In this summer, I traveled after replacement of total knee. I learned a lot about disabled passenger programs.
The Washington Dulus Airport was the beginning and end of my disabled adventure work.
I have Dulus International Airport (IAD) in Northern Virginia, John F. in New York. Traveling through Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Madrid-Barz, Spain (Mad). I registered as wheelchair or a disabled passenger. This was important at each of these airports. Walking was amazing.
At the Dualus International Airport, we took the lift and subway and lasted amazing lengths. In JFK, even though the terminals are separated by the airlines in some cases, they have similar issues. And in Madrid, I learned my last time that you had to do reservation in advance, or you were out of luck. However, I was happy that I had a wonderful wheelchair push on each terminal.
At all airports, disabled travel begins with wheelchair aids. This is even more important for foreign airports. If you do not make pre -arrangements, you are a second class citizen and they will have to deal with the standby status.
#1 The issue is on foot distance.
It also translates to the distance from the metro or metro system to the disabled operation of the airport. At the Dualus International Airport, the new metro stop literally is at least one mile from the check-in counters where there are major airlines. In addition, the metro station is not serving by any audience. It is a double vaimi for disabled passengers. It was definitely for me.
Theoretically, there is a bus from metro to terminal. On arrival, I remembered the hints. On returning, the wheelchair pusher took me back to the metro at the beginning of the tunnel. To be honest, I have never seen the metro bus.
I reached the check-in counter for departure after two questions with skilled volunteer information desk. First, where are the nearest toilets, and second, what is the best way for my airline’s check-in counter? I then proceeded to the appropriate counter. Incidentally, I was a first class traveler.
Whoever has come out of these three airports or out of one of these three airports knows just the challenging task of walking on the gates, then to claim the goods, and then to get out for buses and taxis. JFK has long distance and long waiting for accessories.
At Madrid-Barzas International Airport, distances from the train that reach the claims of gates and baggage are dramatic. If you do not know the distance and think that you can walk at your departure door or walk on the claim of luggage, then think again – you cannot imagine almost walking.
Dules International Airport (IDA), Washington, DC
At the duals airport, wheelchair operators hover near the check-in counters. Once a wheelchair is easy to find aid is easy and very good. If you are planning to rest in an airport club, make sure they are present at the airport where you are changing the aircraft or where you are changing the aircraft. Some experiences are less pleasant than arriving at the departure gate and waiting for an aircraft to arrive or depart. My airline, Delta had no club in duals.
John F. Kennedy International (JFK) in New York City
In JFK, all terminals have long distances to walk. Get ready to go with your wheelchair assistant. Where airline clubs are available, they can be away from clubs. Do not forget: While returning from abroad, the goods should be picked up and then resumed for a connecting flight.
Madrid Barajs International Airport (MAD)
This can be the most small distance distance from any airport that I know about. The distance from the metro to the departure gate (and arrival gate) is really monumental. People with wheelchair aid are underground in the van between the main terminal and the gates on Terminal 4. Some American airlines reach Terminal 2. Wherever you descend, the distance there is prominent, so be ready.
Once, the airport bus and train stations were left from Terminal 4, instead of all to go to the city. Keep in mind that the new bus station terminal 4 is located at the distant end of the parking area. Both train station and train ticket office are in Terminal 4 and are more convenient.
Bottom Line: Before going to any airport, whether abroad or domestic, do your homework. And get small bills for change and tips.
Check the walk away at every airport. Arrange with a disabled passenger airline at least 48 hours before reaching the airport. This is especially true when foreign airports are included,
Get changes in the local currency bill to hand over as suggestions. Once you look at the distance you go and when the wheelchair folk spends with you, all the questions about leaving a lot of money with support workers will disappear. I give $ 5 or Euro 5 for a short time and $ 10 or Euro 10 tip for a long time. Remember, most pushers do minimal wages.
Also read:
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Charlie Leoha is the chairman of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, with the stakeholders of the industry on Congress, Transport Department and travel issues over the last 14 years. He was the first consumer representative of the Advisory Committee for Aviation Conservative Safety appointed by the Transport Secretary from 2012 to 2018.
