[nabs-l] First-time flyer, and I'm looking for advice

[Hannah]

I forgot to add that they will probably bring a wheelchair for 
you.  They might even try to get you to sit in it.  I've never 
sat in one because I don't want to give them the impression that 
visually impaired people can't walk.  Sometimes requesting for 
assistance might take a while, but there's not much we can do 
about that; we just have to be patient.
Cheers, HANNAH

> ----- Original Message -----
>From: Hannah <sparklylicious at suddenlink.net
>To: National Association of Blind Students mailing 
list<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>Date sent: Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:04:47 -0800
>Subject: Re: [nabs-l] First-time flyer, and I'm looking for 
advice

>Hey Christopher,
>Welcome to the list! I don't post much, but I've also been
>following along on the topics being discussed.
>I've been flying on my own since I was in middle school and I've
>found that people are super helpful.  You just have to be clear
>on how you want them to assist you otherwise you might face some
>awkward moments.  I let them know that I will need assistance
>when I check in instead of calling in advance to give them a
>heads-up because tons of people fly everyday and I'm not sure if
>they'll actually remember, lol.  Hope this helps although it's
>not much.
>Cheers, Hannah

>> ----- Original Message -----
>>From: christopher meyer <christopher.meyer007 at gmail.com
>>To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>Date sent: Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:32:45 -0400
>>Subject: [nabs-l] First-time flyer, and I'm looking for advice

>>Hey folks, my name's Christopher Meyer.  I've been following the
>>message threads on the NABS list for, what, five or six months?
>This
>>is my first time getting my name out to you all.  I would rather
>have
>>done so with just a "nice to meet you" post about myself, but a
>>pressing matter takes priority for me.

>>I'm eighteen, blind, learning self-confidence, embracing the use
>of my
>>cane, getting ready for college in the fall, and the prep program
>at
>>Blind, Inc.  in Miniapolis over the summer.

>>That's all background information to explain that I'm becoming
>more
>>acceptant of what I can see--or really what I can't see.

>>In two weeks, I'll be facing a good test of this "new-found
>>confidence" as I've seen some of the NFB centers say they
>provide.  I'm
>>going to be flying by myself for the first time through
>Indianapolis
>>International, Chicago Midway, and Newark Airport.  I found the
>TSA's
>>travel information and tips for "persons with disabilities and
>medical
>>issues," which were helpful and reassuring for the security
>checkpoint
>>process.  I've contacted my airline support, told them I'll be
>flying
>>in two weeks and will need an assistant.  And I know that I can
>take my
>>cane along without it counting as a cary-on piece or personal
>item.

>>Other than that, what do I need to know and prepare for? I've
>flown
>>before a few years back and just vaguely remember the general
>airport
>>layout.  I do mean vaguely, so I'm anxious not knowing what to
>expect
>>on that front.  Any tips or information worth sharing?

>>I'll be clear: I'm naturally pretty good at improvising.  What I
>don't
>>know right now I'll figure out soon enough--maybe while I'm en
>route
>>to my first gate, maybe in Midway for my transfer and layover,
>maybe
>>in Newark at baggage pickup.  Who knows.  But I'm also the kind
>of
>>person who wants to be prepared for a challenge and hit it
>head-on,
>>but prepared nonetheless.
>>Eager to hear back all the same.


>>Christopher

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