Disabled Passenger Assistance

Hey guys,

Long time stalker, first time poster.

I'm travelling to San Diego this July going with Virgin from LHR to LAX then connecting using AA. Not only will this be my first trip abroad on my own but also my first with Virgin (and I can't wait!) This is a fantastic forum and I've learnt an awful lot about Virgin and their flights from the site but I have a question and was hoping someone might be able to help me out.

The thing is, I'm partially sighted (I have a white cane) and I'm a little worried about the trip itself. I'm traveling PE (although I've booked myself into the LHR Clubhouse) and have arranged passenger assistance but I honestly don't know what to expect. Has anyone else used this service and are there disabled toilets on planes?

Cheers!

Lesley

A relative I was travelling with a few years back needed special assistance (on AA) when transiting through Chicago due to a leg unjury. Wheelchair assistance was provided at Chicago, but we had about a 3 hour layover there so asked if we could push the wheelchair to a restaurant we knew in another part of the terminal. 'No way Sir' was the answer [presumably as they feared our relative would fall out of the wheelchair and then launch a lawsuit].

Expect any special assistance staff in the USA to stick to you like a rash. That said, flights from LAX to SAN are generally quite frequent, so your layover should not be too long, all being well.

Yeah, the wheelchair thing is gonna be fun - apparently it's all AA offers - just because I can't see it doesn't mean my legs don't work .... I can see the logic though. What are Virgin like? They seem a lot more helpful.

[Nottingham Nick]

Welcome to the site, Lesley. [y]

My late Aunt flew on her own on VS a couple of years back. She was also severely visually impaired and carried a white stick. We contacted VS Special Assistance and they were brilliant.

I took her to check in and then VS took over, they escorted her to the Clubhouse and made sure that she was attended to in there, then they took her onto the plane.

When she got back, she was full of praise, not only for Special Assistance, but also for the on board crew, who did everything they could to make her journey as stress free as possible.

Hope your trip goes well - don't forget to let us know how it went when you get back.

Nick

[preiffer]

If you're lucky - they'll take you to the aircraft on the beep-beep-cart... [;)][y]

Always wanted a go on that, but could never quite pluck up the courage to fake it. [:?]

Thanks kindly, you're a welcoming bunch

Ohh I shall do - I'm a journalist so it's in my nature to write about stuff (I've been avidly reading all the LHR to LAX travel reports too).

That's all good to know, a stress free journey is really what I'm aiming for as I find traveling particularly troubling.

The beep beep cart - cooool!

[honey lamb]

On my flight to IAD last year in PE there was a very elderly lady there who was obviously very unsteady on her feet. I was very impressed with the way the cabin crew escorted her to the loo. You could see it in her face the high level of confidence she had in them - and of course, although we were waiting for the loo, none of us had our legs crossed and let her go ahead of us.

Nice to know, even if I can escort myself. It's knowing that someone will shepherd me through the chaos that is LHR/LAX and as long as I can buy a drink on the way, I'll be happy.

Random OT question, if I'm going to be in the Clubhouse for like three hours and book ahead is there a limit to the number of treatments I can have. I'd love to get my hair cut. eyebrows 'shaped' and have a manicure/pedicure (get my monies worth etc.

[honey lamb]

Sorry, but it's only one treatment per person in the clubhouse so you'll have to choose which is the most important one to you

Fair enough!

Hi Lesley, welcome to V Flyer and I hope your trip goes well.

Good point, if they do increase the Cowshed facility I wonder if they will have enough staff and/or space to offer a couple a maximum of 2 treatments per passenger if requested. Don't suppose it makes sense financially, but would be much appreciated

Hi Lesley,

My partner is partially sighted and we had no problems at all with VS.

We contact the Assistance line a couple of weeks before travelling just to let them know, and to request that in the instance that seats have to be moved for operational reasons, we would still be seated together, and within easy access of the WC's. It's never been a problem EXCEPT at JFK a few weeks ago when the check in assistant asked to speak to a 'doctor' (phrase she used) for some reason. It was just a bit wierd, I got the feeling they were going to insist that someone guide us to the gate, but in the end she couldn't get through to anyone so we went on our merry way.

A friend of mine who uses a symbol cane claims he was upgraded by VS after he had a minor accident at the airport (he broke his glasses and was therefore almost totally blind). Luckilly he was on his way home.

Ahh the fabled upgrade, well we'd all like that wouldn't we? I'll settle for the salt and pepper shakers though I can but hope although it's a nice dream ....

I'm in 22c on the way out and 22h on the way back - right next to the toilets as it happens (good on one hand, kinda not on the other).

Hi Lesley and welcome.

My son is registered blind and is also a cane user, he is only 12, however Virgin have been excellent in provinding support and assistance at the airport and on board. When flying economy and PE, we always tend to get bulk head seats near to the WC for ease.
In August it will be Connah's first Upper class journey and he is really looking forward to his bigger seat and not having to sit right next to his 10year old sister.

The CH has many different levels, so i am sure that one of the staff can help you get a nice seat and pamper you.

Enjoy

Cheers Catherine,

I'm honestly really excited about the whole thing. A friend of mine flew PE with VS last month and exstoles the virtues like made. Also becoming a member of this forum has helped, my questions feel stupid but it's good to find folks who know the answers.

I'm slightly irked as VS have just announced cheaper UC flights for not much than I paid. I might have to enquire about the cost of an upgrade on the day but even if not, I am looking forward to experiencing PE for myself (even if I won't be able to see the tiny little 9' V:port screen) and the knowledge that the staff are helpful really makes me feel a lot less stressed about the whole thing.

Hi Lesley, I'm sure you will be fine. With your seat allocation, that can be changed if you check in online 24 hours prior to departure, if you want.

Karnsculpture, that just sounds like JFK ground staff to be honest, they have their 'moments'!

Darn I should have replied to this months ago - cheers Boeingcat.

I'm flying out next week and really excited (read: terrified), I'm even hoping to get a feature out of this too.

Still living in hope (denial) that I might experience UC, highly unlikely of course but I can always ask how much it costs on the day right? [:w]

I did want to say thanks to everyone though and I will of course do a TR to let you know how I get on.