If you or a member of your party require assistance during travel due to disability of any sort, it is worth contacting the airline that you intend booking with before booking. This will determine how equipped they are to deal with the passenger and if they can foresee any problems and what policies the airline adheres to as each company has its own. Most airlines will be do an excellent job in accommodating the needs of the disabled or those with mobility issues. Restrictions by the majority of airlines are put on flights to have a maximum number of 2 disabled passengers per flight.

Fares for disabled passengers are charged the same as any other able bodied person as only one seat is taken. Unless seats need to be taken out, which would be the case as if the passenger was on a stretcher. If you have booked by phone, inform them of the requirements you need making a request for any items such as wheelchairs. If the ticket was purchased on the internet, call the company which the booking was made with straightaway.

Fitness to Fly Certificate

Depending on the severity of your disability, a "Fitness to Fly certificate" from your doctor, may be needed. Determining whether the certificate is needed before the booking should be high up on the agenda. Airlines have a special needs form to fill in where you can tell them what your requirements such as wheelchair facilities.

Suitable accommodation

Ensure that your accommodation that you intend booking for your destination also adheres to your accessibility requirements such as:

• Has the accommodation got ramps for wheelchair access?
• What kind of assistance is available in and around the hotel/accommodation?
• Will the wheelchair fit up the ramps?
• Will the wheelchair fit through the doors?
• Is the accommodation suitable for wheelchairs?
• Will dietary needs be accommodated at your destination accommodation?
• Are the toilets suitable for disabled accessibility?
• If car rental is required will this be suitable for the needs of the driver or accommodate a disabled passenger.

All of this should be checked out with your travel agent before or at the time of booking to ensure that you do not enter a legally binding contract and find out the accommodation is not suitable.