Bouncing in and out of Heathrow over the years it ranges from painless to ‘What on earth is going on’. Being well used to dispersing large volumes of passengers they have it down to a reasonable art. This time round, possibly on the back of a recent homegrown terrorist attack. Even getting on to an outbound flight from an internal terminal transfer took time and what I can only describe as more interest than I’m used to.
They take your photo getting off and match it to your ID to ensure that its really you getting on to the other flight. Modern technology eh.
Comfort and something to read seems to be the watchword for air travel these days. Thats dressing appropriately as opposed to having all your needs met by an attentive and adoring staff. I’m sorry the days of BOAC are over, (but the good news is they let cripples on planes these days)
Once through the whole rigmarole and behind the security screen Its perfectly civil and whoever you travel with (its usually BA or Aer Lingus. As far as I’m concerned) they’re awfully nice. Helpful and competent in getting you on and off the plane. Air bridges seem to be the order of the day. So steps, stairs and outdoor windswept lifts are very much a last resort.
Check your seating you aren’t in a particularly great seat, have a word with the nice person on the desk. You might be lucky. You’ll definitely be lucky, if you don’t use ‘Im disabled and I know my rights’. You may still not get your seat, but at least the desk person won’t put the special code in your air travel ID that you’re a complete tool.
I know it says London Heathrow on the header, but there are other airports and they all have their moments. Regional ones can be decidedly weird and gung ho in the fight against terrorism. P
A spinal injury wheelchair user was refused boarding on a uk to uk flight because of his wheelchair tool kit. Despite being paralysed from the chest down, he wasn’t allowed it as carry on on in case he dismantled the airplane from the inside. With a 10mm and 12mm spanner and socket set. Which is stupid, you need a 2 lb hammer and an 8mm socket to do any harm on a Boeing.
I’ve a TSA approved Leatherman which freaks everyone out, yet on checking is waved through. Ive had Microphones and minidiscs looked at. iPods swabbed for explosives. Got into a debate about a fishing hook (It was plastic, with coloured string for practising knots)
And only once have they made me take my shoes of. That was the time, my travelling companion sneaked on a Swiss army knife, 2 cork screws and a bottle opener. Most airport people Ive found are more than helpful. Let them know you’re coming and don’t take the piss.
I like to pretend my rucksacks a carry on, so do the airline. I’ve the weights and measurements for whatever kit I’ve got with me.. a letter of approval for the battery. Anything attached to the chair or scooter isn’t coming off in a hurry.
The wheelchair user above who was denied access to his flight. The chair was a rigid, the tools were for removing the wheels and tightening everything back up again once it was removed from the hire car.
The last time i saw one was on an Irish airport almost 20 years ago, thankfully it wasn’t me using it.
Heathrow’s big if you’re going from terminal to terminal theres a bus shuttle and its wheelchair scooter friendly. As are the lifts. Welcome to the 21st century where you go straight in one side and wheel straight out the other when you get to your desired floor. No fancy reversing procedures over people who seem incapable of movement.
Everywhere’s very smooth and the loos and just about everywhere is readily accessible.
For London if you’re carrying kit and a wheelchair and need to be at the far side of the city. Forget the black taxis and whatever passes for an airport taxi.
We pre booked a people carrier which took two of us, bags and a large scooter. Door to door. Our driver was waiting for us at the exit, walked us to where the vehicle was loaded us up and hustled us across town. Of course public transport would have been cheaper but Pink Berry Cars have been doing this for years and know their way across the city.
Be advised, some mini cabs don’t. For a run from the hotel to the Victoria and Albert. We ended up having to navigate for him. And it wasn’t any less expensive than the Black cab we used on the way back to the hotel.
Streets most of London seems to be getting worked on, most have dropped kerbs to get you across roads and use the crossings. Don’t, like everywhere else assume you’ve right of way wait until the vehicles have stopped. Even bicycles and keep an extra eye out for them too. Both on cycle ways and pavements. Pedestrians bring their own many and varied difficulties. Treat it like street theatre and entertainment.
And race, religion, colour age or education is no guide to reasonable behaviour or pavement etiquette. (if there is such a thing).
ironside Travel 