[Blindtlk] Air travel tips

[Julie J.]

Sean,

Decide ahead of time how much assistance you want or need.  then ask for 
only what help you want, if any,  and be firm in sticking to only that help.

I've flown with both guide dog and cane.  I go through the regular security 
with everyone else.  I ask directions to the next step at the current place. 
For example when I check in to get boarding passes I ask that employee 
directions to baggage security.  At baggage I ask directions to the boarding 
security area.  Once through that security checkpoint I ask directions to my 
gate.  If it is a long way I get directions for the first part and then ask 
another person along the way.    I have had the meet and assist option 
twice.  Once it was a helpful and positive experience.  The last time was a 
nightmare.  Overall I find it best for me to just ask directions as I go.

I do not board the plane in advance.  Usually I fly on small planes and I 
just count the rows as I pass until I get to my row.  the seats start with 
seat A on your right hand window and increase letter value to the left. 
this is assuming that you enter at the front of the plane and are walking 
toward the tail, which is how every plane I have been on has worked.

When you go through security they will want to scan your cane or dog.  I 
give my cane to them to do this.  It is immediately given back to me and I 
proceed through security with my cane.  With the dog I had her stay while I 
went ahead, then called her to me through the metal detector.  Remove all 
the metal you can from yourself, your shoes etc.  Some airports have you 
take your shoes off and others will not.

Once on the plane I slide the tip of my cane under the seat ahead and wedge 
the handle between the seats or along the plane on the window side. this 
puts my cane right next to me, out of the way and easily grabbable when I am 
ready for it.

this has gotten very long. *smile*  Will this be your first time flying?  Is 
there anything specific about the process you were wondering about?  My best 
advice is to remain relaxed and ask questions if you don't understand 
something.
HTH
Julie

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sean Moore" <linkstarwind at cox.net>
To: <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 9:41 AM
Subject: [Blindtlk] Air travel tips


Okay I know this has been oh so many times, but I need some tips for 
traveling. The traveling I'm doing is for National Convention this year in 
2008. What advice can I get to make it as soomth as possible?

Yours,
Sean Moore



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