US Airways - UK office?

[phaedra]

We're going via Philly this time as well, I'd booked the 12:30 flight via Charlotte but it was moved to 10:30 which was too early for us (connecting flight from Newcastle) so we're now on the 11:50 instead still don't get into MCO until around 8pm though

Anyone know anything about travelling with a wheelchair?, I can walk on/off the plane OK (apart from steps) but have never taken one with me before. I'll try and remember to phone USAirways & BA tomorrow and try and get some info from them.

[blott]

Nothing to it Jeff. If you can walk onto the plane, you can leave your wheelchair at the plane door (make sure it's properly (and securely) labelled with your flights, destinations and name, etc) and then collect it when you get off. Always warn the airline in advance that you're travelling with a wheelchair.

Otherwise (for anyone else with the same question who can't walk), you need to ring Special Services at the airline some time in advance so that they can organise someone to get you on and off the plane - you still leave your wheelchair at the door but they have a smaller version that fits between the aisles to get you to your seat and to and from the loo. If you need help getting in and out of your seat, they can organise this too. One thing they can't do is help you whilst you're in the loo.

Actually, Philadelphia has quite a few of those nifty golf cart type things but the drivers just are not very organised! If you need one, just ask a member of staff for the telephone number and ring them on any of the white phones on the walls and explain where you're waiting. If all else fails, get someone in your party to leap out in front of a passing one with spaces to get them to stop!

[phaedra]

Thanks Blott

I really don't want to take one but after having problems just doing half days in April I must accept the fact that my walking miles around theme park days are over

Can't complain though, we decided that we'd do it as long as possible and have managed 5 trips in 3 years so far, it's the kids biggest Christmas present and our 2 youngest (10 & 14) are still at the age where it's all magical so it's all worth it in the end!.

Hopefully we'll manage next October as well, flying to Canada then down to Florida for 2 weeks or so and then back to Canada for a week, it's cheaper to fly to Canada than it is to fly from Canada to Florida!.

[blott]

You're welcome! I have OA badly in one knee and mildly in the other so I know how you feel.

If you can manage it, you can always pile the chair up with luggage and wheel it so it will act as a support and then jump in when you've had enough.

Surely everyone's at the age where it's magical though! I know I am and I'm old!

I'm sure you'll have a great time as usual.

[phaedra]

Result!

Rang USAirways and spoke to a VERY helpful chap called Paul, he's sorted out everything including assistance at Philly & MCO, seat reservations for the kids and best of all 2 bulkhead seats for Miriam and me in 8 A&B on both longhauls which means I get some Legroom and no one in front of me to recline into my knees!!!!!

Only downside is the kids are split 2 & 1 in seperate rows but that may not be a bad thing!.

Also rang BA, 3 calls to get it sorted, all they have done is made a note in the system that I'm taking a wheelchair, no offer of assistance or seat requests.