Could you explain the whole skycap process, please?

[Bete]

How do you prearrange for this service? Do you talk with special needs of whatever airline? Do you get a skycap right when you get in an airport? Do you have to go to a special location of whatever airline to get one? Can curb service help you with this process by securing one? Do the skycaps take you through security?

Whatever else you can think of I would appreciate the info. TIA

 

[Mary976]

This is our experience of flying with FIL, out of Chicago (OHare and Midway). My DD uses a wheelchair but she's a full time user and so we don't do anything special, although she does have to do a pat down at security rather than the machines.

But FIL only uses a wheelchair for distance, as well as an oxygen concentrator. Basically, when we were getting dropped off at the curb we just told the attendant hanging out around the door that we needed a courtesy wheelchair. One time, DH had to go in and get someone but that was when we were flying at an off time.

The wheelchair (and pusher) then came and got us. We curb checked our bags, which costs a couple bucks but saves you from having to go through the line. Anyway, the skycap stayed with us the whole time. We did get to bypass the regular security line, although the procedure for actually clearing security was the same. The we were dropped off at the gate and FIL had a seat in a regular chair. We talked to the airline clerk about pre-boarding, then when we were on the plane we let the flight attendant know we would need a wheelchair once we landed. It did take some time to get the wheelchair there on the other end, but it worked out okay because we waited for others to deplane first and then left with FIL.

Oh and we usually tip the skycap a couple dollars.

Hope that helps,
Mary

 

[jmartinez1895]

Each airport is different I assume, but at Birmingham they are lined up outside at drop off and all you do is hail one. We always use magical express when we go to Disney ( which is also the only time we fly) and the ME driver always gets out and gets a skycap for us. They do expect tips and we also tip the ME drovers. I'm not sure if you can pre-arange sky cap service that is for lugage, but if you are needing wheelchair assistance you can call your airline and they will have someone ready top help you.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you need a wheelchair, you need to call your airline directly to arrange this.

 

[WheelieBigDisFan]

There is no "rule" that you must arrange for a skycap prior to your arrival at the airport, but noting in your reservation that you will need wheelchair assistance ahead of time makes it easier (I've found) when you get to check-in.

Most airlines have a button you can click on ticket purchase to indicate special services needed. If you did not set this up in your original reservation you can call the airlines at any time and have them note it for your particular need.

When you get to the check-in counter at the airport just let the attendant know that you requested a wheelchair and will need a skycap. Usually the skycaps are not airline employees, rather they are from a contracted company that the airport hires and each airline uses. Some will allow you to request a wheelchair only (no pusher), but many require you to have a pusher also (which pretty much means a forced tip). The skycap will pick you at at (or close to) the check in counter, take you through security, stop at the restroom if needed, and deliver you directly to the gate.

Sometimes they will try and take the wheelchair away at the gate leaving you to sit in a regular chair. If you are unable to walk down the jetway unaided, ask that they leave the chair there for you so you can safely board the plane. Also, if you want to wander the airport (go shopping, get food, use the restroom again, etc) you will want a wheelchair for that.

When your flight is ready to board you should be allowed to pre-board. Line up in this line and someone will assist you down to the door of the plane (either a skycap who has come back to assist, or an airline employee). You will then get situated in your seat. Make sure to let a flight attendant know that you will need a wheelchair at your destination or any connecting airports. They should contact the destination airport prior to your landing to arrange for this.

About 15 min or so before landing make sure to remind the FA that you will need a wheelchair so that they can contact the airport if they haven't already done so. When your plane lands you will be the last to get off. There should be a wheelchair there waiting for you, if there isn't, DON'T get off the plane until one is there. Many times if a chair is not there and the person chooses to go to the top of the jetway, they are then forgotten about. Make sure you get the help you need from the beginning!

The skycap will take you from the plane door to the restroom (if needed), and down to baggage claim (or ME if you don't need to go to BC b/c the bags are tagged).

My recommendation is that if the person can not walk from the car/drop off spot to the check-in counter, that you rent a wheelchair locally to take with you on your trip. This will save a lot of hassle on the trip b/c of walking distances that you are not used to. If you are renting an ECV and having it delivered to the hotel, that is fine too. I wouldn't expect a Skycap to be available at the curbside drop off area in the blink of an eye, or for the curbside bag guy to be able to locate one quickly. In my experiences the check-in agent always has to page one over the loudspeaker, and then it takes a while for them to come.

Depending on how many legs to your trip you have, make sure to have singles with you for tips. Let the service you receive dictate how much you tip. If the person shows up quickly, is kind, polite and able to carry on conversation (or not if that is what you desire), helps with what is needed and takes you to the "extra" places such as the bathroom and to a news stand to buy a pack of gum, $5-7 would not be unheard of. If the person is slow, rude and only does the minimum $1-2 (or none and make sure to file a formal complaint). Remember this is for EACH person who pushes you, so if you have your original flight, a connecting flight, and the destination, that is 3 tips that day. I would then carry between $15 and $20 in singles if possible. Many times the skycaps are paid very little and rely on the tips to make ends meet (often they are paid like waiters/waitresses where they make less than minimum wage and make up for it in tips).

Good luck and HAVE FUN!

Mandy

 

[Bete]

I appreciate the insights and I can tell this will take some extra time; so, I'm glad I asked about the process.

We will have our own wheelchair for the trip.

I'm already scared of the TSA process; because, my mom has rods in one arm and she can't really stand without the aid of a walker. She has Alzheimer's. as well. There are medical conditions like COPD, too. I'm mostly afraid of being separated from her like the daughter with the 95 year old with luekemia that made the news. I feel a skycap will be very helpful, here.

I've been thinking about doing a trial trip to the airport; since, it's been quite a while since I flew. It might ease my mind some.

I will probably over tip; because, I'll be so relieved there's an extra set of hands and I won't have to be so tired from pushing her around the airport.

 

[peemagg]

As far as security goes, just tell them about the rod and Alzheimer's and that she can't stand. They will just do a pat down in the chair. You can be with her during this once you have cleared security. Most of the time you are within site of each other the whole time.

Have you looked at the TSA website about security and what to expect?