[NAGDU] airport assistance question

[nellie at culodge.com]

I am the same exact way about striking up pleasant conversation with just about anyone.  After she tried to shove me in the wheelchair, and when I refused, I put my carry-on bag in the wheelchair and said, perfect, now I have some place for my bag.  I am sure she didn't appreciate that either!  😊

Janell and Dash!

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Joy Relton via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 5:55 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Joy Relton <joy.relton at icloud.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] airport assistance question

Oh Janell,

I have been there before. My husband and many friends say that I am one of the few people they know who could strike up friendly conversation with a burglar, but there are times when there just isn't any hope for some people.
It's their loss. It is sad that so many people are filled with anger and a sense of low esteem.  I have found Aria to be very helpful in airports. I would not have waited 45 minutes for someone, but, I would probably not have been the favorite passenger of the day. I will say that I am fortunate to have traveled throughout the country as well as in a few European countries and am fortunate not to have any additional disabilities other than having a hard head. Each person has to do what they are comfortable to do and what they have the experience and training to do. I will say, don't sell yourself short just because someone else does. 


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Janell via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 3:36 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: nellie at culodge.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] airport assistance question

Joy,

Could not agree with your sentiments more.  I always put on a smile and am very thankful for their help.  I requested assistance at O'Hare airport coming from Wisconsin.  The lady was waiting for me right after I got off the plane, helped me find a bathroom and waited until my uber showed up.
She could not have been more friendly and helpful.  I did give her a $10 tip.  On the other hand, on my return trip I checked in at the counter and they said someone was coming to assist me.  I waited for 45 minutes; my plane was leaving in 10 minutes.  Finally, a lady from Indea showed up with a wheelchair, and literally pushed me into it.  I nicely said, "I don't need a wheelchair, I just need you to help me get to my gate."  Oh my goodness, did she get mad.  She walked ahead of me and my guide dog, never saying a word or giving directions, got to my gate and she very rudely said "here"
and left.  Needless to say, she did not get a tip.

Safe travels, Janell and Dash

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Joy Relton via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 11:56 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Joy Relton <joy.relton at icloud.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] airport assistance question

I agree with most of what has been said. For me, I need to take a deep breath and remember that these people aren't our adversaries they just need to be addressed as professionals who are likely to need a little guidance.
In other words, put on your best smile and practice assertiveness not aggressiveness. This is something I learned through experience and my heart still races a little when I encounter various employees. I try to think of it this way--ok, they are providing a service, I may or may not need the service, so I let them know that I value their service and give instruction as to how I want to be served. If they give resistance, just politely ask what the issue is and negotiate for the deal you want. My experiences are much more positive than the days they pinned a button on my shirt to tell others that the poor little blind girl needed help. Of course, I promptly dropped the button into the trash. I just make sure that there is no anger in my mind or my voice and that I'm not anticipating trouble.

Enjoy your travel your way!

Joy and sleepy sweet little Vicky who does much to smooth things over simply by being cute.
-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of marianne denning via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 1:11 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: marianne at denningweb.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] airport assistance question

Yes, you should tip the airport agents who assist you. In Cincinnati there is a high probability they will come with a wheelchair and if you prefer to walk just let them know. As another person said, be ready with your strong advocacy skills. 

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Paula Jordan via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 3:05 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Paula Jordan <paujor at roadrunner.com>
Subject: [NAGDU] airport assistance question

Hi all.  I'm  going to show my lack of experience with this question, so I
appreciate your understanding.   I'll be flying in a week or so and will
need assistance from airport personnel in both airports.  I'm wondering if you should tip the helpers and if so, how and how much.  I suspect this is something I should already know, but I don't so thanks for your thoughts. 

God bless!

Paula and the pups

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