Handicap boarding?

[dorisdvu]

I'm leaving Sunday...woohoo. I have recently broken my shoulder and my arm is in a sling. I wil be flying out (Delta) with my 8 yr old nephew. Can I and should I request to board with the handicapped passengers? If so, how do I do this?

Also, this is his first time flying and he would like to have his picture made with the "plane driver". Do the pilots do this?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Preboarding is generally for those who have special needs, handicapped or need extra time. I would think with your broken shoulder you would fall into the extra time category.
I would ask at the gate desk.
As to the picture, I have no idea, but my gut says it would hold up boarding, so, I would doubt it. But, you never know, ask, the most they can say is no. Good luck.

 

[CarolA]

You must ASK at the gate. Delta does NOT call any preboarding. I have seen them allow it, but my understanding is that they quit calling it because some people felt they were calling attention to people with disabilities and were not happy.

I would ask to have the photo made at the END of the flight. Ask the Flight Attendant and wait until the end of exiting. The pilots are usually standing at the door and would probably be glad to do that. Preflight they are fairly busy and you really want them to do that check well. LOL!

 

[dorisdvu]

Thanks for the info!!!!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Originally posted by CarolA
You must ASK at the gate. Delta does NOT call any preboarding. I have seen them allow it, but my understanding is that they quit calling it because some people felt they were calling attention to people with disabilities and were not happy.

I would ask to have the photo made at the END of the flight. Ask the Flight Attendant and wait until the end of exiting. The pilots are usually standing at the door and would probably be glad to do that. Preflight they are fairly busy and you really want them to do that check well. LOL!

True, Delta (and Song) do not CALL preboarding, but as the Dad of a wheelchair-bound boy, I can assure you that they do encourage preboarding for those with special needs (whether related to handicap, mobility or even unaccompanied children). So they do this without announcing it, but they will and do preboard lots of folks, especially those that might block the aisle during regular boarding. I dunno about a broken shoulder (but Ouch, I can empathise), but if you suspect it will make it difficult for you to stow your stuff in the overheads, they might want ot have you pre-board.

Good luck, and heal quickly!