19-05-2011, 20:06
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*****
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: on the coast in Essex
Posts: 1,739
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Hi Joelise, Firstly I hope your Dad makes a quick and full recovery and what better place to put this in place then PP.
Ok - firstly the important thing to say here is don't worry! I have travelled many times with my disabled mother and I have to say that both ends have been great and have gone out of their way to be as helpful as they can. The most important thing to remember is to inform the airline prior to arriving to travel. It is a good idea to do this in writing. I would also suggest that your Dad has a letter from his GP to confirm the need for assistance. On arrival at the airport you need to report to the special information desk or the airline desk where a rep will help you. They will provide you with a wheelchair if necessary or assist you through checkin. Once checked in they will take you through immigration etc and straight to the relevant gate for departure. This means no shopping i'm afraid and sometimes a long wait! Once the time comes to board your parents may well be last on the plane. Don't worry - their seats will be saved for them. They will probably not be alone as often there are others who require assistance too. They will be taken to the plane by a truck which allows them entry to the plane. On arrival they will be last to leave the plane and again a truck will take them off the plane and through immigration to the collection of their cases. At this point they will be on their own as the helpers are not allowed to leave this part of the airport for security reasons.
On return the process is exactly the same. At Palma airport go to special information or find the airline rep and all will fall into place as above. Should your Parents feel that all they really need is transport to the gate then they book that either through information or best again with airline when checking in.
This all sounds daunting but it really is simple and as I said the treatment has always been excellent when I've travelled with my Mum.
Please wish your parents a good trip and if I can help you further please do message me.
Just thought - if Parents just need transport from the plane using the little truck please remember to remind the stewardess/steward on the plane about 30 mins prior to landing as they have to phone ahead to organise. Good luck.
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Eleanor
Last edited by eleanor; 19-05-2011 at 20:18.
Reason: afterthought
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