Visionaries: Episode 9, Flying Blind by Susan Gray
It takes fortitude to travel by air these days, and traveling with low or no vision can be additionally stressful. If you are planning a trip that you will be taking alone, here are some tips from seasoned blind travelers.
Airline websites can be challenging to navigate with screen readers, and calling a ticket agent can be time consuming. Fortunately, there is a new iteration of the travel agent in companies that can help you plan a flight and ground transportation. Companies like Expedia offer customers walk in locations and call in service for booking flights both nationally and internationally. There is a fee charged to each traveler when using the service, but it can be worth it for the time it will save you. Regardless of who is reserving flights for you, it is good to identify yourself as a person needing special assistance. Most airlines have a place on the ticket purchase site that allows a traveler to identify as having a disability. This identification alerts the airline to offer assistance to and from gates, and onto the airplane, as well as the flight crew being made aware of your presence on their flight.
TSA staff are present to guide you from the curb at the airport through baggage drop off and boarding pass check in. They stay with you through security and all the way to your departure gate. They will take you to the rest room or to purchase a snack or drink for your flight. They alert the airline staff at your gate that you will need assistance boarding. Most TSA staff are familiar with sighted guide techniques, and will offer you their elbow as you walk to your gate. You may be offered the use of a wheelchair, but if your disability is just sensory, you can refuse it. As you board the plane, you can ask the flight attendant to place your hand on their shoulder to be navigated to your seat. The aisle is narrow and won’t allow the space to walk beside the attendant. The flight attendant will tell you which seat is yours and acclimate you to your surroundings.
During your flight, the crew ensures you are safe and comfortable, and that you know how far you are from an exit row, should you need one.
Once you have reached your destination, TSA staff will be waiting for you on the jet way to escort you to baggage claim or ground transportation.
So, even though you are technically travelling alone, you aren’t ever really alone.
Many travelers use an application called Aira that uses people through your smart phone to help guide you through airports. This application can be used for free in most airports and is very effective for navigating to gates, restrooms and baggage claim. The app uses your phone’s camera to view your surroundings in real time, and the person you are working with on the other end of the phone can guide you to your destination.
Many airports have a sunflower lanyard program that travelers use to be identified by airport and airline staff that they may need some extra time and attention. These lanyards are found at check in, and anyone with any type of disability can sign up for one to keep for their travels.
Some suggestions in preparation of your trip:
be sure to have an app or device that can “read” your boarding pass
be sure to know the color of your suitcase
use an air tag or tile to locate your suitcase
carry medications with you
be sure electronics are charged
tie a colored ribbon or bandana on the handle for extra identification
keep your white cane with you at all times
keep your guide dog with you at all times
be sure to relieve your guide dog before entering airport
download an app to your phone that can track your flight’s updated departure times
back packs or shoulder bags as carry on’s allow you to keep your hands free to utilize your cane or sighted guide
Air travel can be stressful, but being prepared for your trip and understanding your safety needs will be provided for, you can be encouraged to travel out of your comfort zone.