Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year. According to Airlines for America, over 17 million passengers flew during the 2024 Labor Day travel period.
If you’re also planning to hit the road (or the skies) for that one last summer hurrah, you might be feeling excited but have a lot of questions on your mind. Will the “accessible” hotel actually be ADA-compliant as advertised? What if my wheelchair gets damaged on the flight? Can I trust the rental agency with my van reservation?
Travel anxiety is valid, but it shouldn’t sideline your adventure.
In this comprehensive Labor Day travel guide for wheelchair users, we’ll walk you through everything from booking transportation and verifying accommodations to packing smart.
Why an Accessible Labor Day Trip Needs Extra Planning
Labor Day isn’t your average travel weekend. During this peak season, flights are packed, hotels are overbooked, and everyone’s scrambling for that one last summer trip before routines kick in again. That means one thing: if you need something specific, you have to think fast.
Most hotels only offer a handful of rooms with features like roll-in showers or lower beds. Once they’re gone, you’re left either compromising or canceling. The same goes for rental vans with ramps or lifts; if you wait too long, you’ll either pay double or find nothing at all.
Airports can be a nightmare, too. More crowds = more delays. If your flight crew isn’t trained properly, your wheelchair could be mishandled or lost. Or, there could be issues at the security checkpoint.
But here’s the upside: a little early planning can help you skip 90% of these headaches. Up next, we’ll share practical tips that’ll help you lock in your plans, dodge the common pitfalls, and enjoy the holidays as they’re meant to be.
Book Early for Truly Seamless Trip
Behavioral scientists explain that 20% of people are chronic procrastinators. They delay important tasks until the last minute, often resulting in stress. When it comes to accessible travel during Labor Day weekend, such delays can cost you big time.
Whether you’re heading to a beach town or flying across the country, you must book your accessible services at least 2-3 weeks in advance, if not earlier. This applies to your flights, accommodations, and rental vans.
How to Win the Early Booking Game
- Mark your calendar: Set a reminder on your phone a few months out. It sounds intense, but being ready when booking windows open gives you the best chance at securing the perfect spot.
- Use specialized booking platforms: While booking, use specialized platforms such as Wheel the World, Travel for All, Planet Abled, Wheelchair Escapes, and Sage Traveling. They understand the nuances and ask the right accessibility questions on your behalf.
- Leverage your loyalty points: If you’re part of any airline or hotel loyalty program, don’t waste your points on free stuff. Instead, use your points to book accessible inventory before it’s even available to the general public.
Double-Check Accessibility Details for Your Labor Day Journey
After booking, it’s tempting to just sit back and get in vacation mode. However, Labor Day accessible travel also includes confirming the reality behind those reservations.
What to Ask Hotels
Hotel websites often label rooms as “accessible” without providing any further information. Once you have narrowed down the lodging, call and ask:
- Bathroom Features: Does the room have a roll-in shower or a bathtub with properly placed grab bars? Is there enough clearance under the sink for a wheelchair? A turning space of at least 60 inches is ideal.
- Room Layout & Dimensions: A room can be labeled “accessible” but still be too tight for your chair. Ask about the door width (32 inches is the minimum) and the space around the bed, which must be 36 inches. Don’t forget the bed height for safe transfers.
- Extra Details: Are power outlets and light switches at accessible heights? You’ll need these for charging mobility devices, medical equipment, or phones.
- Safety First: What’s the emergency evacuation protocol for wheelchair users? Do they offer visual alarms, vibrating alerts, or trained staff in case of fire or emergency?
Pro Tip: Ask them to email photos of the room and bathroom. Some hotels will happily send them, but less reputable ones might be hesitant.
Tips to Conquer Busy Labor Day Venues
Now you might be excited to visit that theme park or museum, but one broken elevator or missing ramp can ruin the experience. Before visiting:
- Map Your Route: Check the venue’s website or call ahead to ask about the route. Are all the main exhibit halls or attractions served by working elevators and ramps? Will you have to navigate any stairs or steep inclines? Don’t forget the surface terrain. Cobblestones, gravel, or uneven paths can make mobility difficult. What about viewing areas?
