#198554 - 04/26/11 02:08 AM
new to flying
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jjay
Junior Member
Registered: 04/12/11
Posts: 1
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Hi all, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping a board lurker out with some questions I've got... I'm planning way ahead for a 4 day weekend, and it's my first time making travel plans for myself.
Where to begin... okay- so, when I'm purchasing the tickets- what would be the least hassle- find a cheap price online via a travel $ aggregator, and then make individual plans with the airlines, or should I find a good agent to help me?
Airport- I'm planning on at least an extra hour to get past TSA and arrive at the gate early... any variables there to look out for? Already seen that TSA horror story where the person was forced to fly soiled in their own urine or something...
Upon boarding... I use a manual ultralightweight chair, so I know to take my seat/ back with me, and we can disassemble it and put it in an onboard closet... and can I request not using that aisle chair and trying first to pop right into the first row? -Course that's dependent on if it's assigned seating, right... does anyone have any input on which airlines are easiest to work with / a pain? [Chicago to Seattle- Alaska Air seems to be whom i may use]
Gosh, I had a ton more questions, I'm sure of it... would everyone mind helping me fill in the blanks and give me a better idea what to expect? Had a hotel question or tow also, but can't even remember them atm... thanks for the help!
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#198566 - 04/26/11 06:51 PM
Re: new to flying
[Re: jjay]
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flicka
Member
Registered: 04/06/00
Posts: 24616
Loc: SLO County, CA - 66.122.77.142
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Already seen that TSA horror story where the person was forced to fly soiled in their own urine or something...
I honestly don't know what anyone could do to help you if a bowel disaster happened. I could sit in wet pants for a few hours, but a bowel accident would be harsh...
You might want to use an agent, but I never have and everything has always worked out. I buy our tickets from places like cheaptickets.com and then work the details out with the airlines.
One thing to watch out for is time between connecting flights and how far you need to go to get to the connecting flight gate. If you work it out with the airlines prior to your flight, you can have people who help/shuttle you as necessary.
Working with an agent *might* give you an advantage as far as having a transfer chair ready when you land & such, but I imagine if you are aggressive enough while speaking directly with the airlines, you'll have no problem with your trip.
I'm no pro and others can give you much more detailed advice. Hope you have a great trip!
_________________________
"A lot of things were acceptable--until we stopped accepting it." -- Al Sharpton '12
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#199616 - 07/13/11 08:27 AM
Re: new to flying
[Re: flicka]
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kimberleyb
Member
Registered: 06/24/00
Posts: 4386
Loc: cripworld
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you can book where ever you like - online, with a travel agent, it doesn't make a difference. When you check in - if it's online, you can check off the aisle chair/wheelchair box, and if you check in at the airport, the gate agent will ask you what you need.
Flicka is correct about the time between connections. You will be preboarded - its about 5 minutes before everyone else boards, INCLUDING first class if they're in the same section (or longer if there are a lot of people needing preboarding) - but you are also the LAST to get off so you're waiting for kids and elderly and just slow pokes, so try for at least an hour between flights to be sure you get off and to your next gate, which could be anywhere in the airport.
When you get to your gate, you want a GATE CHECK tag for your chair. That will ensure it gets brought right to the plane when you land. If they have the old ones that require you to sign and waive the wheelchair damage clause, do not sign it. It is not applicable to you. KEEP that tag though, if your chair gets damaged, that info will be needed for the insurance claim.
If you do get chair damage, when you get to your final destination, go to the baggage claims office and have them file the claim BEFORE you leave the airport. They have to fix or replace your chair depending on what was done. I've had mine replaced TWICE by airlines for severe damage - the frame was bent both times. It's a fairly painless process - the form, then you may have to explain to the insurance person that the chair has to be prepaid but that's quite easy and Northwest and Delta both fax the check to the manufacturer in advance so they can get started on your replacement.
The aisle chair is available - but they won't let you sit in the bulkhead any more if it's an exit row - so the larger planes with the doors between first class and coach may eliminate that option for you.
Also - on smaller regional airlines like Alaska, they may not have a jetway, you may be using a ramp from the tarmac - that ramp usually gets REALLY skinny at the top - about 18 inches wide, not wide enough to get your chair onto the plane in any way - even tipping on one wheel - I know from experience  - so if that's the case, the aisle chair is the easiest, safest way to go.
Flights under one hour and smaller planes like the MD80 do NOT have on board chairs to get you to the toilet so plan for that. If you can move a bit, try to go for the 2nd to last row so you can get to the toilet without too much hassle - the last row usually has a wall behind it so you can't recline your seat.
If the plane has an on board chair and the flight is long enough the flight attendants will help you get to the toilet, but they can not help you inside. Some planes also have curtained off areas so there's room for you if the door/room is too small to get you in with privacy. If they've started meal or drink service though, it's harder to get help since the aisle is full - they will anyway, but if you let them know with as much advance notice as possible, they'll get you sorted out.
I've only ever had one pissy TSA agent, and I think she was just on a power trip, wanted the crips to know there would be no leeway - everyone else has been really good about it.
In Detroit this week we were told by TSA that we do not have to wait in the xray line - they'll escort you right to the front if there isn't a designated wc/special needs line.
Be sure to ask them to take your things off the belt if you have to wait for a TSA person to let you through the gate. They will.
Hope it helps.
