Cate in NZ Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Apologies, I'm shamelessly using this forum to look for advice because I know that there a few of you out there with some experience of airports. My MIL has agreed to come and visit us in January , she's an amazing lady and has been a complete star to us over the years and we're delighted that she's coming (OK, I may be telling a different tale towards the end of her 6 week visit , but right now it's brilliant news). So we're trying to make it as easy for her as we can. She's 79, and a nervous traveller, feels uncomfortable in busy, busy places especially if there's no one to guide or assist her, but she's also a little, errm, timid's probably not quite the right word, but I can't think of a better one, certainly she doesn't like bothering people or asking for help. She also suffers quite badly from arthritis of the knees, and walking distances, especially if lugging heavy bags could be a problem for her. We've convinced her that hubby would rather have some time with her now than inherit after she's gone, and the normally frugal lady has agreed to upgrade her flight so that she can actually sleep on the 30 hour flight without worrying about waking the inevitable hulking great backpacker in economy class each time she needs to go to the loo. Seriously things like that are likely to worry her So she's flying business class...good for her, I hope they pamper her to the nth degree, she'll deserve it more than your average businessman But she'll be flying from Heathrow, enough to intimidate anyone, never mind MIL. Is it possible to arrange a little help for her to make sure that she doesn't have to walk miles to the departure gate, or worry about getting lost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Im positive that this can be arranged as when OH & I fly we always see less able people - broken legs, older folks, pregnant women etc being taken to their gate on a little scooter type thing so im sure this can be arranged for your MIL. Maybe it has to be done via the airline she is travelling with? Perhaps a volunteer group run in the airport to help guide folks to the right gate etc and help them get there? (Im thinking along the lines of the groups that help in hospitals to get you to the right ward etc) You know im positive most airlines run a service for children who fly alone and ensure they are safe and secure at all times - maybe they extend this to older folks flying alone too? Im sure Heathrow customer services will help in anyway they can - you would hope so! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Hi Kate Good on your MIL! Which airline is she flying with? It might be possible to call and chat with them about what they can offer (if anything). If she's flying Business Class, make sure she registers with the approprioate Airlines reward scheme. Business Class flights will earn her a lot of points which she can use to fly to other destinations. If she's flying Nir New Zealand then they will take really good care of her. I've found their flights to be so much superior to BA. I flew in ANZ's Premier Economy, and the service/food etc was better than BAs Buiness Class. I would imagine that themost worrying part for her would be at the stopover point. If she's flying direct to New Zealandtwith ANZ then stopover will be in HongKong. That's where she's most likely to feel a little bit lost, and will probably need some help about where to go and when to be back, and how to find her way back. Hazel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 I had to have help when my leg was still in a full-leg splint - much to my disgust, I realised that I wouldn't be able to manage on crutches and so we booked wheelchair assistance . The service was brilliant - and I would certainly do it again if I needed it. I passed the info. on to Sheila when she was booked to take her Mother on holiday - her Mother was against it but soon realised its value. You have to walk miles at Heathrow Everything is made so much easier - the wheelchair pusher (Carl wasn't allowed to push the chair, or be my carer, but he came along with us) knows all the tricks to make the whole process quick and easy. No queuing for Passport Control etc. The only part I didn't like is that you are 'parked' in a special lounge - I wanted to go into the duty-free shops which were nextdoor. I was able to walk using crutches and we left the wheelchair in the lounge and went trhough to do some shopping. This makes the staff on the reception desk to the lounge a tad anxious but we weren't gone for long Will someone be going to the airport with her? - she would probably appreciate someone waiting with her until the wheelchair and attendant arrive. PS - if she decides to use this service, make sure that a wheelchair is booked for any stopoffs and the final destination. .....and, although everything is quicker once you are in the wheelchair, there can be a wait for the wheelchair to arrive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMitch Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 We booked someone so stay with our DD when she flew to Canada by herself to stay with relatives. They met her when we got to the airport and made sure she got on the plane ok and then someone eelse met her at the otherside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 When I brought my mum home from Spain I booked wheelchair assist through the airline which was fine for the UK bit when we arrived but it was useless in Spain The pilot radioed through and the wheelchair bods were waiting for us at Edinburgh and took us right through bypassing the queues etc we still had to wait for our bags etc but it was very smooth he even checked whether comfort stops etc were needed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Just to echo what everyone else has said. We flew business class to Australia (long story) and the service was second to none. She won't have the normal waiting around etc etc anyway as there is a business class lounge and more staff than you can shake a stick at, but if you let them know in advance they'll more or less take her from the front door of the airport to the bed / seat on the plane. Hope she has a good journey Mrs B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share Posted September 17, 2008 Thanks for all the advice all, that's great . We flew Air New Zealand when we came out and even travelling economy they were great (better, I'm sorry to say, than the BA/ Qantas flights we took when we visited 18months ago for a pre-decision look around), so we're veering towards ANZ for her, but we'll be looking closely at all the alternatives. I have been told that ANZ offer a non stop route...personally i thought that a plane would need to refuel but what the heck do I know, it's something to research and if she really can do a continuous flight all to the good. Or, we flew via LAX, and that might be a good option, the Americans are so strict about homeland security that they