[nabs-l] How to Files - Traveling by Air

[Joe Orozco]

Dear all,

It seems the recent article resonated with some of our members.  Some of the
responses suggest some people would have done the exact same thing in
similar circumstances, so rather than criticize or judge people's actions,
why don't we create an archive of ideas people have to address a myriad of
situations.  We could call each thread the How To Files, devote a week for
people to generate ideas per thread, and whoever is managing the NABS
website these days could create individual pages with a compilation of our
responses so that people can peruse the information later.  Here's my first
contribution in hopes that others will follow suit:

How To Files - Traveling by Air

When traveling on an airplane, you should feel as comfortable as possible to
ensure an enjoyable experience.  Remember these days it is possible to make
your reservations over the Internet.  If the website proves difficult to
navigate, you may call the airline by phone and ask that the telephone rates
be waived.  Keep in mind that taking this route may result in your not being
able to take advantage of online discounts, and while organizations like the
NFB are working to ensure website accessibility, you will need to find the
best course of action to reserve your trip there and then.  If at all
possible, try to check into your flight in advance to avoid having to stand
in line to obtain your pass.  If you have to check in luggage, you'll need
to approach a counter or curb-side check-in anyway, but checking into your
flight in advance means you'll have the opportunity to choose your seat if
this was not done while purchasing your ticket or unless you're flying
Southwest.

When you arrive at the airport keep in mind that most airline counters will
be arranged in a central area.  Of course you have to take into
considerations that different airports are set up in different ways, but
your transportation will usually drop you off at an entrance that is most
closely located to your particular airline counter.  Now all you have to do
is find the lines that correspond with your counter.  Sound difficult?
Sometimes you may need to keep your ears open for people walking by to ask
where the counter is located.  Listen for heels, rolling suitcases and
chattering kids who may be walking with their parents.  You will be
surprised at how willing people are willing to answer your questions, and
who knows, if you don't ask, you may pass up someone who could be on your
plane headed to the same destination.

After finding the correct line you may discover that staying in line is made
easier through following the velvet ropes.  Use your cane to gently tap the
heel of the person in front of you.  If you are using a guide dog, ask Cujo
to move forward until you fill the vacant space the person ahead of you has
left after moving forward.  If you haven't tried all this before, you'll get
the hang of it over time with a little practice.  Feel free to engage said
person in conversation.  Chances are the person in line may be on your
flight.

So, you've checked your bags and obtained your gate passes.  While you're at
the counter you may request assistance to get to the gate.  If you're
running late, asking for assistance may be prudent since you don't want to
get lost and potentially miss your flight.  If you're a diligent traveler
and have over an hour to kill, consider making an adventure of finding your
gate.  After all, it's much more fun to walk around exploring than it is to
sit still for over an hour.  What, you've got a book you'd rather be
reading?  Trust me, at 37,000 feet you won't be doing a whole lot of walking
and will have plenty of time to catch up on what happens to your favorite
characters.

And speaking of story plots, isn't it true that your characters need to
overcome a conflict to make the story worth reading?  Well, it's the same
concept here.  You will not fully appreciate your independence unless you
learn how to fully experience the joys of getting lost.  I assure you real
world adventures are far more fulfilling than the ones on paper.

Here's the first major tip, when you're at the counter, do not try to get
the representative to give you the whole layout of the airport.  Just ask
for general directions to the security checkpoint.  People vary in their
ability to give directions, and if you learn how to break up your journey
into small pieces, you'll have greater success and will be less likely to
get overwhelmed and frustrated.

Now, assuming you're still walking along by yourself, your task is to find
the security checkpoint.  With the general directions the representative
gave you, you're going to start off heading in the direction they gave and
already be on the lookout for the second person who can confirm these
directions.  So, obtain, then verify.  As you walk keep in mind the sounds
you can associate with checkpoints.  You will no doubt here the beep of the
metal detectors.  Perhaps you'll hear the rattle of bags lumbering through
the x-ray machines.  Maybe frustrated security representatives admonishing
people to take off shoes and pull out laptops?

Here's the next tip:  Wear shoes you can easily take off.  This is not even
a blindness-related tip.  This is just an important point for blind and
sighted people alike.  If you wear complicated boots, you don't want to be
sprawled out on the floor undoing your laces while generally holding up the
rest of the passengers.  Also, prepare your computers to be taken out and
put on the trays.  Look at your airline's website to find out what is
currently being allowed.  Again, if the website does not work, pick up a
phone.

Just before you get to the security checkpoint you're going to encounter the
first TSA representative who will verify your pass and identification.  Ask
him or her where the nearest line is to the metal detectors.  Remember when
asking for directions to point with your finger to make sure you fully
understand where they are directing you.  If you're wrong, keep trying until
you've got it right, or allow them to take your hand and point your finger
in the right direction.

Okay, I've gotta run, but I hope others will chime in with getting through
the security checkpoint and finding restrooms, restaurants and ultimately
your gate.  I think we can all collaborate on what to do while flying and
how to properly exit the aircraft.  And, please add any details you think
important in the trip up to this point.  I'm sure even frequent travelers
may learn a thing or two.

Best,

Joe

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam Ewing
 

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