Easyjet Disabled Question

greenface

Its easyer for the plane to load PRMs (great post glenn)first. make sure your known to them and arrive early for them to assist you properly. I travel with my son with PRM (wheelchair) and nearly every where has been good enough some better than others. best and worst experience being JFK new york.

Capyboppy

Only thing is, not sure what I will be classed as. I need a wheelchair to get from the start through security and to somewhere near the boarding gate usually although I can walk. Even going through security I am slower than everyone else when I did it for the first time. Lifting the boxes etc was a struggle and trying to keep up with the flow was near impossible. I learnt my lesson 2010 when thinking because there were those moving flat escalator thingys, I would be okay. Never again as there were bits in between that had to be walked:-( .(Heathrow & Ben Gurion). The last two times I travelled it was great, particularly at Ben Gurion. While everyone was going out of one side, us lot went onto a fireman type lift, motored across and deposited us practically at baggage claims. Brilliant. Despite being last off the plane we ended up virtually catching everyone else up.

morledge142

i went with ryanair through easst midlands recently and like you although i can walk i am very slow.

i booked in with ocs airport disabled assistant as soon as i got there. they asked if i wanted to be taken to gate by chair or however,.

i declined and said i would make own way there as the family were going to get a brekky first so i would make my own way slowly there.

so the guy said someone would meet me at the gate.

we went through airport at our leisure then when we got to gate we spoke to the people and they introduced themselves then called us onto aircraft first at the time.

we got a lift things to help us up and the same getting off at destination.

it was my own pride that stoppped me getting more help as they would have provided wheelchair but i prefer to amble slowly with my sticks.

have a lovely time yuou will be well taken care of.

greenface

nice post morledge and remember airports have a duty of care to make sure you are safe and understand their obligations to your needs . You will be fine but make yourself known they dont know if you require what ? enjoy your trip and let us know how it goes

Capyboppy

@moreledge

I know what you mean about the pride thing. I will do anything when I can to avoid being more dependent on people or aids, but just have to accept I can't be like I used to. One thing I like to try and do is have a browse round some of the shops after security. This of course depends on how far the shops are from the boarding gate. The assistants will drop you off there, but it isn't always known what boarding gate it is unless getting there a bit later. I am looking forward to it though, just hope nothing gets in the way of going, and will definitely report back.

SaveTheEuro

It's understandable that people get stressed when using an airline with free seating. They complain of being treated like cattle and call the boarding process chaotic because each individual feels powerless in a competitive crowd situation. No wonder people with disabilities feel they will be trampled on.

Once on board space is tight and crew will sell rather than pamper.

In truth at least everybody is guaranteed a seat (this isn't the same as rail travel) even if not next to their travelling companion. And, if you have booked assistance, you know the crew will have reserved seats for you and will be on hand to help with cabin luggage.

Even if things look chaotic it's good to remember they won't leave without you and you will get a seat. And none of us should be seduced into thinking a flight is all about pleasure. It's often a cheap way of travelling long distances. As long as we are safe, have somewhere to sit and aren't paying over the odds that has to do.

Capyboppy

@savetheeuro

I am afraid I beg to differ on the fact that a flight is all about pleasure. To me it is all part of the holiday/trip/etc. I know many see it just as way of getting from A - B especially those who travel often such as business men/women. Not just flying though but also if travelling first class by train. Nowadays on the times I have to go to London I find it is well worth paying the extra for health. Although there is the risk of losing the money if not well enough to go, buying in advance with the disabled rail card can make a difference of only £10-15 including a lovely breakfast. Enjoying the freedom to stretch out, take my time getting spread out/organised, not to mention the fact of the train staff treating you and helping so nice and respectfully (even if all an act for their job), to me again, is all part of the journey, and enables me to get where I am going in a far better state:T

God forbid the day I take anything for granted!:beer:

SaveTheEuro

I think it's important to be realistic about what faces us when we travel by air.

When we're going on holiday we're in a good mood and we want the journey to be the start of a fun time.

In reality, we have to face crowded airports, queues for security, staff checking your luggage isn't too big, a rush to board aircraft, restricted space onboard etc.

I think if we brace ourselves for that reality we're less likely to complain of chaos, rude staff and a cattle market.

Capyboppy

Yes you are right. I think the attitude in advance is a big part to play. I forgot to put my inhalers that were classed as liquid separately and the poor patient security fella had to open every single carton, pull out the canister and then put everything back. Going to London recently I got searched both times. I don't see it as an inconvenience, more of just a good security check. When you're used to El Al's security checks anything else is a mere bagatel:j

greenface

betta than baggabom