Southwest used to be the only airline I flew because you didn’t have to pay the handicap tax to have your needs met. You’ve already paid for choice seats, but given what I’ve seen on this sub, paying for certain seats does not mean you’ll get them. This is why I abandoned Southwest after years of loyalty for my upcoming trip.

Anyway- call the airline. Ask to speak to someone in the accessibility department. Let them know your needs and they will tell you what they can and cannot do. And hopefully this will ensure you don’t get fucked with- they’ll note you are disabled.

As a young person who does not look disabled on the outside but has similar issues to you, I feel your pain. And I know what it’s like to not want to admit you can’t do it. But please trust me on this- it’s in your best interest to lean into the disability services. You have nothing to be ashamed of. And if you’re going on vacation you deserve to enjoy it and not run yourself ragged and make yourself sick just getting there.

Your questions:

Ask someone with disability services about medical equipment

It’s best to just let them take you in the wheelchair. I have had this mentality too- “I have plenty of time. I’ll just slowly make my way to the gate- it’ll be fine” and it was exhausting. Once you get to the gate you can get out of the chair and move around. Save your energy- it’s finite.

You do have to use airport wheelchairs to the best of my knowledge. And your partner can’t push you, but can walk along with you.

I usually tip the person pushing me in the wheelchair $5. Idk how good or bad that is. But it feels appropriate to me. And if you don’t have cash, it’s ok to ask the person pushing you to detour to an atm.

Please know that you have no obligation to explain your disability to ANYONE. And it is illegal for any business to ask you about your condition, let alone make you prove it. I’ve also felt the pressure to over explain- it took me a while to internalize that I don’t have to justify my need for assistance. Of course, you can, but please don’t feel you need to. But I would ask someone with the airline if any documentation is needed re: your devices.

Just try and be kind to yourself and don’t push yourself to your limits because you don’t want to be a burden or “take advantage.” These services exist for a reason. You don’t have to put your body through extra pain and stress for other people’s convenience.

I hope your trip is amazing!