TSA lines and standing problem

[4FRCruising]

I have orthostatic hypotension and cannot stand for an extended period-blood pressure drops too much and have a hard time standing then walking and if too big a drop I collapse. Worried about what I've been seeing on the news with those hours long waits. Is there any provision for my type of problem-will be flying from TPA & FLL this year (July & Sept)?

[MommaBear55]

I have orthostatic hypotension and cannot stand for an extended period-blood pressure drops too much and have a hard time standing then walking and if too big a drop I collapse. Worried about what I've been seeing on the news with those hours long waits. Is there any provision for my type of problem-will be flying from TPA & FLL this year (July & Sept)?

 

Use a wheelchair for the wait. Or get a three pronged cane that has a seat built in so you can sit if you need to. There is no way for TSA staff to recognize your medical issue, so you need to protect yourself.

[broberts]

I have orthostatic hypotension and cannot stand for an extended period-blood pressure drops too much and have a hard time standing then walking and if too big a drop I collapse. Worried about what I've been seeing on the news with those hours long waits. Is there any provision for my type of problem-will be flying from TPA & FLL this year (July & Sept)?

 

Check with the airline's special needs group. You should be able to request a wheelchair and attendant to take you from check-in, through security screening, right to the gate. Depending on the airport/airline there may be a particular drop-off zone with a phone to call for assistance to the check-in counter.

Edited May 23, 2016 by broberts

[4FRCruising]

Thanks both of you. I was checking about cane seats but didn't want to add the extra weight of carrying anything (only take a back pack and check my luggage). Didn't really think I'd really need a wheelchair since able to walk (as long as I can keep moving and can sit occasionally) but may have to consider it. Thanks again [emoji41]

[Boozebabe]

Before I got my scooter I requested a wheelchair assistance when I purchased my ticket. They are so nice. They take you right from the ticket counter thru security. They bypass the long line and use a special line. At least at Cincinnati they do. They will even ask if you need a potty stop before they get you to the gate. At that point I am pretty good on my own. I can walk down the skyway and onto the plane. When you get off the plane they are waiting at the door of the plane with a wheelchair. I always tip them. Its totally worth a 5 spot for the comfort.

[4FRCruising]

Before I got my scooter I requested a wheelchair assistance when I purchased my ticket. They are so nice. They take you right from the ticket counter thru security. They bypass the long line and use a special line. At least at Cincinnati they do. They will even ask if you need a potty stop before they get you to the gate. At that point I am pretty good on my own. I can walk down the skyway and onto the plane. When you get off the plane they are waiting at the door of the plane with a wheelchair. I always tip them. Its totally worth a 5 spot for the comfort.

 

 

Thanks[emoji41] Guess I'm going to have to look into this. At least the airport I fly out from is small and lines are usually short.

[Stevi]

I have learned over the years not to underestimate my needs when traveling. Now I request wheelchair assistance at the time of booking all the way to the door of the plane and till I am reunited with my luggage and met by the folks collecting me. When I haven't done this I have been left to fend for myself and expected to walk ridiculously long distances when I can't do it under the best of circumstances. You can never tell what can happen, a gate change or increased security or other situations beyond anyone's control. I prefer to be looked after than worry about if I can make it. There is no sense trying to be brave when there are plenty of people who can help make traveling a wonderful experience.

[Boozebabe]

I have learned over the years not to underestimate my needs when traveling. Now I request wheelchair assistance at the time of booking all the way to the door of the plane and till I am reunited with my luggage and met by the folks collecting me. When I haven't done this I have been left to fend for myself and expected to walk ridiculously long distances when I can't do it under the best of circumstances. You can never tell what can happen, a gate change or increased security or other situations beyond anyone's control. I prefer to be looked after than worry about if I can make it. There is no sense trying to be brave when there are plenty of people who can help make traveling a wonderful experience.

 

And I might add....at no additional cost to the traveller. You can't get that kind of service anywhere for FREE.....well except for a tip. But then again that is not allowed at some airports I've travelled thru.

[Chunky2219]

The good news as well is that if you are in wheelchair there is sometimes a separae line to stop you clogging things up. This is especially the case if you have wheelchair assistance from the airbridge and the "pusher" needs to get back to do something useful.

 

Every airport and every day is different, but booking wheelchair assistance at both ends is a really good idea if you have standing problems.

 

.

[4FRCruising]

Thank you all again...making me feel better & less worried about my upcoming trips. One more question-do I have to use this at my layover airport? Would probably be helpful with long walks between gates-or could I just use one of the carts? How would that work for getting dinner(I have a long layover in ATL and am looking forward to going to Friday's for dinner)?

