Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Went on my first solo plane trip (self.Blind)
submitted by Wendy_corduroy20
Hey everyone! I flew on a plane for the first time by myself. It was surprisingly easy and seamless. I was expecting it to be way harder and more frustrating, but honestly it was the opposite. I had someone assist me through TSA and walk me to my gate. I didn’t feel rushed like I usually do when I’m with family or other people. I was able to go at my own pace and not stress. It’s important to note that I traveled with a cane and not a guy dog. I was just really surprised on how smoothly it went. I feel like now I have really high expectations for my next flights in the future lol!
I think the trick for me was I let them help me in ways that they felt comfortable with. If they wanted me to sit in the wheelchair I was going to do it. If they wanted to do cited Guide I would be OK with that too. I think it made them feel more comfortable knowing that they were taking the lead and I was following. I feel like a lot of times we let our pride get in the way and it makes people feel uncomfortable. I just went with the flow and things went great. Now if they were being rude and belittling I would’ve said something but they were just trying to help me in the best ways they could and I let them do what they were comfortable with.
I guess the moral of the story is don’t let pride make things unnecessarily difficult. There is always a time and a place to prove your independence and capabilities. Also if you’ve never flown by yourself before let them hold your hand and take you through all of the steps. It’s hard to just let go sometimes but I have found that sometimes it’s easier to let the person help help you the way that they think is best. Again as long as it’s not belittling, rude, or offensive. It is OK to educate but it’s also OK to just let it be and go on your way!
I think the trick for me was I let them help me in ways that they felt comfortable with. If they wanted me to sit in the wheelchair I was going to do it. If they wanted to do cited Guide I would be OK with that too. I think it made them feel more comfortable knowing that they were taking the lead and I was following. I feel like a lot of times we let our pride get in the way and it makes people feel uncomfortable. I just went with the flow and things went great. Now if they were being rude and belittling I would’ve said something but they were just trying to help me in the best ways they could and I let them do what they were comfortable with.
I guess the moral of the story is don’t let pride make things unnecessarily difficult. There is always a time and a place to prove your independence and capabilities. Also if you’ve never flown by yourself before let them hold your hand and take you through all of the steps. It’s hard to just let go sometimes but I have found that sometimes it’s easier to let the person help help you the way that they think is best. Again as long as it’s not belittling, rude, or offensive. It is OK to educate but it’s also OK to just let it be and go on your way!
carolineecouture 6 points 1y ago
Glad you had a positive experience. My TSA experience was positive as well. One thing they told me about the wheelchair was that it's really for them and not for you. It helps them get you around the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible same with the golf cart thing.
They only have so many people available to help and if the wheelchair gets me where I need to go and also makes it so they can assist another passage in a timely fashion I'm all for it.
They only have so many people available to help and if the wheelchair gets me where I need to go and also makes it so they can assist another passage in a timely fashion I'm all for it.
EffectiveYak0 3 points 1y ago
This.
Since I lost vision I've only flown by myself a handful of times, but usually I walk and they're all good with it unless it's a giant airport in which case the carts are kinda nice anyway.
Since I lost vision I've only flown by myself a handful of times, but usually I walk and they're all good with it unless it's a giant airport in which case the carts are kinda nice anyway.
RedbullLady 2 points 1y ago
Honestly I’ve traveled a lot alone in planes and it was always a good experience actually.
NoClops 1 points 1y ago
I love travelling alone for this very reason. The only negative to my experience is that I always forget about the overhead, and I bump my head when I go to stand up. Hahaha
unwaivering 1 points 1y ago
I did this about 16 years ago for the first time. It's a lot easier than traveling with family!! I didn't miss my flight because mom had to take a smoke break. It was just me, and I got to keep track of my own boarding pass.
I did the golf cart in Cincinatti, and the wheel chair thing in Atlanta. I think simply because that airport is huge.
I did the golf cart in Cincinatti, and the wheel chair thing in Atlanta. I think simply because that airport is huge.
akrazyho 1 points 1y ago
The assistance that was that done through the airport or the airline?
niamhweking 1 points 1y ago
Well done and I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. A vi friend of mine recently flew by herself with her 3 vi children. I must check how she got on when she's home
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
You have some excellent points here and an interesting perspective. I usually tell them how I may want to do things and if they insist then I’d go with what they were suggesting, but you have some good points here. I was at an airport and they basically told me that the supervisor was a big stickler on their protocal. You either sit in the chair or no help. Strangest airport I flew out of, I have flown out before from there but didn’t get this mess. I was going to argue and said I wasn’t refusing the wheelchair I was going to let them bring it along but I would place all my stuff on it and we’d just push it. But I just sat in it and everything actually went decently. My boyfriend suggested or said I probably shouldn’t argue and just sit in it haha! I was like well yeah, that’s probably an idea.
Glad it went well. Most if not all of my airport travels have always gone well except one where the help left and didn’t come back and probably wasn’t going to until my plane flight, but that also meant I didn’t know where the bathroom was. I straightened out the situation though.
Glad it went well. Most if not all of my airport travels have always gone well except one where the help left and didn’t come back and probably wasn’t going to until my plane flight, but that also meant I didn’t know where the bathroom was. I straightened out the situation though.
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