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Advice On Flying From Casa Ouriço do Mar
Advice for flying
We have flown about 7 times over a 20 year period. Its never a dignified experience but the changes in this time have been quite interesting to observe. I've also read some strange 'advice' too. Hopefully this will help if you're flying for the first time.
On booking
We suggest clients use an airline other than Ryanair if at all possible. They use a policy of disabled being 'last on' when loading, hence you will be handled infront of all the other passengers which is undignified and unsafe for the handlers. You are also required to sit by the window, a bizarre requirement as its the hardest seat to get to especially when being lifted there!
You should always inform your airline/travel agent when booking your ticket of your disability, if you'll require any help at check in, on to the aircraft and if you'll need a front row seat. You may be asked to ring another number or fill in a form with more details. A day or so before you fly ring and confirm your flight and the extra help you may need.
Check in
Even after doing the above its not uncommon to arrive at check in and they know nothing about you, but at least you can then stand (or is it sit) and argue your point! If there are many passengers in front of you at check in, ask them if you can go to the front to explain your extra needs. This may avoid other passengers being seated in a front row seat, if you need it.
Departure lounge
Once you clear check in and are in the departures lounge, if you are not called 30 minutes before your flight is due to leave ask a member of staff if you have been forgotten (its happened to me). Also if you are called to the departure gate but then you see passengers who checked in at your desk filing past you grab somebody quickly.
Onto the plane
The method of getting on the plane depends if the aircraft is up to a passenger bay or out on the tarmac. The passenger bay is by far the best method as you'll normally go on in your chair and be lifted into your seat from it. However, if a 'lifting' vehicle is needed, UK airports will insist you are lifted into an isle seat before leaving the tarmac then you'll be taken up in the lorry and lifted from the aisle chair into your seat.
This can be particularly awkward for more severe disabilities as the aisle chairs are bolt upright with little room for your legs and feet (take spare straps) Double check that your wheelchair has been put into your aircraft hold and not another one or simply left on the tarmac. Once in your seat, that's it! Except its all to do at your destination again in reverse. However, one change we have seen, is how much better ground staff in overseas airports are now, we believe better than UK airports now. They will normally listen to your lifting advice (what's best for you) and do it.
You should always sit on your pressure relieving cushion on the aircraft seat to avoid causing a pressure sore. If you use a ROHO, it will inflate as the plane climbs to altitude, so when you get to cruising height recheck its pressure and adjust as required. Once you land your cushion will need reinflating and readjusting.
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in Decree Law 55/2002 of 11/03.
Esclarecimento para Internet
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previstos no Decreto-Lei nº 167/97 de 14/07, alterado e republicado
pelo Decreto-Lei noº 55/2002 de 11/03.
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