Jill Allen, a former tour guide and travel director, is deeply committed to advocating for increased disability representation. In addition to her advocacy, Jill has spent the past eight years as a culinary tour guide, leading walking food tours through “The Hill”, the iconic Italian neighborhood in St. Louis. 

“Honestly, this is my dream job because I get to introduce hundreds of people to the incredible food scene here every year. When I first started working in the food industry, my mobility was already limited. Over the past few years, my ability to walk has further declined due to multiple sclerosis. Thankfully, my employer has been incredibly supportive, allowing me to use a rollator so I can continue doing the job I love,” Jill shared.

For Christmas 2024, Jill plans to embark on an international journey and is seeking a mobility scooter to facilitate her travels. The VOCIC D71 Carbon Fiber Mobility Scooter caught her attention. She was particularly impressed to learn that the scooter is lightweight and airline-approved, which sparked her strong interest. After testing and personally experiencing the D71, Jill made the decision to take it along for her much-anticipated global adventure.

When Jill decided to take her D71 Folding Mobility Scooter on an airplane for the first time, she was both excited and apprehensive. Traveling with a mobility aid can sometimes feel overwhelming, but she discovered just how seamless and convenient the experience could be. Here's her story, showcasing how the D71 became her ultimate travel companion.

Learn more on video on Jill's flight travel.

Preparing for the Journey

Jill started by making her flight reservations and immediately informed the airline that she’d be traveling with a mobility scooter. The airline’s staff asked a few key questions about the scooter, including its type, battery specifications, and weight. Armed with this information, they assured her that bringing the D71 on board would be straightforward.

To stay organized, Jill packed a lightweight string bag for the scooter's removable parts: the Velcro seat, battery, keys, and charger. She kept this bag close to her at all times, ensuring nothing was misplaced. Additionally, she brought a backpack that fit neatly under the scooter’s seat, perfect for her travel essentials. For added peace of mind, she zip-tied an AirTag under the scooter’s seat, allowing her to track it during the journey.

Smooth Airport Experience

Jill took a shuttle to the airport, marveling at how easily the D71 fit under the luggage rack. At the airline check-in desk, she confirmed her intention to gate-check the scooter. The staff attached additional tags to the scooter for identification, further reassuring her of its safe handling.

Navigating security was just as simple. The scooter underwent separate screening while Jill breezed through the standard security check. Before long, she was driving through the terminal, exploring shops, grabbing a coffee, and enjoying her independence—all thanks to the D71's compact design and reliable performance.

Boarding Made Easy

When it was time to board, Jill rode her scooter all the way to the gate. With its intuitive folding mechanism, she quickly folded it up, ready for stowage. Using the AirTag, she confirmed that her scooter was securely loaded onto the plane. This small detail gave her immense peace of mind throughout the flight.

A Hassle-Free Arrival

Upon landing, Jill was thrilled to find her D71 waiting for her at the jetway. She unfolded it effortlessly and rode up the ramp, bypassing the usual stress of airport navigation. From there, she drove through the airport straight to public transportation, enjoying a completely hassle-free transition.

Jill couldn’t stop praising the D71 Folding Mobility Scooter for making her trip so easy and enjoyable. Its lightweight design, portability, and user-friendly features were game-changers for her travel experience.

“I was able to explore the terminal, board the plane, and navigate the airport on arrival—all without stress or extra effort. The D71 is truly a travel essential for anyone with mobility challenges,” Jill shared.

Her story is a testament to how the D71 isn’t just a mobility scooter—it’s a gateway to independence and freedom. Whether you're traveling across town or across the country, the D71 is built to make every journey smoother, more convenient, and stress-free.

With her D71, Jill experienced the joy of "Traveling the world from your seat!" She explored fascinating museums, enjoyed the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine, picked out thoughtful souvenirs, and admired inspiring art exhibitions—all with ease and comfort. Every step of the journey was smooth and memorable.

Jill also embraced the spirit of Halloween, joyfully snapping photos with festive pumpkins along the streets. She paused by graffiti walls to admire the art, sipped coffee at a cozy street café, and enjoyed tea and heartfelt conversations with friends. Her days are now filled with vibrant activities, reconnecting her to the world.

Ready to Start Your Own Adventure?

The D71 Folding Mobility Scooter is designed to empower users like Jill to travel without limits. With its durable construction, airline-friendly features, and compact foldable design, it’s the perfect companion for anyone looking to maintain their mobility independence on the go.

Why let travel hold you back? With the D71, the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.