I am 99% sure I already replied to you specifically on a previous post.....so, forgive me for repeating myself (if so), but I'll say it again:
- If you or your traveling partner have a physical, mental, or emotional condition that disrupts the normal flow of traffic at the checkpoints, boarding or movement throughout the airport, then you owe it to yourselves AND the traveling public to seek assistance:
- If you have mobility problems (can't walk, can't stand, can't carry bags, can't lift bags), then identify yourself to an airport or airline representative (yours) and request assistance. Some places this will be a wheelchair, others a golf cart etc... Embarrassing? Maybe. But, not nearly as embarrassing as breaking a hip or nose or wrist while trying to navigate the terminal to the seat on the plane.
- Here's a tip: If you are of normal health and physical capacity and you can not safely lift your bag into the overhead bin.....PAY to check your bag or get assistance and TIP the attendant. Your 55 pound bag that you sneak onto the airplane is YOUR responsibility--not the flight attendants and not the other passengers. Also, please don't expect the customer service reps (CSR's) or flight attendants (FA's) to lift your bags and put them in the overhead or otherwise. Ground handlers/check-in agents can certainly be expected to move your bags when appropriate (and mobility assistance attendants--pushers). Sorry, that was a rant.
- If you don't have difficulty with mobility, but have issues with screening at the checkpoint (anxiety, implants, medical devices, separation issues, language issues etc...), then do this:
- Approach a representative at the checkpoint (probably TSA, near where the mobility assisted passengers enter). Calmly, clearly state the issues that you have (implant, assistance required lifting, need to remain with companion, language etc...) and request assistance. They should help you.
- If you are selected for secondary or ETD swabbing etc.... DON'T refuse. Indicate that you have requested special assistance or consideration for screening, explain the separation anxiety again (if necessary) and request accommodation. You are not refusing...you are requesting specific accommodation that should be available to you under the ADA and other legal protections. "I will submit to any required screening. My traveling companion may become disoriented and anxious if we are seperated. I request accommodation for this medical condition...please allow my traveling companion to accompany me and submit to any required screening as well."
- Talk to the officers at the screening checkpoint like people--not like a cop that caught you speeding. You are not 'cheating' and don't need to feel guilty or ashamed. If someone is overworked or unwilling to speak to you in a appropriate manner, request a supervisor. Keep in mind: this will take extra time. If you are accompanying someone in a wheelchair.....most of this will be automatic. The wheelchair is typically a 'magical talisman' that makes people nice and makes them speak to you LOUDLY and SLOWLY. It can be irritating, but it helps.
- At the gate:
- Expect to get what you paid for: You will not be automatically 'seated together' simply because you have issues. If you pay for 'basic' on any airline, expect accommodation and polite service, but expect to get exactly what you paid for. That means middle seats, seperate seats and no free bags (if they aren't already included). You will get accommodation for aisle chairs, early boarding and for stowing medically required and appropriate equipment (golf clubs are not mobility aids).
- If you or your travel companion have a condition that will impede, delay or prevent the normal and swift boarding of the airplane (emphasis on swift), then please request early boarding or show up at the gate when polled for 'those who need a little extra time etc..' NOTE THIS: If you board early at the departure, I would certainly expect that you depart the aircraft late (towards the end at least) when arriving. Why would you demand to board first (so you don't slow-up the process) and then charge off the plane at the destination.....and slow everybody up behind you? Be thoughtful is my advice.
- On the plane:
- Don't expect the flight attendants move your luggage. Injuries are rife in the industry and it gets very old after 4 or 5 flights and 5 or 6 passengers who ask "can you lift this, it's too heavy for me...." Ask the 280 lb weightlifter that's been using the armrest for the last 6 hours to curl something besides the last three beers he drank.
- If you need something during the flight (oxygen in the overhead, medicine you can't get <seatbelt sign?>) but can't get it or worried about it, ask for help. If you or your companion needs the facilities and you're worried about getting there etc.... explain and ask for help. Don't fall in the aisle and cause a divert for fear of asking. IMHO
Finally....
If you or your companion is having a medical or emotional (psychological) issue...don't wait until it gets unbearable to confess and explain and ask for help. Many times, there is a simple solution to quickly assist and keep the problem in check. If you wait until things get 'out of hand,' you may find your plane is diverting to the nearest airport.....you are being denied boarding and miss your flight....or you are being held-up in screening because you refused to submit to screening as required. Lot's of folks need a little help, have a bad day or find themselves in the middle of a medical/emotional episode---right smack in the middle of an airport or airplane. Don't be embarrassed to ask for assistance early enough to avoid problems for yourself and those around you.
Sorry if this sounds preachy or self-righteous. I have a lot of experience with airports and the travel industry. This stuff happens to lots of good (and not so good) folks every single day. Plus, I'm stubborn as a mule. I've got a bad shoulder, and have learned--the hard way--that I can't lift that 'heavy' bag into the overhead like I used to. Time to check it or lighten it so I don't drop it on somebodies head. (A common occurrence).
I sincerely hope these words give you the courage/knowledge to take charge and improve your travel experience.