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#200225 - 07/21/11 08:15 PM
Re: new to flying
[Re: kimberleyb]
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goldnucs
Junior Member
Registered: 06/13/07
Posts: 30
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Good luck! I flew last wk from Tucson to SLC to Tokyo to Hong Kong, the longest flt being 11 hrs but add a couple for the "first on, last-off" thing. I am NOT looking forward to the trip home; I was miserable!
r
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#200441 - 09/02/11 12:03 AM
Re: new to flying
[Re: goldnucs]
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realitycheck
Junior Member
Registered: 09/01/11
Posts: 1
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Online purchase works for me. I NEVER take connecting flights - the extreme hassle isn't worth the savings. Buy far in advance, do searches on Kayak for the best price. The airlines themselves often have the best prices. All airlines are a hassle but I hate hate hate Delta- always chaotic, rude, delays, cancellations...ugh.
Specify that you're a wheelchair user and your transfer capabilities when you get your ticket confirmation. Also call the airline a day before you travel to remind them. Print out the confirmation that specifies you're in a wheelchair.
Do the online boarding pass and baggage check 24 hours in advance.
Arrive at the airport 90 min in advance. An hour might not be enough at a busy airport. Immediately hunt down an agent for the airline. They're usually roaming around the ticket areas. Be polite but firm - do not reject offers to go to the front of the line. Make yourself visible to them so they now you're there and make it clear you need assistance.
TSA varies from airport to airport. It's definitely much better than it was 5-10 years ago. (I had some terrible experiences!) Be nice and fully cooperate with TSA. Don't argue with them about anything. Wear shoes that are easy on, easy off. They will have you run your personal items and carry-ons through X-ray. (Read your airline's list of allowed and prohibited items first, to make this easier) If you can't walk through the security machine, TSA will do a FULL pat-down, by someone of your gender, using plastic gloves. I have never been patted down in a private area - my chest, sides, back, arms, legs,butt and crotch get the full treatment in front of the world but you can insist on privacy if you wish. I suggest your easy, friendly, willing cooperation with TSA -- saying thank you helps big-time -- if you want to get through the process relatively hassle-free.
I use the bathroom at the airport before I leave. Much easier - accessible and generally a lot cleaner.
After you're at the gate, get the gate agent's attention by going right up to them. Be vocal, and don 't let them talk over your head. If you can't hear them, say so.
Tell them you'll need to take your chair to the plane, but they won't let you bring it aboard. It will be gate-checked, i.e., put in the hold with baggage, and unloaded and waiting for you (on the tarmac or right outside the plane) when you arrive.
Airlines are getting much better about handling wheelchairs these days (I've had a few wrecked, too, in the past - done claims like Kimberly describes, usually huge hassle before I got the desired result). Still, I nicely (and firmly) remind the agent an whatever bags guy I see handling my chair that they're handling my LEGS. Take your cushions with you and make sure you get the gate check (usually a pink or red ticket).
You'll have an assigned seat, which probably isn't going to be front row. If you can transfer by staggering on, holding onto the plane and seats like I do, do it. The aisle chair is, IMHO, humiliating and disconcerting - you get strapped in and tipped backward like baggage. Don't count on being pre-boarded. If there's no jetway, expect to be required to use a lift to get onto the plane, which means you'll get on LAST. And like Rick notes, you WILL be the last one off the plane. Don't fight it, just pray your chair is intact and waiting for you. And when it is, you'll feel like your best friend is greeting you, believe me.
I usually rent a power chair at my destination. Do an online search to find places, get a price that includes delivery and pick-up to your hotel.
Hotels: I investigate how I'll be able to get around upon arrival (public transport, etc.) and try to be centrally located to reduce hassle. Sites like booking.com will pin dot the hotels on a map of the town and neighborhood. I go for the least hassle, even if it's more $. One hidden hassle: Hotel entrances. Call them before booking, to make sure they're flat to the street or ramped. Lifts are a huge hassle, sometimes busted, often require someone to unlock (I hate waiting and being dependent) -- and going through the delivery entrance or garbage-strewn alleyways is no way for a hotel guest to be treated.
Make sure they give you an accessible room that's big enough for your chair, and check the room when you get there. Sometimes they stick chairs and desks in the foyer, or the quarters are so tight you can't get through or around the roadblocks. Have them remove the all obstacles or give you a bigger room. Again, nice but firm works for me. Also, I often find the tub lacks a proper seat, so call the front desk if there are any problems.
I travel a lot...Hope this helps you enjoy your trip.
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#200513 - 09/18/11 05:45 PM
Re: new to flying
[Re: realitycheck]
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goldnucs
Junior Member
Registered: 06/13/07
Posts: 30
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On 4-5+ hr. flights, I actually prefer having connecting flights as it gives me a chance to move around. Always make sure you have enough time to make the connection[s] as we are always first-on, last-off.
I've actually experienced the "ultimate disaster",i.e.: a bowel accident on a flight and I don't EVEN wanna recall the events of that day those many years ago! Just don't give the possibility a chance; don't eat or drink heavily the day before and, very light, on the day of your flights. In flight, the same; eat only if you have to and be careful what it is you eat.
Stay hydrated, use an empty quart-size soft-drink bottle to empty if you use a legbag and, if you don't use a legbag, consider wearing one on long flights.
Take an Immodium or two a few hours before flying if you're good with them. Again, stay hydrated as they will dry you out.
TSA agents are frequently idiots making next-to-nothing. After every pat-down, which is SOP for wheelchair users, I always ask him, "What do I owe you", and always have a buck-or-two, to put in his belt. Can't help myself; lol. From the ticket counter to the gate, be FIRM with TSA agents. You can be polite, but take no shit and be ready to quote from the ADA and FAA regs if necessary!! It never hurts to carry a hard copy of any section you deem pertinent to your particulars.
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