 

Thanks again [emoji574]️[emoji41]

[Stevi]

Thank you all again...making me feel better & less worried about my upcoming trips. One more question-do I have to use this at my layover airport? Would probably be helpful with long walks between gates-or could I just use one of the carts? How would that work for getting dinner(I have a long layover in ATL and am looking forward to going to Friday's for dinner)?

 

Thanks again [emoji574]️[emoji41]

 

 

While it doesn't give me all the options I have requested bathroom stops and refreshment stops while on my way to the gate. No one has ever refused me. I try not to take advantage of their generosity and tip well and do whatever it is i need to do as fast as possible. In some airports when they will allow you to keep the wheelchair I have kept it. The reason being I may need a trip to the washroom and I will have a pile of medical equipment and camera gear that means I am overloaded with luggage and even if I wanted to I cannot walk without some form of assistance. I used the wheelchair like a walker and load it with my luggage. This then gives me a chance to walk around when I am at the gate area. If I can't keep the wheelchair I try and get a luggage cart. Be warned it sometimes doesn't work.

 

I have never tried this but you could ask your helper if they could take you to Friday's and have someone pick you up to take you to your gate when you are ready. If you do do this let us know if it worked for you.

 

Have a great trip!

 

Stevi

[4FRCruising]

While it doesn't give me all the options I have requested bathroom stops and refreshment stops while on my way to the gate. No one has ever refused me. I try not to take advantage of their generosity and tip well and do whatever it is i need to do as fast as possible. In some airports when they will allow you to keep the wheelchair I have kept it. The reason being I may need a trip to the washroom and I will have a pile of medical equipment and camera gear that means I am overloaded with luggage and even if I wanted to I cannot walk without some form of assistance. I used the wheelchair like a walker and load it with my luggage. This then gives me a chance to walk around when I am at the gate area. If I can't keep the wheelchair I try and get a luggage cart. Be warned it sometimes doesn't work.

 

 

 

I have never tried this but you could ask your helper if they could take you to Friday's and have someone pick you up to take you to your gate when you are ready. If you do do this let us know if it worked for you.

 

 

 

Have a great trip!

 

 

 

Stevi

 

 

I was thinking of just using the wheelchair option at my departure airport and then the electric carts at the layover one(s)

[xxoocruiser]

I was thinking of just using the wheelchair option at my departure airport and then the electric carts at the layover one(s)

 

Electric transport cart service is not available at all airports.

[4FRCruising]

Electric transport cart service is not available at all airports.

 

 

It would be at Atlanta

[Stevi]

In some airports, when they are typically very large, there is either golf cart service to your next gate or golf cart and then wheelchair to the next gate. You will get that when you request wheelchair service and you are ambulatory as it is too far and with some connections too tight to have you wheeled to your next gate. I still recommend requesting wheelchair assistance from gate to gate and you can decide when you are at the airport what level of service you need. Bear in mind airlines are not happy with wheelchair requests to get on the plane and no wheelchair when it is time to get off. In those instances the flights are referred to as Miracle Flights.

[MissRabbit]

I have found that if I am using my cane, they will motion me over to use the special assistance line at security, essentially bypassing the long lines.

 

I try to stick with the golf cart shuttles but some airports don't have them. One time, the airline went above and beyond. I had asked if I could board early cause I needed extra time. When I arrived at my layover airport, they had a wheelchair waiting for me. I hadn't even requested it. So rest assured, they will take care of your needs if you ask.

[Boozebabe]

In the past when I had a lengthy layover they left the chair with me and my husband pushed me to get something to eat. Someone has always been there to transport me when I departed a plane. They are very handy getting you from one gate to another in a huge airport. They know exactly where to go.

[NMLady]

Thanks both of you. I was checking about cane seats but didn't want to add the extra weight of carrying anything (only take a back pack and check my luggage). Didn't really think I'd really need a wheelchair since able to walk (as long as I can keep moving and can sit occasionally) but may have to consider it. Thanks again [emoji41]

 

My husband is able to walk but we always request wheelchair when we book our flights because he cannot stand for more than a few minutes and he becomes easily winded when walking a distance. The wheelchair escort is a real blessing and we always tip at least $5 for the service.

[DRS/NC]

Absolutely ask for wheelchair assistance -- especially since you are going thru Atlanta! The Atlanta airport is HUGE! Your 2nd flight gate maybe in another terminal, requiring LONG & multiple corridors & the inter-airport tram.

 

I can't walk distances well or stand for long, so I always ask for a wheelchair escort. I also frequently must go thru Atlanta -- ugh!

 

"Assistance" is much easier for you & the airport personnel than a medical emergency!