Using wheelchair/crutches on train/plane?

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I have a broken ankle and I am trying to work out if we can still go on our holiday. We are currently booked on a train but I wonder if I would be better getting a plane which is another option. Our local airport has steps from tarmac up to the plane. It says on the website that they have an ambulift but there is a clause saying sometimes it is not available and they have to use a stair climbing chair.

I am not sure what else I need to think about and research. Does anyone have any advice?

Book assistance at the airport. You'll have to be there 2 hours before (iirc) but they're well used to non-ambulant passengers.

The train I think you can do the same and book a ramp - contact the train company (I didn't travel by train so I can't advise specifically).

Have a lovely trip!

Go by train you can get passenger assist .contact the stations. So you can either sit on a seat and your wheelchair Is put in the guards van. This might be less of a faff for you than going up stairs on a chair dodah which I've done and hated !

Book assistance. It's amazing I broke my leg and they really looked after me throughout the airport and on the plane. I was a lone traveller too

Absolutely book assistance, which ever route you decide on. Maybe find out how easy the booking assistance is at the ports/stations you pass through before deciding your route.

One thing to be clear about is whether you are travelling in the wheel chair or just using it for transfers. Taking a folding wheelchair which is not so comfortable but bearable for transfers will be a lot easier. Assistance will be available for both, it's just good to be clear what will be required.

Good luck. DH has very limited mobility and a leg that doesn't bend. We have had nothing but good experiences on this kind of assistance.

Another thing you might consider is to book a mobility scooter for your destination. Can make you a little more independent for getting around.

All the best.

Thank you. I have seen people getting assistance at airports and it does look good. Wasn’t so sure about trains and going up the ramp 😬. I don’t actually have a wheelchair as I am managing with crutches around the house but I think for travelling I would need a wheelchair probably or I would be exhausted.

just think I may order one on Argos.

You can book train assistance using the passenger app.

I've had very mixed experiences with traveling both by train and plane.

How did you plan to get around on holiday? Hiring a scooter or a wheelchair is a good idea ,. But if you book assistance either way is good except the stepchair dodah that's bloody terrifying 😳 If you book assistance at the airport they will provide a wheelchair to scoot you about so you are not struggling

Thought may take a folding wheelchair to use on holiday but maybe they aren’t very good for using all day? I could book a wheelchair for use when we get there. Will look in to that. Maybe I could hire on at airport and then wouldn’t need to buy one for travelling

I don't think airports hire them but they will let you use 1 but you need to go through passenger assist. Google your area ,"mobility aid hire" you can hire wheelchairs and take it with you .

I went on holiday on crutches. I booked assistance at the airport and it was great! I was wheeled around and we all got through security first (not just me, my whole party), and then I had a lift up to the plane. Fantastic service.

I took my mum away with a folding wheelchair. The airports were really helpful