managing the airport

[Myholly]

hi, all

We’re going away at the weekend to try and get a bit of warmth on the old bones and I was just wondering what any of you have experienced when travelling through an airport?

I get sudden flareups and I am very concerned that I will have one during the long walk to the gates at Gatwick.

It’s a very early flight (waking and getting straight up 😩)

Is it worth contacting assistance? Is our condition recognised I wonder?

I’d feel like a fraud if it turned out to be a good day, and I had asked for disabled assistance 🧐😏

Any experiences?

Thanks all

[Welshcatlady]

Hi, I always book assistance at the airport, both here in the UK and the airport abroad. As well as Fibro, I have COPD and Osteoarthritis. I don't remember having to say what condition I have, I just say that I have mobility issues and cannot walk any distance.

At Gatwick it's a must because of the long distances to the gates, you are taken to them on little buggies that hold about 5 or 6 people. I wouldn't worry if you have a 'good' day on the day of your flight, as I would really get stressed at the thought of the distance I would have to walk. (And I'm a slow walker these days, so would never make it to the gate on time!)

We always book assistance through our airline, but I think you are able to book directly with the airport. I think that you must book it in advance. So go ahead and book it and I hope that you have a lovely holiday with plenty of sunshine. 🌞

[Myholly in reply to Welshcatlady]

Ahh thanks so much. We will I’m sure

Great ideas with the assistance booking

Will definitely find out more 😻

[2thebeach in reply to Welshcatlady]

That is excellent advice from Welshcatlady. You should definitely book assistance. Better to be fresh for the flight than worn out from walking far. Travelling is very tiring. Have a great holiday Myholly.

[Elizahl]

100% get airport assistance london airports are so busy I was in agony during the summer without using them I swore I would ask in future. I did ask for assistance but they helped to security and left and it was an ordeal to get that even though I booked in advance. Then they switched gates and delayed our flight and I had no.help getting to the other gate miles away nightmare I was doubled over by the time I was there and couldn't drive home luckily I had a 2nd driver with me. I would insist on assistance in future good luck and enjoy your trip

[Welshcatlady in reply to Elizahl]

That was a dreadful experience for you, you should receive assistance to the plane, and when you land assistance from the plane to your car, or taxi or coach, etc whichever your form of onward transfer is.

[Elizahl in reply to Welshcatlady]

Yes it was but lesson learned I will make sure I have assistance in futire

[Fra22-57]

I remember feeling unwell on my legs in the queue checking in at one airport.One of the staff asked if I would like assistance and pointed me in direction of their help desk.I was whisked through and went up in a electric hoist into cabin.even at other end there was foreign help waiting to wheelchair me through to waiting transfer coach

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Glad you got some helpful advice , good too get some warmth on those bones for sure, so enjoy, my bones are not enjoying this horrid wet constant weather right now, (little moan) have a lovely time x

[MaggieSylvie]

Remember - even if you have a good day on the day of travel, this does not mean that the long walks, cold, etc won't trigger a flare. Enjoy your time away.

[Myholly in reply to MaggieSylvie]

Thanks everyone 🤗

[Cotswolds25121]

The last time I went away my friend booked assistance for me as I felt very uncomfortable about using the service but oh my was I glad she did. It was such a walk I would have missed the flight as I could never have made it. The young man that took me was lovely and made me feel at ease and that I definitely wasn’t a burden. Getting on the plane first is another bonus of this so that I didn’t have to struggle with case etc. if you are thinking about it I would say do it. You will arrive in a much better state than you would have been. And not get off to a bad start to your break away, which is exactly why you are needing the break. Have a lovely time 🤗🤗xx