When I travel alone, I don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
This doesn’t mean that I abandon all personal responsibility for my safety - in
fact, quite the opposite. Because I
cannot see the print on signs of any kind, I find that I must be even more
aware of where I am and what is happening around me.
While I have never had any problems when I have travelled
with assistance, I have heard the usual horror stories from other blind or
visually impaired travellers. Once in the Calgary
Airport, my friend who travels with
a guide dog was led to a seat on the wrong plane. It so happened that on the
same day there was another woman also travelling with a guide dog and somehow
the ground staff confused the two. Fortunately the error was discovered before
take-off.
So, what can you do to reduce the possibility of mix-ups?
First, I familiarize myself with my flight numbers, departure times and seat
numbers. Because I don’t read Braille, I take a small audible player where I
have recorded the information I need. When I walk with my guide, I repeat this
information. Sometimes I tell my guide a little bit about myself and either
compliment him or her on the manner in which I am being guided, or if that isn’t
appropriate, I might give the guide a quick lesson.
If I am to be left in a gate area for any length of time, I
usually ask where the nearest washroom facility is. I might ask to be taken there
so that I have some idea of the location in case there aren’t any staff around
to ask later on. If there is to be a long wait between connecting flights, I
will ask where I can walk around. It is too easy for someone who has little
vision to simply sit and wait. It’s important for leg circulation to move about
where possible.
I think that this is also the time to mention hand luggage.
I nearly always take along a little lunch or snack. Well, that’s probably a
good idea for anyone these days. The airlines don’t feed their passengers like
they used to. Lunch from home is healthier than fast food and way more
convenient too. If you are travelling with assistance, there is rarely time to
stop at any of the food outlets, so having your own food along makes sense.
Travelling with assistance means that you get pre-boarding
privileges. You will be shown to your seat before the other passengers start on
board. If the flight attendant offers to give you a personal safety briefing, don’t
refuse the offer. It is likely just as important to the flight attendant as it
is to you to be reminded of the procedures. Be sure to ask where the call
button is in case you need it during the flight.
Travelling with assistance doesn’t end when the plane has
landed. If you wait until other passengers have disembarked a new guide will
take you to the luggage carousel and wait with you until you are on your way. I
am always grateful for this.
So, although things can go wrong, more often flying with
assistance is a smooth and easy ride.
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