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

Wed May 19 23:24:48 UTC 2010

Just two quick comments.

1. If you wanted to avoid the metal detector and dog equipment situation 
altogether, you could find/make a slip collar leash with no metal to be used 
at the security point only and remove your dog's leash and harness.

2. I slightly question touching every bag on the carousel.  Yes, it's our 
way of identifying things, but some people don't understand, and touching 
everyone's bag as it passed by could raise suspicions.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David" <davidb521 at gmail.com>
To: <jsorozco at gmail.com>; "'National Association of Blind Students mailing 
list'" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 1:41 PM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] How to Files - Traveling by Air

> Hi,
> Another technique for finding bags is to have some tactile identification 
> on
> the bag. You can actually kneel in front of the carousel, and feel every 
> bag
> that goes by until you discover yours. The down side to that is that it's 
> a
> little uncomfortable, and if your arms aren't long enough, you may not be
> able to feel all of the bags that are farther back. But, it works well for
> the most part.
> David
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On 
> Behalf
> Of Joe Orozco
> Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 2:00 PM
> To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] How to Files - Traveling by Air
>
> Dear all,
>
> Thanks for contributing to this thread.  Given the rate at which people
> register on the NABS website, I know someone is reading the content, and 
> no
> doubt your thoughts will be of tremendous value to students present and
> future.
>
> A few more thoughts:
>
> 1. I have a guide dog, and when coming up on the security checkpoint it 
> has
> been my experience that personnel automatically try to wand me since the 
> dog
> will set off the metal detector.  So, I have Gator lie down while I walk
> through the detector then call him to me so that I am clear, and all 
> that's
> required is for the representatives to pat down my guide.  The extra
> frisking is sometimes random.  You can't avoid this, but if you can take 
> the
> initiative, if it is not random you can avoid adding a few more minutes to
> your journey by having them pat down the dog independent of you.
>
> 2. If you are connecting to a second or third flight, ask the person 
> sitting
> next to you to help you read the connecting gate number if you do not yet
> know it.  Your fellow passenger may be walking in the same direction, if 
> not
> headed to the same gate themselves, in which case it is not unreasonable 
> to
> ask if you can follow them.  Actually, this simple maneuver may work if 
> you
> are at the end of your trip and need to find ground transportation or
> luggage claim.  Remember that bit of advice about breaking up your
> experience into small, digestible chunks.  All this aside, it just makes
> sense to feel comfortable talking to the people around you.  One never 
> knows
> when a good educational opportunity will present itself, and talking to
> people just helps you smooth out other aspects of social development. 
> Some
> of my more interesting friends I've met while clinging to one of the 
> support
> rails in one of the crowded DC subways.
>
> 3. It's been a while since I've checked bags, but when I do I try to find 
> my
> luggage locators.  Some may find these look a little dorky, but you can't
> beat pressing a button and having your bags chirp at you from the cluster 
> of
> bags around it.  Others may suggest tying a bright pink Bowe or some other
> colorful mark to clearly identify your bag.  You could do this, but if you
> want a higher degree of independence, luggage locators are a good bet.
>
> 4. Listen to your surroundings.  Seriously, no great advance in technology
> will ever replicate the surround sound that happens between your ears.  We
> all know the misconceptions of Super Man hearing abilities are false, but 
> do
> take advantage of all the little clues from the sound of the ground people
> are walking on to the general direction of voices to the racket of cash
> registers, metal detectors, PA speakers, escalators, elevators, electric
> carts and other sounds that traditionally flow through an airport.
>
> Some people have gotten good at remembering the general layout of certain
> airports and could probably make a list of airports and the shapes of 
> their
> concourses.  I believe the Atlanta airport is supposed to be one of the
> easiest layouts, but to this day I forget what goes where when I change
> planes in Atlanta.  Yet it's only a matter of time before I ask enough
> questions and harass enough people before I figure out how to get from one
> gate to the next.  It truly is something of an adventure each time, and no
> doubt you will soon become an expert at recognizing that traveling by air 
> is
> not too different from finding a new classroom, navigating a mall or
> negotiating a restaurant.
>
> Best,
>
> Still, ask questions if you have them.  No one would suggest the comments 
> up
> to this point have exhausted every possibility.  That's what the list is
> here for.
>
> 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
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Domonique Lawless
> Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 9:57 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] How to Files - Traveling by Air
>
> Joe,
> This is a great idea and I'm sure that Meghan who is most talented can
> incorperate this into our site. Another thing to add is not to be
> intimidated  by airline personell. When I was traveling home from a
> trip to China a skycap wouldn't listen to me when I said politely that
> I didn't need assistance. She kept insisting that I follow her and at
> the time I had no choice since she snatched my boarding pass out of my
> hand after I deboarded and went through customs. She ended up taking
> me to the special service room where I explained to her coworker how
> she wouldn't respect my wishes and give me back my ticket so I could
> travel to my gate. Since I firmly held my ground I got my way and was
> able to travel to my gate.
>
> My point is that only you know what's best for you and no one has the
> right to push you around, whether they want to take your cane or stick
> you in a "special" room all by yourself. It is best to remain as calm
> and informative as possible when dealing with stubborn airline
> personell but sometimes you have to let the gloves come off and not
> give in. I appologize if this doesn't  make any sense. This past week
> has been exceptionally stressful and my brain is still a little
> frazzled.
>
> Best Wishes,
> Domonique
>
> On 5/17/10, Meghan Whalen <mewhalen at gmail.com> wrote:
>> This is great material for the website.  I'll figure out the
> best way to
>> incorporate it into the resources page.
>>
>> Thanks much,
>> Meghan
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "J.J. Meddaugh" <jj at bestmidi.com>
>> To: <jsorozco at gmail.com>; "National Association of Blind
> Students mailing
>> list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2010 7:55 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] How to Files - Traveling by Air
>>
>>
>>> While airports can often seem like some of the most
> confusing places to
>>> navigate, they are often the most simple. Consider a couple
> of points.
>>>
>>> Gates are usually organized in numerical order. For many
> airports, think
>>> of the gate area as a long hallway. Some will have all of
> the gates on one
>>>
>>> side of the hallway and other places (restaurants, gift
> shops, bathrooms,
>>> etc.) on the other side. Other airports place odd gates on
> one side and
>>> even gates on the other side. A few larger airports will have two
>>> different sets of gates, one on each side of the hallway,
> such as the A
>>> gates on the left and the B gates on the right.
>>>
>>>
>>> In many cases, these gates will be 50-100 feet a part from
> each other. So
>>> you can use this judgment to get an idea of about how many
> gates you've
>>> traveled. What you may try doing once you find the right
> concourse is to
>>> travel down a few gates and then ask someone which gate is
> nearest to you.
>>>
>>> You can also ask if it's on the left or right side.
>>>
>>> If you can avoid printing your ticket at the airport, you
> may save the
>>> hassle of having your seat reassigned or having your ticket
> flagged as
>>> needing special assistance. For shorter trips, it's often
> very feasible to
>>>
>>> not check any bags. Remember, you are allowed one carry-on and one
>>> personal item. Many travelers stretch this to using a laptop bag as a
>>> personal item and a smalled wheeled suitcase as their
> carry-on. It can
>>> generally measure 22 by 14 by 9, though some airlines allow
> bags a bit
>>> larger and as long as you're close to this number, you won't
> be singled
>>> out by a gate agent or TSA employee. If you can stick to
> carry-on luggage
>>> and print your boarding pass before you arrive at the
> airport, you can go
>>> straight through security to your gate without your seat
> being moved or
>>> any airline agents messing with your reservation.
>>>
>>> Be sure to check on your flight from time to time to ensure the gate
>>> hasn't changed or your flight is still running on time. If
> you can use
>>> text messaging on your phone, you can send a message with
> your airline and
>>>
>>> flight number to Google (46645). For instance, text "aa
> 2500" for American
>>>
>>> Airlines flight 2500. You will receive a text back with the current
>>> information. Alternatively, most airports offer wi-fi
> Internet access.
>>> While there is usually a fee to access the Internet, usually
> the airport
>>> website and/or flight tracker is accessible for free.
>>>
>>> Also, you may be looking for a snack or some food. You can
> either wander
>>> down your concourse and listen for sounds of grills, glasses
> clanging,
>>> cash registers, people ordering, etc. Or, the airport's
> website will often
>>>
>>> have a list of food establishments and other landmarks. The better
>>> websites also show where in each concourse a particular place can be
>>> found, such as the nearest gate.
>>>
>>> Who's next?
>>> Thanks, Joe, for starting this very useful idea.
>>>
>>>
>>> J.J. Meddaugh - ATGuys.com
>>> A premier Code Factory, KNFB Reader, and Sendero distributor
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
>>> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2010 5:48 PM
>>> Subject: [nabs-l] How to Files - Traveling by Air
>>>
>>>
>>>> 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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