Hey everyone. I was wondering if anyone here had a little advice to share for how a f/a might help make a journey more comfortable for someone with a disability. When I went through training they actually had several days devoted to this subject, and I’ve learned even more out on the line, but still feel like I’ve got a lot to learn. I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind, semi-mobile or immobile, have a mental issue, are claustrophobic, have a fear of flying or anything else that needs accommodation.

Sooo, any suggestion? Horror stories? Excellent service?

Thanks!

PS: Please excuse any misuse of terms as ignorance of the correct terminology, which I am always delighted to learn.

I am not disabled but was for a few months stuck in a wheelchair after an accident and despite this, had to travel extensively between Europe and the US.

I still wanted to keep my independence to a max and travelled alone, most of the time. My experiences were with AF, BA, DL and AA.

All around I have to say that the experience has been very positive with all the FA's except for one who made it clear that he thought I had nothing to do on a plane, was just a hindrance to everyone and anyway, a 777 was not an ambulance. (he must have been frustrated that day as his friend who was on the waiting list could not make the flight)

Ground handling was very efficient, the best in ATL and CDG. Very friendly, well organized despite lack of time and material.

The bad points are luggage handling and check-in at the airport (ATL), ground personnel at BA, AA, DL and all FA's in general when one has to board the plane together WITH the other passengers.

Luggage handling: Upon arrival at ATL it was always the same: ignorant and arrogant policewomen would just not allow stopping in the curve for a few minutes so as to be able to just unload luggage and advise someone from the airline to make it easier.

Every time I had to drive into the car park, get off the car, unload the wheelchair, (as I was a temporary disabled, was not allowed the disabled parking space) make the whole run to the terminal in a murderous heat, dodging cars who in a dark parking lot could not see the wheelchair, only to be criticized by the ground personnel for not advising them in advance although this had been made many times (BA). When the luggage guy was finally there, rerun to the car, retrieve the luggage and back to the check-in counter... It was clear for me that as a disabled on a wheelchair, you belong to the "non-persons". Not a single employee talks to you directly but always thinks that the person standing behind you is your traveling companion and ask him if you need further assistance for boarding, if you have to be accompanied to the gate, etc. It always takes quite a while for them to realize that you are alone and that you are perfectly able to hold a conversation on your own as well as have a minimum of intelligence to deal with them... This is the most insulting, demeaning and crippling experience. As a disabled you are seen as disabled from head to toe. All body parts included, especially the brain.

Class of travel does not make any difference either. You are considered by ground personnel as a plague and untouchable.

A big hug to all the "pushers", They are the ones who have to be praised and given a large tip: Once you are in their care, they push you around the whole airport, facilitate your dealings with immigration, security and what not and despite a very tight schedule, these guys do a splendid job. They are also very kind, full of humour and absolutely dedicated to their jobs. My hat to them.

Everything is all right till the moment you board. AF makes a very good job of it, making sure you get on the plane way ahead of other passengers. Ground personnel again are very nice, flight attendants consider you a nuisance especially in F and C.. (clearly a disabled belongs in Y for them... ) I know, they have loads of things to do before boarding, but this is no excuse. They don't even try to help the "pushers" and ground personnel who bring you aboard. They just hassle them to hurry and some comments are beyond description. Every passenger is called by name in F, except for the disabled, it is then 3A for them...

If you happen to have a passenger next to you, (BA in C), you'll be amazed that although this person is a stranger to you, the FA will automatically ask him if you need any special attention, if "he" will have a drink prior take-off, etc. During the flight, they look at you with absolute dread if you show your intention to use the lavatory... You literally can read their minds as to all the horrors they might have to experience... The sigh of relief is almost comical when you make them understand that you can hold your own, thank you, and nobody will have to help you undress or even worse. A little tact and diplomacy would be great.

Sorry, I rambled a bit, but I hope you make sense of what I tried to convey: disabled are people and they have a brain, 99% in wheelchairs at least have a brain, can talk and otherwise are functional. ;)

I'll reply as a wheelchair user. The two things that occur to me are:

1. I'd like the flight attendants to "remember" that I can't just stand up to let someone else in the row or get something out of the overhead. Frequently it seems that although the entire flight crew watched me being hauled onto the plane like a piece of luggage, they've forgotten it in the next 10 minutes. Then when my future seatmate gets angry when I tell him/her that he/she is going to have to climb over me to get to his/her seat, the FA gives me the blank crazy passenger stare rather than backing me up. The same thing frequently happens at the end of the flight, when the crew are doing their sweep from the back and ask me why I'm still sitting there after everyone else has deplaned.

2. It's great if the FA is able to take the initiative towards the end of the flight to confirm that an aisle chair is ordered. I will always ring a flight attendant to check, but if the FA thinks to say something to me before I ask, it's very reassuring.