- Ask About Restrooms: Are accessible restrooms available on-site? Are they clean and open to the public?
- Check Sensory Details: If you have sensory sensitivities, neurodivergence, or anxiety, ask whether the venue has any “sensory-friendly” hours or designated quiet rooms.
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Choose the Right Wheelchair-Accessible Transportation
When it comes to getting around on Labor Day, public trains and buses can be unreliable. However, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft often have very limited wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) fleets, leading to incredibly long wait times or even no service at all outside of major cities.
If you’re traveling within the U.S., consider renting a wheelchair-accessible van from a trusted network like Wheelchair Getaways.
Demystifying Accessible Van Options: Rear-Entry vs. Side-Entry
Choosing the right van style depends on your travel preferences, parking situations, and accessibility needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Rear-Entry Vans: These vans are often more affordable and don’t require a special handicap parking spot. You can park in a standard spot and still deploy the ramp from the back, which is a huge bonus in crowded city lots. However, they can be a little less flexible for interior movement.
- Side-Entry Vans: These give the wheelchair user more interior maneuverability and a chance to sit up front or even drive (if equipped). But remember, you’ll always need a designated accessible parking spot with plenty of space on the side for ramp deployment.
Assessing Passenger Capacity and Equipment Storage
Don’t just book the first van you see. Make sure to assess the interior space and seating configuration for your entire crew and all your gear.
Will you be traveling solo or in a group? Choose a van that seats everyone without forcing anyone to squeeze or compromise. Also, measure your wheelchair, scooter, or walker, especially if it’s bulky, has attachments, or folds uniquely. Factor in gear such as suitcases, snacks, games, a portable shower chair, oxygen tanks, or medical supplies.
Don’t Travel Without an Insurance Plan
When you’re traveling, flight delays, equipment failures, and medical issues can happen more often than you’d think. That’s why you need comprehensive travel insurance that acts as a safety net when something goes wrong.
Look for a policy that explicitly covers the cost of repairing or replacing your wheelchair or scooter if it’s damaged or lost by an airline or another service provider. It should also cover the cost of renting a temporary replacement so you’re not left stranded.
Domestic health insurance might not cover you while traveling internationally, but it may cover emergency medical expenses and evacuation. If a flight is canceled or you have to cut your trip short due to an unforeseen event, this coverage should help you recoup your non-refundable costs. Just keep all the receipts for insurance claims.
Pack Smart – Especially for Medical and Mobility Needs
Once you have created your Labor Day travel itinerary and booked everything, it’s time to pack smart to avoid any last-minute panic attack at the gas station:
- Keep your ID card, flight tickets, hotel confirmation numbers, and any other paperwork in one spot.
- Pack your comfiest travel clothes and maybe a backup outfit for unpredictable holiday weather.
- Since an adventure isn’t complete without a small scrape or two, you must create a first aid kit with all the essentials, including all medicines, bandages, sore cream, painkillers, disposable wipes, and gloves. Bring extras for 2–3 days in case of delays.
- Bring your main charger, a backup, and international adapters if traveling abroad.
- Don’t forget copies of prescriptions, doctor’s notes, and a list of your durable medical equipment (DME). This is your get-out-of-trouble-free card at security checkpoints or in a medical emergency.
- Pack a “day-of” bag with everything you need for the first 24 hours in case luggage is lost or delayed.
Enjoy an Accessible Labor Day Trip with Wheelchair Getaways
Whether you’re road-tripping to a lake, hitting up a national park, or just visiting family during Labor Day weekend, Wheelchair Getaways has you covered in more than 200 locations nationwide. You can book flexible short-term and long-term rentals that fit your holiday perfectly, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
With our door-to-door service, we’ll deliver your accessible van directly to your airport or accommodation and pick it up when you’re done (based on location availability). As a smart traveler, you should also take advantage of our special holiday promotions and discounts to make your trip even sweeter. To reserve your wheelchair accessible vehicle, call us at (866)-224-1750 or fill out this online form to get a rental quote.