[Ohio-Talk] Flying alone tips?

[Macy McClain]

Hi Sadie!
Having flown quite a lot with varying layovers, here are a few tips I've found to be incredibly helpful:
1. If it's helpful, especially in a shorter layover, meet and assist could be a good option. I had about a 57 minute layover in Detroit, heading back to Ohio from out of town. It took about 30 or so minutes to wait for the agent, and I couldn't just strike out on my own, because the gate agent was the only one present. I was also really tired that day, so I didn't want to fight with anyone. To be honest with you, meet and assist may not be  the best option in most cases. Which leads me to my next tip.
2. Make friends. Seriously, it works. Pull blind jokes out of the hat. Have fun and strike up conversations. It's ok to ask for help. I've made more friends in airports than in other places. Some of them have even been on the same flight as me, and have offered to help me get to my next gate, because they have a longer layover.
3. As far as security goes, I'd strongly recommend having your boarding pass on your phone, and having it pulled up so they can scan it. I find that printing the pass at the gate takes way too long, and then there's the issue of it not getting updated if there's a gate change. Security officers are usually fantastic with helping with bins, getting you through the metal detector, and helping you claim your things. Don't be afraid to give them your cane, they have to scan it anyway. They will usually grab your hand and allow you to walk through that way.
4. If it's available as an access location, Aira is a great help. I don't think the airports you mentioned are Aira access locations, though, so that's a bummer. In any case, I wanted to mention it anyway.
I've probably missed something, so feel free to contact me off list if you have any other questions. There's no "right" way of navigating "airport land". :-)
Have a wonderful time with your family!
Macy McClain

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 25, 2022, at 10:14 AM, Sadie McFarland via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Good morning Ohio Federation family. This coming Sunday, I will be traveling to meet up with my family in Wilmington North Carolina. I am flying out of Harrisburg international and have a layover in Charlotte North Carolina. Suggestions for how to make the process go smoothly? I have boarded a plane and things like that alone, but never had you navigate through airport security or deal with layovers independently. Any information will be helpful.
> 
> Blessings,
> 
> Sadie M. McFarland
> (740) 827-5613
> sadiemc01 at gmail.com
> sadmcfarland at mail.mvnu.edu
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