Wheelchair Rental for Holiday Travel: What to Know Before You Go

Holiday travel can mean a lot more walking than usual. Airports, hotels, shopping centers, family gatherings, and sightseeing can be difficult for someone who has trouble walking long distances.

If you or a family member only needs a wheelchair temporarily, renting one at your destination can be easier than bringing one from home.

Here are a few things to consider before your trip.

Can You Rent a Wheelchair for Holiday Travel?

Yes. Wheelchairs can be rented for short trips, family visits, vacations, recovery periods, and other temporary needs.

A wheelchair can be useful even if someone can walk on their own for short distances. For example, an older family member may be comfortable walking around the house but struggle with a large airport or spending several hours at a holiday event.

Renting can also save you from transporting a bulky wheelchair for the entire trip.

Which Wheelchair Should You Rent?

The right wheelchair depends on how it will be used.

Transport Wheelchair

A transport wheelchair is a practical choice when someone else will be pushing the chair.

It can be useful for:

• Airports and hotels
• Shopping trips
• Restaurants
• Family outings
• Sightseeing
• Short trips around town

A transport chair is also a good option when portability is important.

Standard Wheelchair

A standard wheelchair may make more sense when the person needs to spend more time in the chair or needs the option to self-propel.

Before renting, check the:

• Seat width
• Weight capacity
• Chair weight
• Leg rests
• Folding design

If the wheelchair is being used because of an injury, surgery, or medical condition, follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.

Can You Have a Wheelchair Delivered to a Hotel?

In some areas, yes.

This can make holiday travel much easier. Instead of carrying a wheelchair from home or transporting one through the airport, you can arrange for the rental equipment to be available at your destination.

For example, MS&S offers a Transport Chair / Companion Chair Rental with delivery options that include hotels while traveling.

Before arranging delivery to a hotel, call the hotel and confirm that they can receive the equipment for you.

It's also helpful to provide:

• Your reservation name
• Hotel address
• Check-in date
• Delivery instructions
• A phone number where you can be reached

This gives you one less thing to worry about when you arrive.

What If You're Flying?

If you're flying for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday, plan your mobility arrangements before the travel day.

If you need assistance getting through the airport, contact your airline or airport in advance.

If you're renting a wheelchair at your destination, you may prefer to have it delivered to your hotel rather than bringing a rental wheelchair onto the flight.

If you're traveling with your own wheelchair or powered mobility equipment, check the airline's current requirements before your trip.

How Early Should You Rent a Wheelchair?

For holiday travel, it's better to plan ahead.

Thanksgiving and Christmas can be busy travel periods, and you may have fewer options if you wait until the last minute.

Before booking, have these details ready:

• Travel dates
• Delivery location
• Type of wheelchair needed
• Rental period
• Hotel information, if applicable
• Contact information

If you already know you'll need a wheelchair, arranging it before your trip can make the travel day much easier.

Holiday Wheelchair Rental Checklist

Before you leave, make sure you have:

☐ Chosen the right wheelchair
☐ Confirmed your rental dates
☐ Confirmed the delivery address
☐ Checked with your hotel about receiving the equipment
☐ Arranged airport assistance if needed
☐ Planned transportation between the airport and hotel
☐ Saved your rental provider's contact information

A little planning can make a big difference when you're traveling with someone who has limited mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a wheelchair for a few days?

Yes. Short-term wheelchair rentals are useful for vacations, family visits, temporary injuries, and other situations where you don't need to own a wheelchair.

Can I have a wheelchair delivered to my hotel?

Depending on the rental provider and service area, hotel delivery may be available. MS&S offers hotel delivery for its transport chair rental while traveling.

Is a transport wheelchair good for travel?

A transport wheelchair can be a convenient option when a caregiver or companion will push the user and the chair needs to be easy to transport.

Should I bring my own wheelchair or rent one?

If you use a wheelchair regularly and have one that fits your needs, bringing your own may make sense. For a temporary need, renting at your destination can be more convenient.

Plan Your Holiday Trip With Less Stress

You don't have to bring a wheelchair from home just because someone in your family may need one during a holiday trip.

For a temporary need, renting a wheelchair and arranging delivery to your destination can be a practical option.

If you're traveling to the Chicago or Dallas you can explore our wheelchair rental options and choose the equipment that fits your trip.