herd you very tightly through their approved routes. I found it mildly frustrating, but MIL would like the direction and as a business class traveller would get priority. I'm pretty certain that she's never done anything to offend the American visa waiver scheme, so maybe that would be the way to go for her A wheelchair to the gate would be ideal, not sure how she'd feel about it...she's got dodgy, painful knees, but can still get around, I think she'd hate to be seen as disabled, but if I can persuade her it would be perfect for her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share Posted September 17, 2008 Forgot to say, Auckland is tiny in comparison to most international airports, and we'd be there to meet her...she'll be simply exhausted by the time she arrives, but I'm not worried at that end.....we'll sort her out . Heathrow is soooo much more scary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 I work for an airline and deal with wheelchair requests daily. If she requires a wheelchair you have to usually arrange this with the airline and they can arrange assistance from the designated pick up point in LHR to the bottom of the aircraft steps, to the top of the steps or all the way to the aircraft seat, passengers are preboarded to which mean she can take her time boarding instead of a great big queue behind her. Alternatively if she doesnt want the wheelchair, you could arrange the buggy service - this is arranged through the airport directly and not the airline so you would need to call LHR. Whichever she chooses I would definitely arrange something for her, travelling alone and in a great big airport like Heathrow it will make her travel more smoother and less daunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 My mum went to CAnada in her eighties from Glasgow and she was wheelchair passenger - they provided as she did not have one but was unable to walk quickly the distances required which meant I took her to the gate and she was collected and delivered to the plane first and taken off last in canada and they took great care of her - they are really very very good so book for wheelchair assistance airport side only. She will enjoy it well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Wow, thats brave to travel so far! Wasn't there a lady on the Airport programme who worked at Heathrow doing such things? She used to ear high heels and walked miles a day around the terminals looking after people who needed some assitance. (lovely lady) I am not sure if that service was arranged by the airline or the airport though so am not much use Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 It's lovely that your MIL is coming to visit you, & you will have plenty time yet to organise what's needed for her journey. The Omleteers will rally round with great advice as usual- sorry I can't offer any advice but only my good wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Just thought- if she's going business class does she get an extra luggage allowance? Could she sneak a cube in her luggage, or an eglu? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Just thought- if she's going business class does she get an extra luggage allowance? Could she sneak a cube in her luggage, or an eglu? she could carry it on as hand luggage surely?!! an eglu would easily fit under the seat wouldnt it?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brown Clan Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 I work for an airline and deal with wheelchair requests daily. If she requires a wheelchair you have to usually arrange this with the airline and they can arrange assistance from the designated pick up point in LHR to the bottom of the aircraft steps, to the top of the steps or all the way to the aircraft seat, passengers are preboarded to which mean she can take her time boarding instead of a great big queue behind her. Alternatively if she doesnt want the wheelchair, you could arrange the buggy service - this is arranged through the airport directly and not the airline so you would need to call LHR. Whichever she chooses I would definitely arrange something for her, travelling alone and in a great big airport like Heathrow it will make her travel more smoother and less daunting. Used to work for an airline so ditto what chelsea says you can order wheelchair or buggy assistance through the airlines ground agent whos job it is to look after the pax before they board the plane you would need to know who they use though so check with the appropiate airline when you book the tickets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokbokbok Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Oh Kate - that is lovely - what a lovely DIL you are. . . I have a super idea.. . why don't we ALL send our MILs out to you one at a time - I could spare mine for 6 weeks just at the time yours comes home - in fact - just you stay on at the airport when you are dropping yours back and I'll make sure mine is on the inbound flight. Who is after me? Actually - on a more serious note - I think the trick will be to explain to yours that she doesn't NEED the wheelchair - rather that she DESERVES it - you know how some folk can be when it comes to accepting assistance like that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 ....A wheelchair to the gate would be ideal, not sure how she'd feel about it...she's got dodgy, painful knees, but can still get around, I think she'd hate to be seen as disabled, but if I can persuade her it would be perfect for her As Lesley said, she (& Christian, & Kate) advised me when I couldn't think how my "don't like a fuss/wheelchair/people looking at me" Mother could manage. Following their help, I told her what was happening, no choice. The assistance service was so good, wonderful staff, that Mother actually enjoyed it & I called it her V.I.P. treatment, I'd definitely recommend it & we couldn't have managed without it. The only thing is (that having booked it) to stress that she makes it clear at checkout that she is booked for assistance, so maybe someone to wave her off would be good to make it all flow smoothly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 I can't help with recommendations, but do persuade her to use the wheelchair if you can. We used to take my late mother abroad every year, and although she could walk quite well she got tired quite quickly. Once we'd persuaded her that the wheelchair was a bit of a scam really, of course SHE didn't need it but if she used one we could all get on board before the other passengers and we could stash our bags on the back to save carrying them ... it made life much easier! We were only flying Easyjet to France, but I must say they were always brilliant about getting us on board - airlines are used to dealing with this sort of thing. What a lovely idea, and I bet she is thrilled to be coming to see your new home. If I lived near Heathrow I'd offer to take her to the airport! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
