Originally Posted by
oldpenny16
I doubt if you can do my trick with the tray table in that situation. You need a lot more space. Pick your airline and air craft very carefully.
Thank you for your kind words. My leg is much stronger and much more useful that had been expected at my age, but it still isn't what it used to be. I'm not complaining.
Still, when I get tired, I really am finished. Over! Fatigue sets in and I am done for the day.
First, you should understand that you start with your MD to determine what your needs are.
Second, with your needs in hand, talk with the carrier about the specific space you will require. It may or may not be available on the scheduled aircraft (and aircraft change).
Third, be prepared for the carrier's medical staff to want to talk with you and your MD. The carrier may or may not be willing to transport you and may set conditions on your transport. They will err on the side of caution, as should you and note that the carrier may well require a travel companion with specific qualifications because FA's have safety duties and while they may try to be helpful to you, they've got other priorities.
Fourth, as others have noted, make sure you are purchasing the seat you require with complete flexibility. It will be expensive, but you should not count on upgrades because there may be none and the carrier has no reason to treat you differently.
Fifth, TSA and other aspects of departure won't be hard, just allow a lot of time, not for the checkpoint which will likely be easy, but simply because the wheelchair person may be delayed, the gate may be far away and so on, and you clearly aren't in a position to make a run for the gate.
All of this is doable - but it requires planning. Remember, people with major and permanent disabilities travel every day. It's simply that they have the ins and outs down to a science.