Airport assistance question

[Belle1962]

I will be traveling with just myself and grandson (7). I think I need to break down and ask for wheelchair assistance at the airport. How would that work? I planned on having my carryon bag and my grandson will have his small airplane activity bag. Do I carry my suitcasce on my lap or will they expect my grandson to pull it? Or should I just take my chances on catching an electric cart?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Procedures vary by airport, and even by terminal.

Call your airline in advance (i.e. now) and let them know you'll need a wheelchair, then remind them when you check in. You may not actually have to remind them - last time I flew JetBlue, there was a Skycap with a wheelchair (for me) before finished asking for one.

Chances are, the SkyCap will be able to also manuever your carry-on, but don't expect it - sometimes one person pushes two wheelchairs, one with each hand. Pack your carry-on luggage with the expectation that yes, you will have to hold it in your lap.

And remember to tip.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

When I was doing air travel after my hip surgery last year I had some trips where I needed a wheelchair.

When I arrived I checked my luggage (but not my computer case) outside. A skycap pushed me in a chair all the way to the gate and told me he would be back about boarding time. He did return in time for the preboards and wheeled me down the ramp to the aircraft door.

On arrival I was met at the aircraft door by a skycap with a wheelchair. He took me all the way to baggage claim and actually retrieved my suitcase. He then took me and the suitcase to outside the terminal bulding in the pickup area.

I made sure to give good tips to the skycaps.

 

[mechurchlady]

Airports vary and they have employees shuttling guests. In one airport I was driven in a cart and the rest of the time pushed in a wheelchair. You will carry your bag on your lap as the carry on goes with the disabled person. Definitely ask for wheelchair assistance. The wheelchair assistance means you are first to board and either first off or last off. I have hiked across LAX and in the transfer at Atlanta I had to get a ride to the elevator then down a floor and then a subway to another spot and then cannot remember but it was a long long way.

The people pushing the chairs have been helpful and friendly. One of them offered to stay and unload my bags from the carrousel. They have alway been willing to stay with me and push me all the way to the exit. Call the airline and check online for their policies.

 

[Belle1962]

Thanks all. I have contacted the airline and I planned to tip about $10.00 each person--is that ok? My main concern is my grandson (7)--and I'm not sure why I am worried about him --he stays by my side at Disney without a problem so why not in an airport??? Just nervous. It's another one of those "milestones"--my first time needing assistance in an airport. Usually I just walk slow and get there eventually--I mean, I am at the airport two hours early--I usually have time to spare! I even thought of foregoing the assistance and taking it slow but then went for a massage and had to leave without it--the minute she touched my neck I had tingles and pain radiating throughout my head, neck, upper back and arms. That was Friday and I still have a neck/headache today! (And being at work does wonders for that )

And oy--the headaches I have had renting an ecv for Washington DC. From a real medical supply dealer--not those companies that rent scooters to just anyone! Between the insurance, the fact that I am not sure a 5 mile distance will last for a day of touring, and how easily theirs will break apart for the car to get to the Metro---ay yi yi!!!! Then I am worried about our White House and Capitol tours--thinking I should try to walk them and ditch the ecv for those events. I hate travelling to new places with unknown factors (although DC is not unknown to me--I am from MD and frequented DC when I lived there--I've just never done it "wheelin").

 

[SueM in MN]

Between the insurance, the fact that I am not sure a 5 mile distance will last for a day of touring, and how easily theirs will break apart for the car to get to the Metro---ay yi yi!!!!

5 miles sounds like a lot, but may not get you thru the day.
Are you going with a tour or putting your own tour together?
If it is a tour, could you contact the company and ask them about the distance?
If it's your own 'tour' you might be able to figure out distances by using google maps.
Also, if you are stopping for lunch or anything where you would be in one place for a while, you may be able to plug it in to boost the charge, especially as you are able to park it somewhere and transfer to a seat.

If you park it somewhere during a tour (like the White House and Capitol tours), make sure the tour ends up in the same place that it begins - or at least close so you don't have to worry about how far you need to walk to get back to your ECV. Also, take the key along and/or do something to it so it can't be driven away if you are leaving it in a place where it will be unattended.

 

[Belle1962]

Thanks Sue.

We are not going with a tour. We have "little days" planned. We will hit DC after/near end of morning rush and leave town by 3:00 each day. (After all--we will have to find time to visit family too

Our 'schedule" so far looks like this: (we are not concerned about doing it all because we go home once a year) These are things my grandson wants to see.

Day One: Lincoln Memorial, National Archives (tickets timed for 2:00pm)

Day Two: White House morning tour (then head home since we will be dressed and who wants to travel around DC in pantyhose?) I may pop into our DC offices but it will depend on my grandson.

Day Three: Family stuff

Day Four: National Zoo with family and dinner with family

Day Five: no plans (may go into town if my grandson adds other things to his list)

Day six: Capitol. Tour and meeting our Senator then lunch with my sister who works on the Hill. Then home (refresh: pantyhose and touring in the heat???? Not.)

Looking at it--I "think" the only day I may really really need it would be the zoo day (the National Zoo is nothing but hills--up and down, up and down). We will be travelingl ight---Basically DL, $$ and credit card.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Will your Grandson hold your hand? When I am using a wheelchair (and being pushed) or am on my scooter I have my 8 year old hold my hand. I just make sure to extend my arm out so that she doesn't get too close to the wheels.

If your carry on has a strap they may be able to hang it from the w/c handles while you are being pushed. What kind of bag will your grandson have? A backpack is the most convenient for them and will keep his hands free. If it has a strap you may be able to hang it from the w/c if yours can't be to make it easier for him to hold your hand.

Have fun!

 

[Belle1962]

lovetoscrap---you are wonderful--I never even thought of a carryon with straps--i was just using a small piece of luggage! Will sort through our bag supply and see what we have at home (or maybe splurge andget a new duffle type bag!

Grandson will hold my hand. He's very good about walking beside (not in front or behind) me.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Glad I can help!

Just be careful about how much you buy while on vacation. You don't want to end up like this on the way back! (you can't see it but there are 2 bags hanging on the back of the w/c!)

 

[mechurchlady]

lovetoscrap you are funny, lol. That wsa like me with a handbag and a carryon pile of stuff. That is how the airport rides looked usually, except for that one cart ride. Taht was funny because I could have waddled faster than the cart, lol. Dirty looks also because you are special in the cart but they never looked twice if I was in a wheel chair. Great picture and memories, lol.