Air New Zealand Air Points - Check in with disability

My partner has a serious lung/heart condition meaning that he has difficulty walking/standing for any length of time. He does not use a wheelchair however in normal life, but does use one at shopping centres, museums when there are long distances. We have to organise oxygen for use on the plane (US$75 per international sector).

However, the difficulty we now have is with check-in on AirNZ flights.

This is fine with domestic, as queues and distances at regional airports are short. At other airports and international from AKL wheelchairs are easily got.

Our recent trip to SYD alerted me to the problem, we had a 30 min wait at economy while the queue snaked and moved ever so slowly. When we did get to the counter, check in staff organised the wheelchair quickly - and it was well and truly needed by then! (I am dreading LAX especially if that queue still snakes out the door!).

My ideal solution would be to by-pass the queue and get a wheelchair straight away - but the only shore-fire way to do this would be to attempt a check-in at a premium counter.

I would be interested in thoughts on the appropriateness of this - or even if AirNZ would allow it. Or any ways around this.

I need to point out we travel economy (and with the other costs incurred with his disability, this is not likely to change). I also only have minimal status (qualify for *S next Monday!). I also do not want to impinge on the benefits of those that have earned status.

Thanks.

My partner has a serious lung/heart condition meaning that he has difficulty walking/standing for any length of time. He does not use a wheelchair however in normal life, but does use one at shopping centres, museums when there are long distances. We have to organise oxygen for use on the plane (US$75 per international sector).

However, the difficulty we now have is with check-in on AirNZ flights.

This is fine with domestic, as queues and distances at regional airports are short. At other airports and international from AKL wheelchairs are easily got.

Our recent trip to SYD alerted me to the problem, we had a 30 min wait at economy while the queue snaked and moved ever so slowly. When we did get to the counter, check in staff organised the wheelchair quickly - and it was well and truly needed by then! (I am dreading LAX especially if that queue still snakes out the door!).

My ideal solution would be to by-pass the queue and get a wheelchair straight away - but the only shore-fire way to do this would be to attempt a check-in at a premium counter.

I would be interested in thoughts on the appropriateness of this - or even if AirNZ would allow it. Or any ways around this.

I need to point out we travel economy (and with the other costs incurred with his disability, this is not likely to change). I also only have minimal status (qualify for *S next Monday!). I also do not want to impinge on the benefits of those that have earned status.

Thanks.
Have you tried calling NZ to arrange "special assistance"? They may help you with the check in formalities and wheelchair.

This would work at SYD or BNE, but not LAX: could he wait in the nearby seating area within view and come up to join you once you come to the head of the snaking line?

At LAX, at times when the queue is snaking around they often have a NZ staffer at the T2 NZ entrance directing people to the premium area or the general line - perhaps its worth a chat with her to get the wheelchair sorted straight away?

Perhaps kiwiandrew, a TA or someone who has some more experience arranging assistance for pax with complex needs will chime in here.

Have you tried calling NZ to arrange "special assistance"? They may help you with the check in formalities and wheelchair.

No, I have not done that yet, was hoping to get some ideas here first to suggest.

The MEDA desk is very helpful and pleasant.

It might be each airport has it is own best solution! Or maybe we just need to get status!

Hi Jeffrocowboy

As Stewardo points out, definitely speak to the usher at the front entrance who normally man the queues in the busy evening period (or atleast try to) and explain your situation. Hopefully they'll be understanding enough to move you to the premium counter (which is often the case if no customers are waiting their) or straight through to the front of the economy line.

Having worked their, your chances would be increased if there is a premium Air NZ staff member manning the door as opposed to a Hallmark staff member. (Not elluding to anything tho. ;))

Also worthwhile phoning Air NZ prior to investigate other possible arrangements available. All the best.

My partner ... has difficulty walking/standing for any length of time... the difficulty we now have is with check-in on AirNZ flights ... while the queue snaked and moved ever so slowly.
Have you considered getting one of those tall four wheel suitcases (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B000SAAR9G/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=318949011&s=sports) you often see pushed around airports by young Japanese? (Please excuse the racial stereotype.) At any time you couldn't get premium or other check-in assistance then maybe with one of those your partner could sit down in the line?

If you are going AKL-LAX-AKL, on the flight over, talk to the in-flight conceige and they could give you a business card to contact for your return flight.

Isn't this what they are there for, to help make the Air NZ service better?

thanks all for your ideas - all good, will follow them up as well as talk to the MEDA people