I have two disabilities. One is mobile (wheelchair user) and the other is being deaf. Since, I've been flying, I've had pretty good experiences with both. I have to say that the airlines do a pretty good job for their disabled pax. There are a few issues, mostly dealt with in other threads. I can think up a few tips off the top of my head.

Deaf related tips:
1. Don't assume I read lips. I actually don't, but those who do aren't very good at it, despite what you see on TV. It would be nice if F/A's could write a note when they need to talk to me. It'd be great if there was some list of drinks I could use to point out which one I want. That's not really an f/a's job but I wish the airline did it.

Wheelchair pax tips:
1. Don't assume I can walk from door to my seat. Despite some airlines having codes saying I need assistance, sometimes the f/a's don't pay attention. I hate getting to the door then being pushed aside while they call for the guys who render assistance.

2. If you're carrying my bag to help me, don't put it in the overhead 5 rows down or in the next aisle. I'd rather put it under seat since I can't get up anyways.

3. Please let me stow my wheelchair in the closet as stated in the ACAA.

I could probably come up with some more but these will do for now.

The most important tip: In an emergency don't forget me! :)

Katja - thanks for your comments. I’m afraid there’s not much I personally can do about the first one (My view of the cabin during boarding is quite limited), but I’ll try to be more aware of exactly where my preboards are sitting in case there is trouble when the rest of the passengers come down. Our gate agents are pretty good about either giving people the bulkhead, which leaves plenty of extra room for the other passengers to get to their seat, or in an empty row to avoid this problem, but obviously this isn’t always possible.

The second point was one I hadn’t thought about, but should have. I always try to make sure people are aware of where their mobility devices are. (ie, “Ma’am, I’m just putting your cane in this overhead here, I will retrieve it for you as soon as we land, just let me know if you need it inflight”, or “sir, I’m afraid your walker won’t fit, we’ll gate check it here, it will be waiting for you outside the plane as soon as we land”) But I hadn’t thought to reconfirm wheelchairs with people. I think I will start doing this right away, it will also give me a chance to remind them to stay seated until the wheelchairs get there, as some airports are much better about meeting the plane than others, and there’s nothing worse than someone who can’t walk well being stuck out on the cold/wet/hot jetway.

DeafFlyer – Thanks!! I hope you don’t mind if I offer a piece of advice back about the drinks. Most airlines have a list of them near the back of their in-flight magazine. I often use this with non-English speakers, as ours has each brand symbol, and no matter what language you speak ‘coke’ looks the same! Is it rude to ask a deaf person if they read lips? I often do this first, and if I obviously am not communicating or they shake their head or point to their ear, I grab out my trusty pad and paper. Also, how rude would it be to offer written notes in addition to lip-reading if I get the feeling they are just nodding and not understanding?

In the f/a’s defense, we do get wheelchairs on most flights, but it is very rare to need an isle-chair. Now I’ll admit to prejudging here – if you are a younger person (under 70ish), I will ask if you can walk to your seat, but I tend to assume older people can. Although I’ve never had a case where the gate agent failed to warn us.

I don’t understand why someone would separate you from you bag so far, that just seems illogical. I do try to ask if they would like anything under the seat in front of them, but that does take up some of your already limited foot room.

You are quite correct, *all* aircraft are equipped with somewhere to secure a folding wheelchair. It’s not always a closet though. I fly a lot on 717-200’s, and these there is a special system where two seats fold up to make room. A gate agent might be hesitant to store your wheel chair on board if he had to boot two passengers. However, this is rather illegal (the hesitating), so if anyone tries to get you to check it they ought to be reported.

Thanks for your time. :)

Interesting - I must have an inflated idea (=acute sense of embarrassment) of how obvious preboarding with an aisle chair is; it had never occurred to me that everyone on the plane didn't see it happening!

DeafFlyer has pinpointed the reason for my unease when the cabin crew don't seem to be aware that I can't stand up or walk - if that's the case, I'm definitely on my own in an emergency. Intellectually, I believe that's true, but in my gut, I want someone to care enough to try and help me.

FL/Fa,

What a great topic. As a fellow FA, I can relate to your concern. We want so much to do the respectful and correct thing, but sometimes it is hard to know what that is. I have noted occasions where passengers actually get a bit disgruntled when help was offered. And, on the other side of the coin, there are times when they completely rely on and need your help. I had an elderly gentleman recently, that boarded in a wheelchair, and using aeromed oxygen. When I put my hand out to escort him, he slapped it away with a PFFFT! Actually he was pretty spunky and cute, but I assumed and I should have asked (like I usually do) "How can I help you?"

