Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires thoughtful planning, especially when traveling with mobility challenges. Whether you’re flying to attend the 2025 FOP Family Gathering or another event, preparing ahead can make your journey smoother and less stressful. The tips below are designed to help you navigate air travel, airport logistics, and ground transportation with greater confidence.

✈️ Before You Fly

• Request Assistance Early: When booking your flight, inform the airline of any mobility or accessibility needs. Specify the type of assistance required, such as wheelchair support or help boarding the plane.
  
  
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Air Carrier Access Act, which outlines the rights of passengers with disabilities during air travel.
  
  
• Plan for Security Screening: The TSA offers a Disability Notification Card and alternative screening methods upon request. Arrive early to allow extra time for security procedures. For assistance through security screening, contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight.
  

🛬 At the Airport

• Identify Yourself: Upon arrival, notify airline staff that you have requested assistance to ensure timely support.
  
  
• Inspect Mobility Devices: Before departure, document the condition of your wheelchair or mobility aid. This can be helpful in case of damage during transit.
  
  
• Battery-Powered Devices: If using a power wheelchair with a lithium-ion battery, carry necessary documentation, as some airlines and TSA require it for compliance.
  

🏨 Getting to Your Hotel

• Land Prepared: 
  • If you are traveling in a wheelchair, have the accessible shuttle information provided to you by the hotel printed and in your carry-on bag.
  • If you are using the standard hotel shuttle and are flying in and out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the hotel offers a free shuttle service.

• • • The airport shuttle leaves the hotel at the bottom of each hour, starting at 4:30 am (then 5:30 AM, etc.)
      The airport shuttle automatically picks up at Terminal 1 at the top of each hour, starting at 6 am (then 7 am, etc.) with the last pick-up at midnight.
      Please follow ground transportation signs from the baggage claim area in Terminal 1 to the hotel shuttle pick-up doors. For pick-up, there is no need to contact the hotel to request a pick-up from Terminal 1.
      If you are in Terminal 2, please call the hotel at +1 (952) 835-7800 once you are in the baggage claim area. They will notify the driver to pick you up after they depart Terminal 1.
      To meet the shuttle at Terminal 2, please exit baggage claim through either door 7 or door 8 and walk straight across the street to the parking ramp. The hotel shuttle will pick up from that location.
    • The hotel shuttle is white and has the DoubleTree name on the door.

🧳 Packing Essentials for Air Travel

• Emergency Repair Kit: Bring basic tools, zip ties, and duct tape for quick fixes to your mobility device.
  
  
• Medical Documentation: Carry any necessary medical documents, especially if traveling with assistive devices or medications. You can use forms such as the IFOPA Emergency Medical Information Card or Personalized Emergency Medical Form.