Any experience getting a preferred seat due to medical need?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 86
Any experience getting a preferred seat due to medical need?
A little back story. I stubbed my foot because my 2 year old son tripped me. I ended up needing surgery. I had surgery 2 weeks ago and am not able to put any weight on my foot for the next two weeks. Then I have limited walking ability for another month.
I have a flight booked AUS->LHR->BUD in November for business. My company will only book coach for this flight. I told my Dr about the trip and he was concerned and said I would have problems with my foot swelling on that long of a flight. Is it possible with a Dr note to get BA to give me a bulkhead seat assignment now? My TA has me booked in row 22 on the way there and 21C on the way back.
I have flown the 787 flight once before in June and was fortunate enough to get exit rows by the restroom but I don't qualify now due to my condition. I don't have any status as I only fly one or two times a year to Europe for business.
I have a flight booked AUS->LHR->BUD in November for business. My company will only book coach for this flight. I told my Dr about the trip and he was concerned and said I would have problems with my foot swelling on that long of a flight. Is it possible with a Dr note to get BA to give me a bulkhead seat assignment now? My TA has me booked in row 22 on the way there and 21C on the way back.
I have flown the 787 flight once before in June and was fortunate enough to get exit rows by the restroom but I don't qualify now due to my condition. I don't have any status as I only fly one or two times a year to Europe for business.
#2
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2,379
A little back story. I stubbed my foot because my 2 year old son tripped me. I ended up needing surgery. I had surgery 2 weeks ago and am not able to put any weight on my foot for the next two weeks. Then I have limited walking ability for another month.
I have a flight booked AUS->LHR->BUD in November for business. My company will only book coach for this flight. I told my Dr about the trip and he was concerned and said I would have problems with my foot swelling on that long of a flight. Is it possible with a Dr note to get BA to give me a bulkhead seat assignment now? My TA has me booked in row 22 on the way there and 21C on the way back.
I have flown the 787 flight once before in June and was fortunate enough to get exit rows by the restroom but I don't qualify now due to my condition. I don't have any status as I only fly one or two times a year to Europe for business.
I have a flight booked AUS->LHR->BUD in November for business. My company will only book coach for this flight. I told my Dr about the trip and he was concerned and said I would have problems with my foot swelling on that long of a flight. Is it possible with a Dr note to get BA to give me a bulkhead seat assignment now? My TA has me booked in row 22 on the way there and 21C on the way back.
I have flown the 787 flight once before in June and was fortunate enough to get exit rows by the restroom but I don't qualify now due to my condition. I don't have any status as I only fly one or two times a year to Europe for business.
Though assuming you're not self employed, surely your company should pay for an upgrade if it's medically necessary?
I've never had to use it, but the BA policy is to reserve necessary seats for people with disabilities in advance free of charge. If you can convince them it's medically necessary you might even be able to get it without a doctors note.
#3
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How would a bulkhead prevent your foot from swelling? (I'm not being facetious, I genuinely can't see how!)
Though assuming you're not self employed, surely your company should pay for an upgrade if it's medically necessary?
I've never had to use it, but the BA policy is to reserve necessary seats for people with disabilities in advance free of charge. If you can convince them it's medically necessary you might even be able to get it without a doctors note.
Though assuming you're not self employed, surely your company should pay for an upgrade if it's medically necessary?
I've never had to use it, but the BA policy is to reserve necessary seats for people with disabilities in advance free of charge. If you can convince them it's medically necessary you might even be able to get it without a doctors note.
Otherwise, call BA, explain the situation, and ask about the bulkhead. Best of luck and safe travels.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 86
How would a bulkhead prevent your foot from swelling? (I'm not being facetious, I genuinely can't see how!)
Though assuming you're not self employed, surely your company should pay for an upgrade if it's medically necessary?
I've never had to use it, but the BA policy is to reserve necessary seats for people with disabilities in advance free of charge. If you can convince them it's medically necessary you might even be able to get it without a doctors note.
Though assuming you're not self employed, surely your company should pay for an upgrade if it's medically necessary?
I've never had to use it, but the BA policy is to reserve necessary seats for people with disabilities in advance free of charge. If you can convince them it's medically necessary you might even be able to get it without a doctors note.
i would rather try this route first before asking for an additional 3k USD for an upgrade ticket.
#5
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#7
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Sorry I didn't say. In order to reduce swelling I have to elevate my foot above my heart. I have spent countless hours the past two weeks laying down with my foot elevated on pillows. If I have a bulkhead I can stretch out my leg and put it up to elevate. If I did that to the seat in front of me I am sure I irritate the person ahead of me and I don't want to inconvience anyone else.
i would rather try this route first before asking for an additional 3k USD for an upgrade ticket.
i would rather try this route first before asking for an additional 3k USD for an upgrade ticket.
Are your employers aware of all of this ?
cs
#8
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#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 86
They are aware of my surgery and I have been working from home. I had my Dr appt on Friday after work so I haven't had a chance to talk to them about it.
I should be much better for the flight he just said I might have swelling still on a 10 hour flight. He recommended I try to get a seat with some more legroom. that is all I am trying to see if I can do. I will talk to my manager on Monday though.
I should be much better for the flight he just said I might have swelling still on a 10 hour flight. He recommended I try to get a seat with some more legroom. that is all I am trying to see if I can do. I will talk to my manager on Monday though.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: UK
Programs: I go wherever the content takes me.
Posts: 5,698
Any experience getting a preferred seat due to medical need?
If you need to elevate your foot above your heart then you're going to have to prop it on the bulkhead for the whole flight. Surely that isn't going to work?
Alternatively you could sit upside down, head on the bulkhead and foot on the headrest...
Or, I would speak to your boss if I were you.
Alternatively you could sit upside down, head on the bulkhead and foot on the headrest...
Or, I would speak to your boss if I were you.
#12
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This:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...e-revenge.html
It's not exclusively British (humor or otherwise) but is exclusively British Airways forum.
I would not expect to obtain a preferred seat for free in your circumstances; purchasing a seat in CW would seem to be the best.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...e-revenge.html
It's not exclusively British (humor or otherwise) but is exclusively British Airways forum.
I would not expect to obtain a preferred seat for free in your circumstances; purchasing a seat in CW would seem to be the best.
#13
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: BA Silver, Mucci
Posts: 5,289
This is a reference to a thread started by our beloved poster henkybaby, who had a unique, henkyesque, and somewhat controversial solution to the children misbehaving in airport lounges problem.
For some strange reason, things got a little heated and the thread was closed, so I don't think I'm supposed to post a link to it.
For some strange reason, things got a little heated and the thread was closed, so I don't think I'm supposed to post a link to it.
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 86
If you need to elevate your foot above your heart then you're going to have to prop it on the bulkhead for the whole flight. Surely that isn't going to work?
Alternatively you could sit upside down, head on the bulkhead and foot on the headrest...
Or, I would speak to your boss if I were you.
Alternatively you could sit upside down, head on the bulkhead and foot on the headrest...
Or, I would speak to your boss if I were you.
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 86
This:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...e-revenge.html
It's not exclusively British (humor or otherwise) but is exclusively British Airways forum.
I would not expect to obtain a preferred seat for free in your circumstances; purchasing a seat in CW would seem to be the best.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...e-revenge.html
It's not exclusively British (humor or otherwise) but is exclusively British Airways forum.
I would not expect to obtain a preferred seat for free in your circumstances; purchasing a seat in CW would seem to be the best.
Oh and that is crazy about Henky. I guess I am an alternate version.
Last edited by ummgood; Sep 20, 2014 at 7:47 pm