To the passengers that responded to FL's questions, thank you, and if you would be so kind as to answer one more? Magexpect stated that people talk to everyone around him, instead of him, thinking they are your travel companions, that got me to thinking. When I have disabled passengers on my flights, after I give them their safety briefing, I note who their seat mate is, and regardless of if they are together or not, (usually not) I mention to that person than in the event of an emergency, would they please be sure to make sure that Ms/Mr. passenger is looked after. In most cases I figure I'm going to be all the way in the front or back in an emergency, and not able to get to you. Is this offensive, presumptious, insensitive? Please answer your honest opinion.

Also, to deafflyer, you mentioned the wheelchair codes. We do have these on our paperwork, but unfortunately, we don't (at least at NWA) receive it from the gate agent until they close the door for departure. So when you come down the jetway, it is usually the first we are made aware of it. There is the rare occasional gate agent that will say, "we have 3 wheelchair passengers, one with an aisle chair, or something to that effect, but overall, this is not the norm. I think, however, after reading your posts, I will ask them in advance. Thank you all for all the suggestions!

DeafFlyer – Thanks!! I hope you don’t mind if I offer a piece of advice back about the drinks.


Sure. I like learning too.

Most airlines have a list of them near the back of their in-flight magazine. I often use this with non-English speakers, as ours has each brand symbol, and no matter what language you speak ‘coke’ looks the same!

That would be a good solution. I always forget that it is there. I've never had an F/A pull the mag out and show me though.


Is it rude to ask a deaf person if they read lips? I often do this first, and if I obviously am not communicating or they shake their head or point to their ear, I grab out my trusty pad and paper. Also, how rude would it be to offer written notes in addition to lip-reading if I get the feeling they are just nodding and not understanding?

I don't think either action is rude. However, sometimes we get asked that question at the oddest moments. As long as you're willing to write for me when you realize I can't read lips then I don't see a problem.

In the f/a’s defense, we do get wheelchairs on most flights, but it is very rare to need an isle-chair. Now I’ll admit to prejudging here – if you are a younger person (under 70ish), I will ask if you can walk to your seat, but I tend to assume older people can. Although I’ve never had a case where the gate agent failed to warn us.

Last summer I flew CPH-IAD and there were something like 18 wheelchair pax. All of them older people. I was the young one (36, at the time). I was the only one that could not get up and walk. Although this is just one experience, I note that this is in line with my observatiions of people parking in HC parking spaces. So, I'd say the assumption might be inaccurrate. However, I'm not an F/A so I don't know what rates you see. Perhaps my tip should be modified to something slightly different?

I don’t understand why someone would separate you from you bag so far, that just seems illogical. I do try to ask if they would like anything under the seat in front of them, but that does take up some of your already limited foot room.


The incident I'm thinking of was when my first flight was delayed and they held the connection a few minutes to board me. I was the last one on board of a full 744, and most of the overheads were full. I had space under several seats (my kids were with me) but the f/a put my bag about 5 rows down o n the other side of the aisle. My wife was able to get it, but what if I was alone? Not a big deal really but I just wanted at least one f/a to know, for the future.


You are quite correct, *all* aircraft are equipped with somewhere to secure a folding wheelchair. It’s not always a closet though. I fly a lot on 717-200’s, and these there is a special system where two seats fold up to make room. A gate agent might be hesitant to store your wheel chair on board if he had to boot two passengers. However, this is rather illegal (the hesitating), so if anyone tries to get you to check it they ought to be reported.

Thanks for your time. :)

If they had to boot someone, I might not mind it going below, so they won't get booted. I was referring to bigger jets where f/a's, occasionally, can be dishonest. I've only had one flight where it was stowed on board. I figured that it would happen more often since there are rules. I've never complained but have read of some where people have had to fight hard to get their chair on board.

Thanks for responding, I like being able to discuss these things with f/a's.

FL/Fa,

What a great topic. As a fellow FA, I can relate to your concern. We want so much to do the respectful and correct thing, but sometimes it is hard to know what that is. I have noted occasions where passengers actually get a bit disgruntled when help was offered. And, on the other side of the coin, there are times when they completely rely on and need your help. I had an elderly gentleman recently, that boarded in a wheelchair, and using aeromed oxygen. When I put my hand out to escort him, he slapped it away with a PFFFT! Actually he was pretty spunky and cute, but I assumed and I should have asked (like I usually do) "How can I help you?"


I think that was rude of him, but in his defense it can be irritating to be helped when you don't want it. I've had people hold electric operated doors for me when all that I needed was to push the button. Perhaps he had had enough and you were the lucky one to find that out.


