Traveling with Pompe: Accessible Transportation

Traveling with Pompe: Accessible Transportation

by | Jul 14, 2025

Traveling with any medical condition, including Pompe disease, can require extra planning, but it shouldn’t stop you from reaching your destination. Whether you’re boarding a flight, taking the train, or catching a bus across town, this guide offers practical tips and resources to help you travel safely, comfortably, and with greater peace of mind.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our previous article on accessible hotels and tourist activities. This companion piece focuses on how to get there—with a focus on your rights, planning tips, and trusted resources.

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Know Your Rights

Before any trip, it’s important to understand what legal protections you have when traveling with a disability:

Air Travel

In Canada and the U.S, air travelers with disabilities are protected by the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), respectively, which ensure the right to:

  • Pre-boarding and deplaning assistance
  • Transport of mobility devices properly and at no extra cost
  • Accessible seating and onboard communication
  • Advance notice of accessibility features and limitations

Most airlines have an accessibility section on their website that outlines protocols for specific concerns (e.g., mobility aid, medical devices) and addresses common questions. AirCanada, for example, provides the maximum cargo door height and width for all aircrafts to ensure large items like motorized wheelchairs can fit and offers fare-difference refunds for individuals who must book a more expensive flight to accommodate their mobility aids.

Helpful Airline Links:

Trains, Buses, Ferries

Most transportation services in Canada such as, VIA Rail, BC Ferries, and regional transit systems, are required by law to offer accessible communication and passenger assistance. Additionally, under the umbrella of the ATPDR, any new terminals and vehicles built must be accessible. While some smaller transportation companies may be exempt from some of these rules, they still have basic responsibilities, and travelers can file complaints through the Canadian Transportation Agency if they feel their rights have been violated. With that said, big or small, it is important to check the company’s accessibility policy ahead of time and notify them if you’ll need assistance.

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Top Tips for Navigating Transportation with Pompe Disease

Air Travel

Flying with mobility or respiratory support? Try these tips adapted from AccessNow’s air travel guide for power wheelchair users:

  • Book Smart: Call the airline’s accessibility department after booking to confirm your needs, including wheelchair assistance, oxygen requirements, or extra seating space. Talking directly with the airline may also allow you to book a free or reduced companion ticket.
  • Know Your Equipment: Bring printed instructions for your wheelchair or ventilator (including battery type and how to safely disconnect/reconnect it).
  • Label Everything: Tag all mobility aids clearly with your name and contact info. Consider attaching instructions for handling.
  • Take Photos: Document the condition of your wheelchair or equipment before boarding—this can help in case of damage.
  • Request Preboarding: It’s your right. Use this time to board calmly and get settled without the crowd.

Train Travel

Trains can be a smoother option for many people with Pompe disease, especially when mobility is limited, or breathing is a concern:

  • Reserve Accessible Seating Early: Accessible spots can be limited and may fill up quickly.
  • Ask About Lift Access or Boarding Ramps: Most VIA Rail stations can accommodate mobility devices with advance notice.
  • Use the Companion Fare Option: Many services allow a caregiver to travel with you at no extra charge.

Bus Travel

Local and intercity buses are becoming more accessible, but advance planning is still key:

  • Call Ahead: Confirm whether your route includes buses with lifts or kneeling functions (i.e., a feature that allows the bus to lower its entrance closer to the curb to accommodate passengers with limited mobility, wheelchairs, strollers, etc.).
  • Avoid Peak Times: If possible, traveling outside of rush hour can make boarding and securing your seat easier.
  • Use Mobility Apps: Tools like Transit App or Google/Apple Maps (in accessibility mode) can show which routes are wheelchair-friendly.

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Social Media Accounts

There’s a growing community of disability advocates and travelers sharing tips and stories online. Here are a few accounts that regularly post about accessible travel:

Facebook:

TikTok:

Instagram:

Contact us if you have other pages that you’d like us to promote!

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Helpful Resources

Contact us if you have other travel resources that you’d like to share!

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Final Thought: Empower Your Journey

Everyone deserves to explore safely and comfortably. By understanding your rights, planning ahead, and tapping into community knowledge, you can make accessible travel not only possible—but empowering.