Originally Posted by
flyingwheels
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Really, don't worry or be afraid. I've never run into a flight with not even one FA on board that wouldn't help , let alone other passengers. Especially the american and asian based FA's were very helpfull.
A last resort? Take a bag small enough it'll fit underneath the chair in front of you and stow it there instead of in the overhead compartment. But don't feel the need to do so in fear of not getting help.
I agree - as an older, male, wheelchair user with the ability to walk a small distance with cane or crutches.
The willingness to help unasked - both FAs and other pax - continues to amaze me. Can you count on it? Most probably. Do you want to count on it? Probably not. An interesting decision.
I try to minimize my impact on the cabin crew, but traveling on business means I check a bag and am left with a heavy carryon, computer bag. It often weighs more than my checked bag, but I can't seem to cut it back.
Recently, I went from a "shoulder" case to a roller to try and make it easier for the on and off the plane stage. Once I'm back in my chair either one rides in my lap.
As suggested, a bag that could go under the seat seems like the "can't lose" answer, but even in longhaul business there may be media boxes and such that make the underseat area unusable.
The sling means you probably won't need to even ask. What if no one is willing to help (extremely unlikely). Gate check would be the ultimate fallback. That might happen 1 in 100 or so? Probably never.
Good luck...