With memories of getting in to Gate 15 at Bristol, and the agony of getting us two to baggage reclaim last July, I am asking for help and advice on how to arrange assistance for Jen. I know that some of you use it already, but having never done so ourselves, we don't know whether to contact the airline (EasyJet) or the airport.
Any replies gratefully received. Thanks in advance
Phil
BTW - for those who fly from Bristol, some of the new gates are an amazingly long distance from the departure lounge - so much so that they put wheelchairs at regular intervals along the corridoors for people like us to use. That's how I got Jen through it at 1am on 29th July. Didn't do me much good either....
I always have Special Assistance for my dad with EJ but have always booked it with the ticket. If you go online to Manage Bookings, you may be able to add it there. I think you need to book in advance but not sure - you might be able to do it at check-in but best not to leave it till then.
At Gatwick they always take him in a buggy/trolley to the gate and we are allowed to board just after the Speedy Boarders but before the masses, at no extra cost. They will then ask what help you need at Corfu but I am less sure about that as my dad can manage all that - it's just the long walk at Gatwick he likes to avoid.
Thanks Sandy luvver. Jen manages at Corfu as well - they usually let us on with the Speedy Boarders. Will get on to EJ straight away about Bristol.
loveandhugs
Phil
Phil - sure know what you mean - Bristol was horrendous for Chris I could see the colour draining from him as we had to go all that way and he tried not to stop as at 1am in the morning all you want to do is get to the car and get home - I really think they should advise passengers that have difficulties with walking before hand- he felt too embarrassed to hop on a wheelchair with me pushing - mind you I only saw the one.
I would pre book for Jen on your return journey get Sleazyjet to pull their fingers out.
Angxx
Following Sandy's advice, I have booked a wheelchair for Jen with EasyJet. I had to login to my account and used Manage Bookings / Your Itinerary, where it just was a simple click on the right button. Took me a bit of finding, but I got there! Thanks Sandy - Jen will be so much happier with the journey now.
And Ang luvver, I bet he was. My knee ain't perfect with a broken cartilage, and pushing Jen and all the hand luggage for miles was a nightmare. Whoever designed it? At least travelator/conveyors are needed to get to the distant gates.
I HATE air travel. It is only Arillas that makes me do it at all now.
Phil
Phil - maybe "an experience of Bristol airport for the not too able traveler" email!! would be a worth while exercise for us both - I shall compose mine shortly - need you and Jen to there there and back first ...
Angxx
Phil
Really pleased you are sorted now,
Well.... I.m pleased , Arillas buddies are pleased, and Forum pals are pleased.
(That say's it all)
And... "Special Assistance"? - I need that to get home to Kavadaddes from Arillas some times.
Never be too proud to ask. - That applies to all of us!
Negg
Very glad you are sorted Phil and Jen. I did it for my mum in law she went to South Africa to visit relations - on her own @ 88 years old - just booked it with the airlines. Everyone was fantastic to her - she flew back on her 89th birthday and had a fantastic time - everyone was so kind. Anne x
We got airport assistance when we took Mam with us. Was so easy wheelchair to special departure lounge, taken straight onto the plane, seats at the front with extra leg room. When we reached Corfu the wheelchair was brought back onto the plane for mam, me and Calum went ahead and got the cases as they bring the assisted travellers off the plane last. Was brill, was a shock to the system last time having to stand in queue to board plane and not having extra leg room.
Phil it will make the start to your holiday less stressful x
Thanks friends. Your support is welcomed. I hope this thread helps others to make use of what is available.
Eggy mate, it is the Punto that needs Special Assistance on its regular journies to Kavaddades.
You can get yer own back in October.... Can't bl**dy wait!
Phil