Airport Special Assistance

[walwitch]

Just found out from my local Headway group that we can get special assistance at airports! Skipping queues, quiet room, chaperoning to gate etc. I'm so relieved as next month I'll be flying on my own for the first time since my TBI. Has anyone used this service before and if so, how was it? 😊

[Hidden]

What is it and how does it work?

Is there an app for it like on the railway network?

[walwitch in reply to Hidden]

I phoned easyJet's special assistance number and they sorted it all for me. Hopefully I'll have a lot of support once I get to the airport both on the way out and return!

easyjet.com/en/help/boardin...

[Hidden in reply to walwitch]

Sounds like people have to phone their flight operator to get the service.

Thanks

[walwitch in reply to Hidden]

Could you tell me about the Railway Network? Do they offer special assistance? Thank you 😊

[Hidden in reply to walwitch]

passengerassistance.com/

[walwitch in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[Jodac8]

I always let jet2 know that I might need the special assistance and they were great for my first holiday both here at home and in Turkey they make everything easier. Here at Belfast international airport there's a special assistance booth where you can let them know what assistance you need but to be quite honest just by wearing the sunflower lanyard on my headway badge it allows you to go through the quick lane and also get on the plane at the beginning it is a godsend at the airport

[walwitch in reply to Jodac8]

Great to know. Thank you!

[Jodac8 in reply to walwitch]

Good luck with your flight hopefully easyjet are as good as jet2 it really does make the difference getting that extra bit of help I'm like you I fly on my own

[walwitch in reply to Jodac8]

Thank you ❤️

[Irmina1983]

Since my brain aneurysm and stroke 5yrs I use special assistance. Airports are great with that. As much I can do myself I do. I get lost on security usually so it’s v helpful. Remember they are not hired by airlines (it’s airport crew). Use it wisely. There are people who need assistance (wheelchairs) people start to abuse that to don’t pay for fast lines etc.

Good luck with your flight ✈️

[Interpab]

Last week I went over to see a friend in the Netherlands via Eurostar, first solo trip since my brain injury and I opted for assistance at St Pancras station. Made a big difference, went to the assistance desk at the station and they took myself and another person quietly and quickly through passport control and customs checks and would have seen me to my carriage on the train if I’d wanted but I thought I’d manage that myself. It really did ease my anxiety about the process because it’s enough being in such a busy, noisy environment without having to watch out for signage and instructions too. I’m not sure I’d cope with an airport yet but if you can get some assistance then it’s really worth it.

[walwitch]

Thank you all so much for the comments. My OT suggested actually going to the airport beforehand and rehearsing the whole process with my support worker before doing the real thing. I thought it was a good idea and will be going to Gatwick the week before my flight to find out where the supported assistance desk is located and what to expect on the day.

[HelenaD]

Yes it works well most of the time but please check that everyone knows about it. I flew into Edinburgh late at night. Although I had assistance with boarding, there were nothing set up for when I arrived. I should have informed the cabin crew who could have checked ahead.