[nabs-l] Experiences with American Airlines

[David Andrews]

Two things, the security scanning is run by a federal agency, not 
airlines, so there should be no difference.  Personally I think we 
should be agreeable about having our canes scanned, we as blind 
people don't want to be seen as a henderence to security.

As to your second concern, there are good stories and horror stories 
with each airline, including Southwest.  Overall, there are probably 
better and worse, but part of the problem is the individual 
inconsistency.  With any large organization, it is hard to  train 
everybody well, and have people act in the same way, interpret things 
the same way etc.

Dave


At 07:26 PM 6/10/2015, you wrote:
>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.
>
>

         David Andrews and long white cane Harry.
E-Mail:  dandrews at visi.com or david.andrews at nfbnet.org