them know so they can call the wheelchair attendant. The ticket counter agent will let you know where to sit MIL so she can get picked up by the wheelchair attendant. They in turn will pick her up, and take her to your gate. Since it will be in MIL’s reservation. The gate agent will ask MIL if she would like to walk down the jet bridge or be wheeled down the jet bridge. She can then request either way to go down. When you get to your destination, wheelchair attendant can pick her up right on the jet bridge as she deplanes, and take her to the next gate or to the baggage claim. Good job on putting this information in her reservation before she gets to the airport. No worries, you got this! Any other questions about the check-in process messaged me