To the passengers that responded to FL's questions, thank you, and if you would be so kind as to answer one more? Magexpect stated that people talk to everyone around him, instead of him, thinking they are your travel companions, that got me to thinking. When I have disabled passengers on my flights, after I give them their safety briefing, I note who their seat mate is, and regardless of if they are together or not, (usually not) I mention to that person than in the event of an emergency, would they please be sure to make sure that Ms/Mr. passenger is looked after. In most cases I figure I'm going to be all the way in the front or back in an emergency, and not able to get to you. Is this offensive, presumptious, insensitive? Please answer your honest opinion.


No. That is quite acceptable.

I think Magexpect was talking about something different, though quite common. The assumptions people make, that if I'm in a chair then I must be mentally retarded or something. My disabilties are deafness and mobility related, not mental. However, when my wife and go anywhere and someone comes up to ask something, they always ask her. They ask, "Can he (do this or that)" as if I can't answer for myself. I'm quite capable of giving an answer, but they apparently assumed I wasn't. It doesn't bother me as much as Maqgexpect or others, but it is a little annoying. I've never had that happen on a flight so that's great, but perhaps Magexpect did?



Also, to deafflyer, you mentioned the wheelchair codes. We do have these on our paperwork, but unfortunately, we don't (at least at NWA) receive it from the gate agent until they close the door for departure. So when you come down the jetway, it is usually the first we are made aware of it. There is the rare occasional gate agent that will say, "we have 3 wheelchair passengers, one with an aisle chair, or something to that effect, but overall, this is not the norm. I think, however, after reading your posts, I will ask them in advance. Thank you all for all the suggestions!

That's interesting. I had called 48 hours in advance, informed the agent at check in, and also informed the Gate agent, and still they didn't inform the F/A! That's obviously a problem but knowing this will give me more patience when it happens.

Again thanks for the opportunity to hear from an F/A.

I have noted occasions where passengers actually get a bit disgruntled when help was offered. And, on the other side of the coin, there are times when they completely rely on and need your help. I had an elderly gentleman recently, that boarded in a wheelchair, and using aeromed oxygen. When I put my hand out to escort him, he slapped it away with a PFFFT! Actually he was pretty spunky and cute, but I assumed and I should have asked (like I usually do) "How can I help you?"


It's going to be really hard to win on this one. There's a game I play with gate agents when being escorted to the plane; the gate agent will frequently try to get behind me to push my wheelchair, and I will keep circling to keep the agent in front of or next to me, because I don't want that kind of help.

But I recognise that not all wheelchair users are independently mobile, and the approach you describe above (How can I help you? Would you like me to help you?) is absolutely the way to go.

Last summer I flew CPH-IAD and there were something like 18 wheelchair pax. All of them older people. I was the young one (36, at the time). I was the only one that could not get up and walk. Although this is just one experience, I note that this is in line with my observatiions of people parking in HC parking spaces. So, I'd say the assumption might be inaccurrate. However, I'm not an F/A so I don't know what rates you see. Perhaps my tip should be modified to something slightly different?


I would say this lines up with my experience: what I was trying to say was that if you look younger, I will assume there is a good chance that you cannot walk at all, whereas older people I have found generally capable of walking to their seat with a little help. Obviously, there are always exceptions.


The incident I'm thinking of was when my first flight was delayed and they held the connection a few minutes to board me. I was the last one on board of a full 744, and most of the overheads were full. I had space under several seats (my kids were with me) but the f/a put my bag about 5 rows down o n the other side of the aisle. My wife was able to get it, but what if I was alone? Not a big deal really but I just wanted at least one f/a to know, for the future.


Ah, I see. I actually tend to assume the opposite: that if someone can’t get up, they would like the bags where they can be reached, ie, under the seat in front of them. Of course I always ask, though, just in case. If something is going to be too big (or there is no floor space) I find the best thing to do is to ask is they would like to get anything out of the bag before I put it up, and of course remind them if they need anything during flight just to ring the f/a call button.


If they had to boot someone, I might not mind it going below, so they won't get booted. I was referring to bigger jets where f/a's, occasionally, can be dishonest. I've only had one flight where it was stowed on board. I figured that it would happen more often since there are rules. I've never complained but have read of some where people have had to fight hard to get their chair on board.


Well, see, the thing is I think it is actually illegal to tell someone when stowing their wheelchair onboard would boot people off, but it’s a very, very rare thing. Most of the time we just move them, and offer an upgrade if there is space.

That said, it never hurts to mention that it is against federal regulations to deny you space onboard for your collapsible wheelchair, unless of course someone else got to the space first, in which case I *think* they are required to give you the option of gate checking it or confirming space on the next flight.


Thanks for responding, I like being able to discuss these things with f/a's.

