Flying to Canada? You Might See Prince William and His Bride
Heads up Anglophiles: After their April wedding, Prince William and Kate Middleton will tour Canada for their first official overseas tour from June 30 to July 8. It is the ideal time to vacation and perhaps spot the royal couple without flying to England.
Their itinerary includes Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Ottawa. (The couple may take part in Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on July 1.)
Canada has a vast selection of vacation spots from coast to coast accessible to those with disabilities. Airlines may differ, but in general, if you are flying between Canada and the U.S., the following rules apply.
You will need to provide 48 hours advance notice and arrive at the airport and check in at least 60 minutes in advance of check-in time if you:
- Require oxygen
- Use an electric wheelchair
- Have a service animal
Tips
Flyers who require extra seating due to disabilities or being overweight may request the service free of charge. You can also request a seat with extra legroom, near washrooms and/or exits, and movable armrests.
- The limit of two carry-on baggage does not apply to medical supplies, equipment and mobility aids.
- Prescription medication is exempt from liquid restrictions, but must be presented to the screening officer separately from carry-on baggage.
While a visa is not required to enter Canada by air, when returning to the U.S. from Canada via air, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport. Re-entry to the U.S. via land or sea borders have different requirements. For more info, visit https://travel.state.gov/ and select Canada.
Important Web Sites
Also visit Canadian Air Transport Security Authority at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca : Click on “Travel Advice” then “Special Needs.” The Canadian Transportation Agency is also helpful. Visit www.otc-cta.gc.ca.
A clearinghouse of Canadian government information on disability travel and transportation is available at Persons with Disabilities Online (www.pwd-online.ca). The Canadian Paraplegic Association (www.canparaplegic.org) also offers travel advice for those with disabilities.
This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!