Another travel rant; gate-checking pushchairs

[KateandtheGirls]

Great idea, right? You get to keep the buggy right up until the moment you get on the plane, and then when you get off the plane it's right there waiting for you.

At least that's always been the way it worked until our recent flights with British Airways. I took the buggy to the gate, but when I got off the other end in Gatwick they told me I had to collect it at baggage claim.

So there I was, by myself, at 7am after an 8 hour overnight flight, with a sleepy 4 year old and a tantrum-throwing 2 year old who'd just had to be woken after 3 hours sleep, not to mention trying to carry a car seat and a carry on bag, battling my way through immigration at Gatwick airport WITH NO PUSHCHAIR. Not fun.

And it was just the same when we arrived back in Florida.

Is it just British Airways who does this? And why?

[blossom2]

We're flying with Ryanair & taking our buggy.

does anyone have any experiences ??

[Easy]

As one who is disabled and ALWAYS request assistance at airports, try this.

1. f you have booked thru a travel agent, ask the agent to clarify with the airline what their policy is. If the policy is to check-in your buggy with luggage ask whether they have a buggy or some such you can use between checkin and the gate, or some other assistance with your children. Get any promises in writing from your travel agent, and Be prepared to stand your ground at check-in (and don't be late).
   
   
2. If you have not used a travel agent, phone the airline desk at your airport of departure, ask about the policy, ask for help if you have to check the buggy in. Whatever is promised, ask for the name of the person you are talking to, make sure they know what flight you are on, and who you are. Be prepared to stand your ground at check-in.
   
   Also, ask when you check-in how you arrange for similar facilities for your return flight. Get any arrangements confirmed, and make sure they know your return flight number and name.
   
   My exp. of BA is they are helpful if they are pre-warned of your needs, but just can't magic any assistance up if you surprise them. The airlines are all trying to treat us like cattle atm, and we have to stand our ground and not let them.
   
   Oh, and after watching the programmes on the telly, I wouldn't EVER travel with easyjet, they just seem to treat customers like MUCK.

[Easy]

LOU, who are you travelling with? Contact the airline in advance, make sure you stress your ds's disability, that he needs HIS wheelchair (otherwise they may try to make you use a general airport one around the airport, and check his in).

Contact me if I can be of help with arrangements (done it sooooo often).

[lou33]

Cheers Easy, I have spoken to the airline directly, who were v helpful, and they said they had booked disabled assistance right through, including transfres, but do you think I need to call the desk as well a day or two before we leave? I'm just worried because these things aleays seem to go wrong, despite doing everything right iyswim.

[Easy]

Lou, I don't think a quick call to the desk a couple of days before you go can do any harm, just to check that they haven't lost the details.

If you have any problems when you check-in, I find that being smiley, apologetic, and insisting that you 'just can't manage without that assistance' usually works. It's tempting, but makes life harder if you get militant or unpleasant.

Where are you going, somewhere nice?

[lou33]

Thailand.

[Easy]

Oh, and check with the steward/ess as you board the plane that they know about arrangements for your arrival. She may well ask the pilot to radio ahead to confirm what you need will be there as you land.

B.A. Always did this for me

[Easy]

Hijacking this thread ...

Have you been before?
You may find that the Thai people take a close (and kindly) interest in ds. It is a society where there are not many disabled people out in the community. They are quite likely to help with stairs and thing, but don't be surprised if they ask outright what is wrong with him. They don't intend to offend

[lou33]

I don't mind people asking outright Easy, saves a lot of guesswork . Dh has been, I haven't. I was supposed to go with him but found out I was pg with dd1.

Has anyone seen Twink about? She said she had relatives there I believe, I would like to email her.