And while I may never have you onboard my flights, I’d like to thank you for all the passengers I will get that your comments will have helped. I actually took Katja’s advice and confirmed wheelchairs on a quick turn I did yesterday, and one of the older men thanked me, explaining that this was his first flight with this particular airline and he was very unsure of how these things worked and ‘didn’t want to ask.’ I also explained to the other f/as what I was doing (as I was flying lead), so maybe a few other people will pick up the habit as well.

And nwaflygirl, yes, isn’t this great? I never feel like it would be quite right to ask a PAX these questions, because I don’t want to force them into giving a ‘how to deal with disabilities’ lecture, which I’m sure they do often enough, and now they just want to get where they are going. But having some people willing to discuss it is wonderful.

I actually took Katja’s advice and confirmed wheelchairs on a quick turn I did yesterday, and one of the older men thanked me, explaining that this was his first flight with this particular airline and he was very unsure of how these things worked and ‘didn’t want to ask.

Glad to hear that it was helpful!

Hey everyone. I was wondering if anyone here had a little advice to share for how a f/a might help make a journey more comfortable for someone with a disability. When I went through training they actually had several days devoted to this subject, and I’ve learned even more out on the line, but still feel like I’ve got a lot to learn. I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind, semi-mobile or immobile, have a mental issue, are claustrophobic, have a fear of flying or anything else that needs accommodation.

Sooo, any suggestion? Horror stories? Excellent service?

Thanks!

PS: Please excuse any misuse of terms as ignorance of the correct terminology, which I am always delighted to learn.

I see you've gotten some good responses and hopefully will get more. I just wanted to say that the mere fact you are interested in this says some good things about you. Have a <<<<HUG>>>>. :)

Hi there

I am not a disabled traveller but i have a real fear of flying...

Last year I completed 26 flights despite my fear.

There is very little that a steward or stewardess can do for me, I have to just get on with it. However, I did have 2 very bad flights (bad in the sense that my fear nearly go out of control),

The cabin crew were great.

The first of these was SFO - LHR with BA in Y....

I was dreading the flight I find it much easier going to the USA than coming back. When I go to the US I get a short hop to London, which I do very frequently to "warm up" and then the long slog to the US. Coming back I have the dread of the long flight in the back of a 747.

As I boarded the flight I was already very worried and not very happy, I had been rotweillered at Check-in about over wait carry on baggage and just not had a very pleasant experience. I had a couple of drinking in a bar while waiting to go to the gate, but this had no effect.

When we boarded, I was travelling with my SO who is so calm about flying it is not true. The stewardess who was sitting just a few rows infront of me noticed I did not seem to be a "happy bunny" and asked if all was ok...

I said "no, I hate flying, quite bluntly" - guess I was almost rude.

Y was full. Crammed full, and people were moving seats banging luggage bins and generally there was a lot of noise and comotion. The Purser came and had a chat with me about my fear. He then had some stuff to do but came back periodically during the loading. When we pushed back he stood next my row and was there for the whole taxi... He had to sit down for take off and as we lifted off the plane rocked and i got very distressed, I think i even shouted " Oh F**k" as we lept into the air. By this point I was hugging my pillow with tears running down my face and my partner gripping my hand.

There was a nurse sitting behind me, she put her arm arround me from behind and tried to help reasure me, and the Purser was there next to our row trying to make light of a less than smooth take-off.

There was nothing anyone could have done more for me. I just have to live with the angst every time I fly... but I do normally tell the airline before I fly Longhaul that I am a nervous passanger. The only think I can say is if you see it on the manifest perhaps have a chat with the pax... If we have let you know already about the problem, then if can be quite reasuring to know that the message has got through.

Thanks and hop this helps.

SB

Wow! Thanks SWISSBOBBY ^ . I found your story very moving - almost had tears in my eyes just thinking about your trauma.

SWISSBOBBY have you ever tried or taken advantage of the seminars some airlines provide for anxious passengers?

They do wonders. My partner had the same problems a few years ago. I recall the same reactions that you have. She went on one of these fear of flying courses and she was litterally cured. Of course, she is still somewhat nervous but she is now able to eat on the flight, go to the bathroom and even look out of the window. She even said she enjoyed her last flight... She seemed to mean it.

Thanks for the replies

I have not tried the seminars but have realised that the fear is more caused by claustrophobia... being back in the mids of Y on a 747 is aweful...

I had a the chance to fly in C on a short trip to London on my own... and was so calm and relaxed about the whole thing... I had space ...

The same thing happened when I was flying to Nice on Easyjet... I managed to get the seats 1A and 1B for me and my partner and I had no problems

So this year going to the US we are going to try C - I am almost looking forwards to it and so how it goes.

There is no doubt that some days are better than others but I think I know the cause so a solution is near.

