I’ve not flown commercially for a couple of years. We usually take a small RV.
My Parkinson’s symptoms have worsened. Fluctuating motor issues, more slowness, more tremor, and balance problems.
Wondering how to plan ahead with airline. I can’t see myself running to get to the next gate on time,😜. Your suggestions are welcome.
The first thing is to request a wheelchair when you make the reservation. That way you have it if you need it. If you are feeling up to the walk you don’t have to use it, but it is available for you on either end, and if you are up to walking on and off the plane, you do not have to wait to be the last off, but should still have one waiting for you on arrival. The second thing is to pre board. I try to get on before the wheelchairs at the gate since I can walk on, but cannot stand in line. Usually they have you check in at the gate to get your boarding pass changed to pre boarding. I also make sure that my husband is seated on my left because that is my bad side that I need more help with. Hope this helps, good luck!
Julie is right about the wheel chair. No waiting in long security lines. I always arrange for one. Not happy about it, but hey, why fight the crowds.
Getting a direct flight with wheel chair service if you can works better. If you can afford a seat in the front of regular class it can make things easier and then just stay in the seat until most of the people are off then they will probably have the wheel chair there at the gate for you. When you have to get out and there are a lot of people in a big hurry and you are trying to get your stuff and carry it out it is not that pleasant of an experience.
All of the previous replies plus, try to sit near front to be near toilets. I also make sure to arrange a wheelchair curbside to take my husband into airport as sometimes if can be a long walk to check in
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You should inform the airline while you're booking your trip that you will need an assistance. You and all the members of you group will have a priority luggage check in ( just skip the line nd ask the operators to call for assistance service)and priority boarding...
I am chiming in about using available help in airports. Remember to arrange assistance at the very first point of departure. If you ask for assistance in an airport without prior arrangement it is very difficult for the airline to adjust their personnel. I recently completed a trip from DFW to Austria on Lufthansa. It was before my diagnosis; I was not yet medicated and was feeling bad. I was genuinely impressed with how well they took care of me - with kindness, understanding, and a little bit of light humor.
I have to fly solo so trips require extra planning. First class is a must,?wheelchair at either end. I don’t have a carry on bag because it’s a problem to haul it around the airport.
plan ahead. Definitely ask for the wheelchair. I travel with a service dog and it can be a nightmare. Last trip took by plane was last year and I promised myself I would ask for the chair next time. Also when booking the flight tell them the kinds of assistance you need. They will also usually accommodate assigned seating without you having to pay extra. Airline personnel will also help with carryon.
We travel 4 times a year so 8 flights. Special Assistance is great. We book it with the flight, take our own transit wheelchair. Taxi drops us off at the airport at the Special Assistance kiosk in the airport carpàrk. Phone them. They puck us up and help with the luggage.
fly non stop or attach a wheel chair request to your travel itinerary. I finally bit the bullet. My walk has deteriorated and I’ve thrown in the towel on E-7 to terminal 4 Gate A17.
I was reluctant to ask for a wheelchair because I don’t use one in everyday life and my pride - but the last time I flew they met me at the airport door - I had forgotten that I had asked for assistance! It was a game changer!! TSA didn’t cause me anxiety and I got a window seat because I boarded earlier.
I was solo so the airline had an employee push me - not sure what happens when you have a long flight delay?
all good suggestions. The only thing I would add is to take your medications with you on the plane just in case your checked luggage gets lost.
Always!
My recent trip was great. I had a companion who travelled free and we booked first class. We also took advantage of the free wheelchair service and had a chair waiting at each flight, and assistance to deplane, and get to connecting flights.. Talk to available airlines about what they offer to disabled flyers.
My recent trip was great. I had a companion who travelled free and we booked first class. We also took advantage of the free wheelchair service and had a chair waiting at each flight, and assistance to deplane, and get to connecting flights.. Talk to available airlines about what they offer to disabled flyers.
In many airports, you can request a ride to the gate. The airlines use golf cart like ride aboard shuttles and an airport employee drives you to the gate. It’s awesome. My sister needed one for a trip we took together and I got the luxury of joining her. Super.
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