Originally Posted by
MrsBiggles
Never needed special assistance before, but now the time has come and I have a few questions. I've had knee surgery in October. The recovery is going well, so I decided to go ahead visiting friends in London, a long planned trip, departing from Basel. I've asked for the buggy or wheelchair option.
I can walk (slowly) without crutches, but longer distances and long standing are a problem. Basel airport may be okay, it's not huge, I have fast track access and there's plenty of seats about. Can I talk to the Basel check in staff and try to make my own way to the gate?
Arriving at Heathrow, I'll definitely need assistance. Do I wait in my seat onboard for the assistance to show up?
Also, if everything goes well, I might not need assistance on the return. I can arrive early and take my time. Can I call and cancel the assistance for the return leg, after arrival?
Thanks for your help. I feel a bit awkward asking for special assistance, but I definitely have a feeling I won't cope well with arrival at Heathrow. Especially after being caught in some border problems earlier this year 😅
First of all please don't feel awkward in any way as that's why the service is there. Personally from what you have written I would be inclined to book it
both ways just to make things a little easier.
As for Basel I have no experience of the actual airport itself and subsequently of the Special Assistance provided there. However, I am sure the BA team at the link above (see post 2) will be able to answer any queries you may have.
Normally AIUI you just wait on the aircraft until folks have deplaned and the staff who provide the assistance will then board and escort/help you.
Let us know how you get on please as with this thread being in it's infancy then some feedback/your general experiences etc would be very much appreciated and will provide some reference for future users of any SA requirements etc.
Pete