Thanks again

SB

SB – thanks. If helps, you are certainly not alone. I’d say at around every other trip I’m on I get a ‘fearful flyer’. The best think I find to do is to listen, often they know better than I what is going to make them feel better. For example, most fearful flyers are also to some extent claustrophobic. Generally sitting near the front of the plane seems to help this. The front or over the wings provide less movement, which can help. Some people find sitting near the window helps them feel less trapped, some people must have the aisle, so that they can get up if they need to. I had one lady that absolutely had to sit in the middle seat, she felt safer with people on either side.

I also offer to let the talk to the pilot. This seems to help most people who fear crashing. The pilot can let them know exactly what type of weather and turbulence to expect. If I’ve just come in from where we’re going, I can let them know how smooth the ride was. Also I think that seeing that the pilot is a real human being who doesn’t want to crash either helps.

I remember one woman who was so terrified I didn’t think we were going to get her down the jet way. The captain was very nice and came out and talked to her, and asked her about why she was flying, she was going to go see her family. Then the captain took off his hat, and turned it over. Inside was a picture of his three year old son, and 2 month old daughter. He told her that he would never fly if he had any doubt about the safety, because he had promised that he would come home to his children. A few minutes later she was sitting down on the plane, and she did fine, she even said as she was getting off that she’d come back and fly with us again.

As always, letting the flight attendants know is a very good thing. I always keep an eye out on my fearful flyers. Also, if, say, they start to have a problem, then I already know that most likely they are having a panic attack not a heart attack, and can react appropriately.

Safe flying!

Good for you, SWissbobby. Don't forget to watch for special fares on C. Air France, British Airways have very good deals on their web sites in comparison to other airlines.

Good for you, SWissbobby. Don't forget to watch for special fares on C. Air France, British Airways have very good deals on their web sites in comparison to other airlines.

We are actually flying with BA in May

FL_f/a,
I started traveling as a "less mobile" person In September. I've only flown two airlines (HP, UA) from our little aiport in Monterey. In all four R/Ts my experiences were positive but of course some people (gate agents and FAs) were more attentive than others. Sometimes I pre-boarded or else waited to be the last one on. My walker was always there for me when I deboarded. I'm low-maintenance and don't ask for much, so in my case I think the best thing the FAs can do for me is to just smile and be available if I need help.

Thank you for your compassion and efforts to make flying a pleasure for all of us whether we get on with two legs, two wheels, four wheels or anxiety. :)

SWISSBOBBY,
I admire your courage. 26 flights is nothing to sneeze at with your fear of flying.

I wish you all safe and happy trails!

FL_f/a,
I started traveling as a "less mobile" person In September. I've only flown two airlines (HP, UA) from our little aiport in Monterey. In all four R/Ts my experiences were positive but of course some people (gate agents and FAs) were more attentive than others. Sometimes I pre-boarded or else waited to be the last one on. My walker was always there for me when I deboarded. I'm low-maintenance and don't ask for much, so in my case I think the best thing the FAs can do for me is to just smile and be available if I need help.

Thank you for your compassion and efforts to make flying a pleasure for all of us whether we get on with two legs, two wheels, four wheels or anxiety. :)

SWISSBOBBY,
I admire your courage. 26 flights is nothing to sneeze at with your fear of flying.

I wish you all safe and happy trails!

I have partial site loss and sometimes use a cane to keep me from bumping into others or tripping over luggage I don't see. I sometimes preboard and once I am in my seat don't need another thing until landing. Some of the other passengers get exasperated with the cane and me seeming to need it one moment but then I am fine to see the tv on the plane. The worst is getting through a crowded airport that is unfamiliar with or without help it can be overwhelming. But the FA have always been accomadating to me.

I am partially deaf, and on aircraft I need to remove my hearing aids due to the pressure changes. This leaves me very deaf!

Many years ago this was reason for the airline to give me a exit row seat, so that the FA could stand in front of me so I could lipread. Alas, this is no longer the case and I miss it greatly (for the leg room, to be honest, not the lipreading!)

Nowadays I just basically give up on real communication in the air - there's little essential hearing to be done on an aircraft. I just check the menu and tell the FAs my choice when they are offering things - if they've got a coffee pot when I say "tea" they babble something incomprehensible which I always assume means "tea's coming" and I've always been right! I always watch what is going on in the cabin so I know when the FAs are approaching to make sure I don't miss out entirely.

I always thoroughly study the safety card and in an accident I assume I'll be on my own and am prepared to manage that.

Flying with Mr Falconea gives me an interpreter who can translate the pilot's announcements which I do enjoy, but they aren't essential enough for me to make FA write them down for me.

Audrey

Many years ago this was reason for the airline to give me a exit row seat, so that the FA could stand in front of me so I could lipread. Alas, this is no longer the case and I miss it greatly (for the leg room, to be honest, not the lipreading!)

