first time alone disabled
Jan 18, 2015, 8:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
first time alone disabled
Hi everyone its going to be my first time doing everything alone.my dad is dropping me off at around 3am and my flight leaves at 6.i need to check my bag go through security and find my gate. i cant stand for long so i was hoping to get a wheelchair with a skycap.united said the skycaps arent available until 3 30am. im thinking of just hanging out until 330 and then hopefully flagging someone down. im nervous about checking my bag so early because i dont want to get lost.
Jan 19, 2015, 3:02 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: priority club
Posts: 74
Did you ask United about Skycaps or Special Needs Assistance?
At most airports that I have used Wheel chair assistance is provided by a different department from the luggage porters or SkyCaps.
At most airports you cant just flag down a spare wheelchair - they are only available to those that have requested assistance through the airline
If you need Special needs assistance from car drop off to the checkin desks you need to specifically request that since normally assistance doesn't start until checkin (some airports provide a special telephone at the disabled parking areas but you need to confirm the procedure before hand)
At most airports that I have used Wheel chair assistance is provided by a different department from the luggage porters or SkyCaps.
At most airports you cant just flag down a spare wheelchair - they are only available to those that have requested assistance through the airline
If you need Special needs assistance from car drop off to the checkin desks you need to specifically request that since normally assistance doesn't start until checkin (some airports provide a special telephone at the disabled parking areas but you need to confirm the procedure before hand)
Jan 19, 2015, 7:34 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
Welcome to FlyerTalk!
It's good that you're allowing plenty of time, but DeafFlyer has a point - at that time of the morning, things will be really dead anyway, and so you might as well wait until 3:30. It sounds like you've already let United know that you will need wheelchair assistance. If you haven't, be sure to do so. At most airports, there are places to sit near the check-in desks, so if you check in and wheelchair assistance isn't yet available, you'll be able to sit down and wait for it.
In general, stay calm, ask questions if you need to, and be proactive about letting people know what you need, as there are very few mind-readers working for the airlines. Enjoy your trip!
It's good that you're allowing plenty of time, but DeafFlyer has a point - at that time of the morning, things will be really dead anyway, and so you might as well wait until 3:30. It sounds like you've already let United know that you will need wheelchair assistance. If you haven't, be sure to do so. At most airports, there are places to sit near the check-in desks, so if you check in and wheelchair assistance isn't yet available, you'll be able to sit down and wait for it.
In general, stay calm, ask questions if you need to, and be proactive about letting people know what you need, as there are very few mind-readers working for the airlines. Enjoy your trip!
Jan 20, 2015, 2:06 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
Where are you flying out of and to?
You say you're not able to stand for long but do you also use the assistance of crutches or a cane? Just wondering for the time between your drop off and access to a wheelchair. Some airlines/airports do allow someone to accompany people in these situations. Is that an option for your father? Understandable if you also want to go alone for the experience.
On a side note I have heard from several disabled travelers that they make sure to bring their own snacks as getting around can be bothersome to certain conditions.
You say you're not able to stand for long but do you also use the assistance of crutches or a cane? Just wondering for the time between your drop off and access to a wheelchair. Some airlines/airports do allow someone to accompany people in these situations. Is that an option for your father? Understandable if you also want to go alone for the experience.
On a side note I have heard from several disabled travelers that they make sure to bring their own snacks as getting around can be bothersome to certain conditions.
Jan 21, 2015, 2:52 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
im flying ewr newark to mco orlando
i dont need any other assistance like a cane.i will have my boarding pass already printed out. when i go to check my luggage i would hope i could ask for someone there so i can get through security easier.
i dont need any other assistance like a cane.i will have my boarding pass already printed out. when i go to check my luggage i would hope i could ask for someone there so i can get through security easier.
Jan 22, 2015, 11:39 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
EWR is actually a decent airport for you to fly out of on your own as a person with a disability. Getting from the drop off area to inside (assuming you're flying United airlines as I don't know Jet Blue's setup at EWR) is not a far distance and inside you can find benches/seats to rest and pass time until a wheelchair is available. You may also be able to find a United employee out in that area that you can inform of your need of a wheelchair and they can handle checking in your luggage without having you stand for a longer period of time. Once you get the wheelchair assistance you will proceed through security and onwards to the gate. It seems you're giving yourself very ample time so don't rush.
Just a reminder to take any medications (if you take any) with you on the plane in case your luggage is delayed.
Enjoy the flight.
Just a reminder to take any medications (if you take any) with you on the plane in case your luggage is delayed.
Enjoy the flight.