Disabled Assistance / Virgin Travel

[alisonbestford]

Well, here goes.
I originally posted this on the Disabilities board but it was suggested I bring it here too
We'll be travelling to Orlando (DH, myself and DD age 6) in Feb, with Virgin from the UK.
My question is mainly about help from Virgin at the airport.
My DH has a long standing benign, but terminal brain tumour which makes him very tired and disorientated at times - mainly when he's just woken and has to do something decisive! ( a little like me )
I just know that he will sleep on the plane and then I'll be left to battle through customs with our 6 year old and him not knowing where he is or what he's doing, whilst trying to keep an eye on our luggage! It wouldn't be the first time we've left something either on the plane or at the airport!
I mentioned to him today that I'd like to ask for help at the airport and he, reluctantly, saw my point.
Does anyone know what help we might be able to receive? Also, can help be requested if you use the online check in?
Unfortunately he hates to admit to being ill / disabled and would be devastated to be offered a wheelchair! I, on the otherhand, am too tired to battle through the airport and customs unaided! This is my holiday too and I'd love to start it in a calm manner
I've also been brave enough to mention the motorised scooters in the parks - does anyone know how much these roughly cost?
DH is registered disabled in the UK and has a blue badge etc which we have used in Orlando with no problems in the past.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Alison

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Alison,
Virgin are fantastic in terms of support for disabilities, even one person I know, they changed the plane to suit his childs disabilities. Anothe friend of ours got fantasic support both ends of the journey for her mother who needed some mobility help.

You need to contact Virgin's Special Assistance on 0870 380 2004 as soon as possible and you will find them a superb help

 

[Claddagh]

Hi Alison,

We have just returnd from Florida with Virgin and my mum needed special assistance. I agree totally with previous post that Virgin are fantastic in this respect, they really could not do enough for her. I shouldn't think that the online check in will be a problem as long as you have called the Special needs department at Virgin prior to travelling. They will ask your husband a few questions and, depending on the answers, may or may not need to speak to their doctor. I would suggest you do this as soon as possible though in case there are things they need clarified etc. We did the twilight check in at Gatwick the evening before our flight, and on the day just turned up at the Gatwick special assistance desk to arrange a time for them to meet us with a wheelchair and bring us to the gate. When we arrived in Orlando Int. we simply waited on the plane and there was someone to meet us getting off with a wheelchair. He wheeled my mum as far as immigration and we took over as there were five of us. But obviously you will need more assistance with having to look after the little one. I am sure if you explain the situation to Virgin they will be able to accommodate you and help you out as much as you need. Can I also suggest that, on the day you come home (I know you don't want to think about it!!!!) you check in at the Virgin desk in Downtown Disney on the morning of your flight. We did this for the first time this year and it was fantastic. You can get checked in, dump your bags and all you have to do is turn up at the airport in the evening and get on the plane. A definite bonus when you are travelling with someone who needs extra assistance (in my opinion).

HTH