[nabs-l] vacation tips please?

[Greg Aikens]

Hi Beth,
Everyone likes to do things different ways, but this is the way I generally handle things when I'm traveling through an airport alone.  If I am taking a cab to the airport, I will have them take me to the curb side check-in for my airline if it is available.  That way I can ditch my checked bags as early as possible, because I feel like they make navigating independently  a little more difficult.  If you do curb side check-in, it is generally expected that you tip the person handling your bags.  You can choose to follow this convention or not.  I have done both.  
If they don't have curb side check-in, I have my cab driver find the part of the drop off area with the sign for my airline so as to have the shortest path to travel once I get inside.  Once inside I will listen for the counters, lines of people, etc. and head towards one.  If it is the wrong one, they generally redirect me to the correct counter.  There are often airline employees helping passengers in line to answer questions etc. so keep an ear out.  

Once I have checked in, either curb side or at the counter inside, I ask for assistance to my gate.  I know some people prefer to do this independently, but I find it far less stressful and far quicker to get assistance with this step.  Sometimes you have to wait a few minutes for them to get someone up there to assist you, but I make sure I am waiting in an area where there is an employee I can ask to make sure I have not been forgotten.  These people have generally been helpful to me and have understood when I refused a wheelchair.  Occasionally you'll get someone who just doesn't get it, but if you are kind but firm, they generally get the idea.  

When you get to security there is generally a line designated for passengers with disabilities.  Sometimes it moves faster and sometimes slower than the main lines, so choose wisely.  If you have asked for assistance, you can ask the person with you to help judge the lines.  At security, you have to put everything you have into a bin, including your shoes.  I usually put my cane through the scanner with all my other stuff, but I think I have heard of people who keep it with them when they pass through the metal detector.  I find it simpler to put the cane through and trail the side of the machine up to the metal detector gate.  At that point I ask the security person to reach their hand through so I can touch hands with them to walk straight through the metal detector without touching the sides.  All in all, I am separated from my cane for 60 or 90 seconds at most.  

The person assisting me helps me find my gate, where I make contact with the people at the desk and then take a seat, as near as I can to the desk.  I usually pre board just because it seems easier.  Again, you can choose to do this or not.  

The biggest thing to remember is that the people assisting you are there to help you, not to tell you what to do.  If you are ever uncomfortable, you should definitely say something.  You are the one in control, and sometimes airport staff need to be reminded of that.  Remember that you are allowed to keep your cane with you at all times, with the possible exception of passing through the metal detector.  

I wrote you a novel, but I hope at least some of this stuff is helpful.  Just remember that this is one guy's opinion.  Have fun in GA.  

-Greg
On Jun 11, 2012, at 11:17 PM, Beth wrote:

> Hi, guys.  What are you nabs-sters doing for vacations?  I'm actually flying to Georgia to visit my boyfriend, and I would like some practical no-nonsense tips on how to go through security and airport stuff period.  How should I deal with people who try to offer me a wheelchair to get into the plane?  Whaut's the best way to deal with people who might ask me to sit on the floor even?  This is only the second time I've planned a trip without a group of blind people or family around.  I would like to get some good tips on whuat to do at the airport, and how much it usually would cost for you Denver people to go from east Denver, my house, to DIA.  Thanks, guys.
> Beth
> 
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