I'm still a "special needs" passenger and will be for the next month or so. With time, I've "cheapened" up a bit as I become more familiar with the wheelchair attendants and their expectations.

Now, I tip cart drivers $1 if they help me with my carryon bags. If all they do is swing by to pick me up and just leave me someplace else, I leave no tip.

For wheelchair attendants, I give them $5. If they go out of their way (i.e.: last night, an attendant pushed me from my gate all the way out to my car in the parking deck ...and put my bags into my car for me) I'll double or triple that amount. But for now, it seems that $5 is fair and acceptable.

It's also been my experience that you need to tell both the gate agent and the flight attendant on-board that you need special assistance. While my records are flagged, it seems like a good idea to let the gate agent know what's what ...and also let the flight attendant know what's up too.

Traveling "wounded" is not fun nor is it cheap. I have tremendous sympathy for those that need to travel this way.