[Blindtlk] Experiences with American Airlines

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi all. I have flown hundreds of times on many airlines and have only
had a few bad experiences. Unfortunately one of those bad experiences
was on American when a flight attendant told me I could only sit in a
window seat because of blindness. He later apologized and confessed
that he had misread the disability policies. I have also had several
other flights on American that were positive. So I think it has more
to do with the crew than with the airline. I suggest expecting the
best but being prepared for the worst. Know your rights and feel free
to point out when something you are asked to do is a violation of the
Air Carrier Access Act, but at the same time, know that these kinds of
events are quite rare and don't let worries about discrimination
interfere with your trip. Best of luck!
Arielle

On 6/10/15, Elizabeth Campbell via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi Chris,
> I haven't had problems flying American Airlines, and I've flown on the
> airline many times.
> Sometimes I've used my cane while on other trips I've had my guide dog with
> me. I've never had my cane taken from me by the airline and I also haven't
> had issues with my dog other than having less room to position himunder the
> seat in front of me.
>
> Let us know about your airline experiences, good or bad.
>
> Best
>
> Liz
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris
> Nusbaum via blindtlk
> Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 7:26 PM
> To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org; 'National Association of Blind Students mailing
> list'
> Cc: Chris Nusbaum
> Subject: [Blindtlk] Experiences with American Airlines
>
> Hello All,
>
>
>
> Next week my mom and I will fly out to California to participate in the
> National Braille Challenge competition. Due to the circumstances of this
> particular trip and the family vacation which proceeds it, we have to fly
> American Airlines rather than our usual Southwest. This change of airline
> is
> naturally a cause for some degree of concern and curiosity on my part.
>
>
>
> As has been the case with many other blind people, I have not experienced
> any issues which stem from my blindness or my use of a white cane when
> flying Southwest. Though I am often required to hand over my cane in order
> for them to pass it through the mettle detector at security, I have always
> gotten it back promptly and have had no trouble carrying it on the plane
> with me. Southwest's staff have been in general very accommodating.
> However,
> this will be my first time flying American. What experiences-positive or
> negative-have you had when flying this airline? Has the staff been helpful
> without being overly so? Have you faced any discrimination problems with
> this airline? I believe the Federation has had a contentious history with
> American due to their past discrimination against blind passengers during
> the 1980s and early 90s. However, I recognize that this may have changed in
> recent years. I look forward to reading any insights you can share.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Chris Nusbaum
>
>
>
> Chris Nusbaum, Vice President
>
> Maryland Association of Blind Students
>
> A Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
>
> Phone: (443) 547-2409
>
> Email: dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com
>
> Twitter: @Chrisn98 and @NFBMD
>
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations for blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
> between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
> blindness is not what holds you back.
>
>
>
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