[Ohio-talk] Questions About Flying

[Aleeha Dudley]

Hello, 
Yes, folks, I am still around. I’ll send an update in a separate email shortly. 
When I fly, especially since attending training, I do not use assistance, unless I’m really rushed or have a very short layover in an unfamiliar airport. I use a very large backpack as a carry-on, so if they insist on the wheelchair, I offer to place my bag in it and walk alongside. This usually works. On a tight layover that I had once, the guy wanted to use the wheelchair. I told him how tight the layover was, he said: “OH boy.” and I asked him if he could run. He answered in the affirmative and we, along with his wheelchair and my dog, went running through the Atlanta airport and made it with a little time to spare. 
As for pre-boarding, I will do so with a dog, but not with a cane. I don’t feel that I need it with a cane, but could definitely use the extra time to get my dog settled in and comfortable. As Barbara said, there is also a better chance that you will find space for your carry-on item above your head. 
I hope some of this helps. 
Aleeha, from warm and muggy Louisiana 
> On Mar 8, 2017, at 10:31 PM, Robert Spangler via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello everyone:
> 
> I am looking for input from those of you who are experienced with flying.  I
> just returned from CSUN where I had a great time!  The flying experience was
> OK, but a few things occurred which made me think that I should ask you all
> for some advice.
> 
> First, what's with the wheelchairs?  Anyone who has a disability is flagged
> as a wheelchair passenger.  They always wanted to stuff me in a wheelchair,
> which I steadfastly refused.  I do prefer to go sighted guide through
> airports, largely due to their busy atmosphere and my lack of familiarity.
> Is this ill-advised?  Should I be attempting to navigate airports without
> their assistance?  It almost seems like it would be better to some extent,
> but I really just want to get through as quickly as possible.
> 
> During one instance, two assistants refused to help me when I turned down
> the wheelchair, so they had to call a supervisor.  He guided me to the
> bathroom, to get some food then to my next gate.  When I commented on how
> fast it went without a wheelchair, the guy agreed.
> 
> They always wanted me to preboard.  I know this isn't necessary, but it
> seemed rude to refuse so I just went when they came to help me.  There was
> one time, however, when they did not come and I just boarded with everyone
> else when they called my group number.  As a side note, I always preboard
> Greyhound buses, just because I'm afraid of pissing off the bus driver,
> which has happened before.  Oh OK and yes I do like it when I get an entire
> seat to myself, I must admit.
> 
> I seem to recall someone talking about a method for retrieving luggage in
> the NFB
> literature somewhere, but I can't recall where it was.  I would be
> interested in reading any literature about flying with regards to being
> blind.  Honestly, at this point I view flying as a necessary burden.  Maybe
> you guys can share some tips that will make it easier in the future.  I am
> always open to new ideas which will help to increase my independence.  Plus,
> my sister and I are both coming to national convention this year and we both
> agreed that we are not going to be forced to be pushed around in
> wheelchairs.
> 
> Thanks,
> Robby
> 
> 
> --
> Robert Spangler
> Secretary, Miami Valley Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
> Ohio
> Spangler.robert at gmail.com
> 
> 
> 
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