The Hidden Costs Of Travelling As A Disabled Person – When most people book a holiday, they’re thinking about sun cream, flip-flops, and how many pairs of pants to pack. Me? I’m trying to determine if my hotel room is wheelchair accessible, whether my chair will survive the flight, and how many backup plans I’ll need if – or when – access fails.
But there’s one part that always stings more than anything else: the price. Being disabled costs more, full stop. But travel? That’s a whole new level.
Airport Luggage – We Don’t Travel Light
When you’re disabled, packing “light” isn’t usually an option. Medical supplies, mobility aids, spare parts, extra clothing (because accidents happen), and anything else we might need if things go wrong abroad – it adds up fast. And airlines? They love to charge for extra luggage unless you know how to fight them on disability exemptions. Some airlines allow extra medical baggage free of charge – but they don’t make it easy, and not all staff are familiar with the rules. So, we end up paying or battling for basic rights at check-in.
Travel Insurance That Doesn’t Screw Us Over
Standard travel insurance rarely covers me. As soon as I declare a long list of medical conditions, the price jumps higher than a budget airline’s baggage fees. And if I don’t disclose everything? One fall or flare-up abroad and I’m bankrupt. Cheers.
Airlines And Mobility Aids – The Stressful Lottery
Flying is my nemesis; I love flying, but it is also my worst nightmare. I’m constantly panicking if my wheelchair will get there in one piece. Will they break it? Will I be stranded at the gate while someone plays Tetris with my wheels? I was left on a plane because my booked assistance was given to someone else. I’ve been left inside the departure area without my electric wheelchair, as it was lost. Thankfully, it did turn up in the end.
Accessible Transport – Not Always There, Always More Expensive
Try rolling up to a random taxi rank in another country and asking for an accessible taxi. If you find one, congratulations – it’ll probably be triple the price and take an hour to show up. Our trip to Germany in May had accessible taxis that charged a single price, regardless of the distance. Great for longer journeys but not so cost-effective for short distances.
However, public transport was very good. Buses were able to accommodate more than one wheelchair at a time; trains could also take more than one wheelchair, even the underground, although it was a little cramped when busy.
In other countries, public transport might as well not exist, and accessible car hire? Also, non-existent!
Travelling With Support – Because Going Solo Isn’t Always Possible
I’d love to be one of those people who books a last-minute trip and goes it alone. But for many disabled travellers, that’s not realistic. Whether it’s help with personal care, mobility, navigating airports, managing medication, or dealing with unpredictable symptoms – support is essential.
But needing help comes with a price. You’re not just paying for your own travel – you’re covering flights, accommodation, meals, and expenses for someone else, too. And while they’re there to assist you, not to holiday, most companies don’t offer any discounts or even recognise that this is a need, not a luxury.
So unless you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member who can afford to come along (or is willing to do it unpaid), you’re left with two choices: pay double, or stay home.
Buying Travel-Friendly Gear That The World Should Already Have
Portable ramps, lightweight shower chairs, backup wheelchair parts – none of these come cheap, and none of them are optional when you’re a wheelchair user. And no, the hotel won’t provide them. Many disabled people spend hundreds to make sure they can get through a doorway or use a bathroom safely. Basic human needs. Massive price tag.
Final Thoughts:
I love travel. I do. But we know it’s not easy or affordable when you have a disability or use a wheelchair. Every trip I take comes with extra planning, extra stress, and extra costs.
Disabled people are not asking for luxury. We’re asking for equal footing – even if we roll instead of walk.
Until that happens, I’ll keep raising hell, sharing tips, and calling out the nonsense so other wheelchair users don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.