I'm curious to know what airline this was on... now days I'm afraid I would have to remove you from exit row. (I had to remove a pair of hearing-impaired people just yesterday, and they were quite annoyed. Unfortunately I didn't have any room up front, or I would have upgraded them.) I personally like to have my hear-impaired people as close to the front of the plane as possible, because it’s quietest away from the engines. Also, business class is often quieter in general than the main cabin, which increases my ability to communicate effectively with anyone with partial hearing.

I have a general question for people... do you ever get upgraded because of your disability? I often ask the gate agent to put people up front for various reasons.... hearing-impaired because it’s quieter, blind because it’s easier to remember how to get out, wheelchairs because it’s shorter to walk, service animals because there is better pitch, etc. Also of course because when I’m lead I like to deal directly with anyone who may possibly need some extra assistance. It just seems to run more smoothly that way. But I have no idea how these things work on a Legacy.

I'm curious to know what airline this was on... now days I'm afraid I would have to remove you from exit row.

This was on Qantas and Cathay Pacific between 1982 and 1988. In 1988 I had to do a lot of arguing to get it.

Nowadays, I know I wouldn't get it at all - I use points to upgrade instead!

And no, no-one's ever offered to upgrade me, but this isn't usual on airlines like Qantas anyway - if you want to fly in the good area you need to pay for it.

Audrey

I have a general question for people... do you ever get upgraded because of your disability?

Only been upgraded twice. One was MSP-DTW on NWA, the other was IAD-FRA on UAL from economy to Economy Plus.

Wife has a bladder condition and has to pee a lot. The fact that the seat belt sign is sometimes left on for long periods of time will not deter her.

1. Don't assume I read lips. I actually don't, but those who do aren't very good at it, despite what you see on TV. It would be nice if F/A's could write a note when they need to talk to me. It'd be great if there was some list of drinks I could use to point out which one I want. That's not really an f/a's job but I wish the airline did it.

Most airlines do list their beverages in the inflight magazine, which sounds like it could be helpful to you. As for the note writing stuff - it sounds like a great idea, but it doesn't seem to go over as well with others as it does with you. I worked in healthcare before I came to flying. I had two deaf patients (two seperate occasions) who absolutely chewed me out for writing notes. Both times, I needed to convey some important info and wanted to make sure we had accurate communication - and both times they found it patronizing. So I suppose the moral of the story here is to let the FA's know that this is helpful to you - every passenger we see is as different as night and day, and we don't know what your preferences are until you tell us. :)

As only a fellow passenger (and not crew) I can say that I and many others are willing to help -- especially in the event of an emergency. Letting me know that your physical limitations are before the flight will help me help you if there is a problem...

So don't be shy! Say hi to your seatmate and tell us how we can assist you in the event of an emergency.

Your FT friend,
-levi aka eastwest :)

Most airlines do list their beverages in the inflight magazine, which sounds like it could be helpful to you. As for the note writing stuff - it sounds like a great idea, but it doesn't seem to go over as well with others as it does with you. I worked in healthcare before I came to flying. I had two deaf patients (two seperate occasions) who absolutely chewed me out for writing notes. Both times, I needed to convey some important info and wanted to make sure we had accurate communication - and both times they found it patronizing. So I suppose the moral of the story here is to let the FA's know that this is helpful to you - every passenger we see is as different as night and day, and we don't know what your preferences are until you tell us. :)

Yes that is true. I'm better at English than some others are. Note writing works for me. OTOH, I don't think most would complain about a note saying whether the meal is chicken or beef. In health care settings it's a much more serious situation requiring accurate communication.

I have been a lurker for a while but this thread was enough to push me to register and post. First to the FA's, thanks for asking how you can help!!! It's nice to see the concern is still there (and the airlines haven't abused you guys to the point you don't care).

There were a lot of posts about wheelchairs, and deafness and other "Visible" disabilities but one piece of advice look for the less obvious. I am 35 and had a surgery go back about 10 years ago. Most of the right side of my body is numb and I have drop foot on the right side, but despite this I have learned to manage and in most situations unless people know me my limitations are invisible, but not missing. I have real problems with strength in my right leg and arm and with balance (and as a result of my disability am now a pretty large person, but more on that in a moment).

My biggest gripe with many FA's is they jump to an assumption that I cant do things (like putting baggage in the overhead bins) because of my weight. My advice is the age old addage "don't judge a book by its cover". Alot of us try to hide our disabilities at all cost (particularly when you are young) but just because we arent wheelchair bound, or don't have a service dog dont assume the worst of us. Have to tell you there are times I consider using my cane just so there will be some realization that my problems are not that I am a fat cow!!!

