Wheelchair assistance at MCO

[Friendly Frog]

Last trip, (Flying Southwest) it took forever before I was able to find assistance from Magical Express to the gate for my trip home. How can I best assure that someone will be there to help me when I arrive at the airport? ( or not too long afterwards?) Should I call Southwest from the ME bus on my way to the airport?

Also, would it be unreasonable to ask the person to stop at a quick counter service snack shop at the airport? Those 3 hour waits are better with a soft drink and a snack.

Just to make sure I am tipping appropriately, what do you recommend as a tip amount?
How much more should I tip if they make a quick stop for my drink?

I could do fine with a golf cart rather then a wheelchair but can they do that with the tram ride and different floors and all?

Thanks.

 

[cmesq61]

I'm curious to see the responses myself as I'm always just stranded on the lower level upon return and someone in my family has to just start wandering till they see a free WC. And you are left sitting there alone a long time!

 

[Friendly Frog]

Yes, and it is a REAL pain if it happens to be a trip where you are traveling alone! I ended up calling Southwest three times on my phone and they just kept saying someone should be there.

 

[dawnball]

There's usually at least one skycap meeting the DME bus. They can all bring you a wheelchair. Just wave over the guy with the flat cart for bags and let him know what you need.

Last time my skycap just locked up his cart and swapped it for a wheelchair, but I used my cane to get up to the departures floor and check my bag first. If I hadn't been able to, he'd have used his radio to bring someone down with one.

 

[aubriee]

On a related note: How do you get a wheelchair down to the rental car area? My mom was with us my last two trips and needed a wheelchair to get from the Alamo car return area to the boarding area.

 

[dawnball]

On a related note: How do you get a wheelchair down to the rental car area? My mom was with us my last two trips and needed a wheelchair to get from the Alamo car return area to the boarding area.

In that case, I'd drive by the departures level, leave her with a skycap, return the car and meet at the departure gate.

You may be able to call your airline and have someone meet you with a wheelchair, but I think it would be difficult.

 

[aubriee]

In that case, I'd drive by the departures level, leave her with a skycap, return the car and meet at the departure gate.

You may be able to call your airline and have someone meet you with a wheelchair, but I think it would be difficult.

Thanks, but no way could I leave her. She has no sense of direction, has some early dementia going on, and panics in strange places and if I'm out of sight. I may give the airline a call though and see if they can arrange one. Thanks!

 

[dawnball]

Yeah, in that case, I don't blame you for not leaving her. Renting a wheelchair at your origin might work (assuming you were going to use a rental in Orlando), and then you'd have it all the way home.


Good luck with the airline.