My other issue, and I dont think the FA's can do much about this, is flights that don't board with jetways. I fly a lot for business and unfortunately have to fly a lot of CRJ flights (and even a few turbo props...although this is decreasing). I sit the entire flight playing over in my mind having to descend the stairs if we are deplaned on the tarmac. The hand rails do not start high enough and the step at the bottom is too high, both present real challenges for me!!! If I had my way every flight would be met with a jetway. The stairs are an issue not only for the handicapped but for those with luggage or who are just clumsy *smile*.

For the FA's I guess my request on flights with stairs, be willing to hold bags til we are off and hand them down (cant tell you the 'tude I have gotten when I ask FA's to do this - we know you are busy and want us off your plane but we ask for a reason.), try to make sure the person standing at the bottom of the stairs is actually capable of helping and does so (seems to always be a 90 year old man when I arrive).

One last thing, when you announce what gates connecting flights will be at, also considering adding where in the particular airport you have to go to meet an electric car (or if the airport even has one). I dont get why this information isnt standard with the other info you provide.

Ok this got long, sorry.

My other issue, and I dont think the FA's can do much about this, is flights that don't board with jetways. I fly a lot for business and unfortunately have to fly a lot of CRJ flights (and even a few turbo props...although this is decreasing). I sit the entire flight playing over in my mind having to descend the stairs if we are deplaned on the tarmac.

Welcome to FlyerTalk, Lehava.

Have you considered requesting a wheelchair assist for flights without jetways? It probably would be the easiest method to get the assistence you need. It might seem like overkill to you, but it can be difficult to convey the various nuances of one's disability in these impersonal situations, and it's more important to disembark safely than to worry about how disabled a stranger thinks you are.

Hi

I am not disabled in the true sense of the word but I do have a rare form of epilepsy. Over here in the UK my condition has now been recognised as a disability and all sufferers of Epilepsy are now treated as such. I have flown many airlines since the onset and the ONLY airline to pay special attention to me is American Airlines. I produced a doctors letter when boarding which explained my problem and all through the 11 hour flight the F/A's were attentive and caring and did not consider me an irritation, nor did they treat me like a child as other Airlines do....BA and Virgin being prime examples!!. Whilst in Chicago I sadly had a very bad seizure and as a result was wheelchair bound for the journey back as I was partially paralysed from the fit, only temporarily but frightening having never been in that situation before. The AA staff from check in through to departure fast-tracked everything for me, the flight attendants were fabulous, and when I got back to Heathrow I was met by an AA representative who yet again fast tracked me, arranged for my luggage to be collected for me and waited with me until me cab arrived. All of the AA staff from outbound, purely as an Epilepsy sufferer to the inbound in a wheelchair, treated me more like a princess than an irritation and that is the key. Any disabled person, no matter what form of disability or severity, should be treated like an adult and not like a mindless child or even 'leper' as some people do.The trick is for a Flight Attendant to be attentive but to also respect the persons disability and act accordingly, to sense whether they are an 'independant' disabled person or a frightened disabled person with no confidence in either themselves or anyone else. It's the little things that make us feel like a human being and not an irritation.

Only experience will really help you in dealing with disabilities as they all take different forms, but the fact that you care enough to broach the subject and ask for help puts you way above most other Flight Attendants and that alone shows you are aware of the problems and that you yourself want to help in any way, which is highly commendable.

The airline industry need more people like you and then maybe people of all disabilities will start to enjoy flying........regards.....Wessen

I am going on a trip to Sorretno and flying into Naples. I will be taking my wheelchair with me as I have reduced mobility. I am rather concerned about this aspect of my trip. How easy it will be with a wheelchair etc. I also suffer from claustrophobia and am concerned that I will not get a window seat any suggestions on how to overcome these worries.

Should I let BA know before I travel with my friend.all

Yes, call BA and see what they will do for you.

Should I let BA know before I travel with my friend.all
Yes by all means let them know. Claustrophobia is not that rare, and airlines should have plenty of experience dealing with it. But they can only help if you tell them. Also let them know that a window will help, some people prefer the window, because they can see out and don't feel shut in, and some people prefer the aisle because they know they can stand up and move if they need to.

Also let them know the exact extent of your mobility. Can you navigate from the door of the airplane to your seat or will you need an aisle-chair? Will you be needing a chair while onboard to help you get to the lavs, or just some assistance from the f/as? Make sure there is a note in your reservation, confirm this with your gate agent and repeat everything to at least one f/a.

In-cabin wheelchair stowage is generally done on a first-come-first-serve basis. Ask the BA agent to note that you would be requesting this service if available, again checking with the gate agent upon arrival. If your chair needs dissembling and reassembling, written instructions are a wonderful help, and speed up the process of getting your chair back to you at the other end.

Good luck!