Notifying Airline Of Disability

[_tinkerbell_]

Hi everyone, another question sorry.

Off to Orlando with Virgin in a fortnight and all the planning was left to me. Flights, cars, ADRs etc but ive just thought of something. I dont know if anyone remembers but i posted on here a couple of times as my little cousin has Cerebal Palsy and its the first time i had to plan for someone with disabilities.

I thought i had it all covered but ive just thought - should i contact Virgin to tell them ?

He is 14 years old, doesnt require any wheelchair assistance but will need some extra time to board the plane. Do i need to contact the airline so they know they have someone with this disability on board, he also has epilepsy, or will we just need to make ourselves known at the gate so he gets some extra time?

Is there anything you can think of that i may have not ?

Thanks guys and sorry for asking again.

xx

[melspice]

Hiya Carol! Phone Virgin Special Needs asap ...0870 380 2004..tell them of your nephew's special needs, and ask for pre- boarding. My son has autism and epilepsy, and Virgin have always been great with him. Btw, have you got insurance for his epilepsy? If he has a seizure within 24 hours, he won't be able to fly. PM if you need any further help.

xxMel

[mazz]

if you phone special asst on 0870 380 2004 or email, they will add the assistance to the booking and will offer you the chance to board first so you can get him settled, he may need a bulkhead that's close to the galley and toilet just in case you need cabin crew quickly

i would recommend you ask for a seat in the mini economy cabin just behind downstairs prem econ ( it's a little quieter) not sure where you're flying from but on the LGW/MCH fleet this is row 21 they cannot guarantee the seat request but i have found them pretty good

here's the link to the seat maps http://www.v-flyer.com/seatmaps.asp

if you're not sure which aircraft just ask them, they are very helpfull

if he finds it difficult standing for a long period of time you should also ask about checking in at the prem econ queue and i would also consider the guest assistance card at disney if the standing for long periods will cause him discomfort too

[_tinkerbell_]

Hi

Thanks for the advice and help i honestly thought i had everything covered for him and then last nigth i dont know why this came to my head. Thats why i posted late :blush:

Tahnks for the phone number i will do that right away. I did think about being seated near the toilets as i also think walkign down the aeroplane caould be daunting for him and i especailly dont want him to have to stand in a queue for the toilet too long.

Yes we have his insurance all sorted outbut i didnt realise about the seizure and flying so thanks for making me aware.

His mum has been really busy with work and stuff so thats why i have had to do it all plus its easier as im doing everyone elses also. PLus its their first real trip here. I say real trip as they went went he was 7, dolphin therapy and he hated it, every minute. They didnt do parks or anything and came home a week early. Now hes older and is so excited about going, cant wait to meet Shrek !

A reason for choosing early November was hoping the queues at Disney/Universal wouldnt be as long as when i have been in July. For the GAC card will we need a doctors letter or the fact you can see he has a disability be enough and do Universal offer anything similar ?

Will the Card all allow Callum, his twin & their mum and dad to go get out the queue and wait for thir turn ? I dont care about the rest of us we can all stand in the queue and wait and meet up after we all ride.

If his twin cant wait with him, she can stay with us so thats not really a problem but he is very protective of her and likes her to be by his side a lot of the time.

This is getting more difficult as they are now 13 and she likes to do her own things with her friends. As a toddler and growing up she used to do everything for him including seaking as he has not long learned how to speak with us.

Sorry that went on a bit :blush:

I will read the sticky on the GAC as im sure i saw one and i will call Virgin, oh we are leaving from Manchester.

Will let you all know how i get on

Thanks again

xx

[mazz]

Carol at disney the GAC is normally issued for the family so if they are a family of 4 that's how many persons they will put on it, i've never needed a doctors letter you just pop into city hall or guest relations and explain and they will issue a card that will last the duration of the holiday

hope this helps :)

[_tinkerbell_]

Carol at disney the GAC is normally issued for the family so if they are a family of 4 that's how many persons they will put on it, i've never needed a doctors letter you just pop into city hall or guest relations and explain and they will issue a card that will last the duration of the holiday

hope this helps :)

Thanks Mazz.

Thats great, that means that his sister can be with him if she wishes.

I called Virgin and they were great.

Thanks for all your help.

I really appreciate it :grin:

xx

[loadsapixiedust]

I'm sure Virgin Specail Needs Dept will sort you out with all the info you need.

If he has any liquid meds for his epilepsy then he will need a doctors letter to carry them in cabin bags, so leave time to sort that out.

Pre-boarding is normally offered to any party with a disabled person. It will give you time to get properly settled into your seats before the majority of passengers are on the aircraft. We find it a godsend with our DS.

The GAC will help the whole family and Universal also have a Guest Assistance Pass which works in much the same way.

Happy planning! Not long to go!

[_tinkerbell_]

I'm sure Virgin Specail Needs Dept will sort you out with all the info you need.

If he has any liquid meds for his epilepsy then he will need a doctors letter to carry them in cabin bags, so leave time to sort that out.

Pre-boarding is normally offered to any party with a disabled person. It will give you time to get properly settled into your seats before the majority of passengers are on the aircraft. We find it a godsend with our DS.

The GAC will help the whole family and Universal also have a Guest Assistance Pass which works in much the same way.

Happy planning! Not long to go!

Hi Lynne

I know the past 16 months have came round so fast lol and here i am still asking questions :blush:

Im really glad i asked this question as i would just have asssumed you would just come forward like you do with small children. Getting him aboard and settled is my main concern, then we can tackle the next 9 hours lol.

The Universal pass could be handy aswell so thanks for that information. I will check if any of his meds are liquid as i really am unsure about that one, so i will deal with that asap as you know how long it can take for a doctors letter sometimes.

I dont want to post another thread lol but is there any other advice anyone can offer. I'm expecting the tiredness and taking it easy etc but if theres anything else that i may not have thought about could you let me know.

I have also booked ADRs, im guessing you dont have to let them know about special needs. Sorry i feel every question im asking is a bit silly :confused2

xx

[mainecoon lover]

I would get a letter from his doctor explaning his epilepsy drugs as they do not always use the same as we do home here. Just in case of emergency.
I always let restraunts know because of DD wheelchair.

[lausan]

all airlines/travel companies have a special needs forms
we have filled ours out for 2008 already

[loadsapixiedust]

No question is silly if it needs an answer!

With epilepsy be careful as dehydration can trigger seizures in some kids. Make sure he doesn't overheat and drinks plenty.

If you need somewhere quiet to take medication, change clothes or just to chill a bit the First Aid rooms in all the parks are very accommodating for kids with all sorts of special needs, so don't hesitate to use them if you need to. They are marked on park maps.

[_tinkerbell_]

Thanks Lynnei just saw your reply.

I will keep that in mind. I know where the one is in MK but have no idea about the other parks, i will certainly check out to see where they are.

Thanks

xx

[kgfive]

All the park first aid facilities are near the entrances. And, if you need medical assistance and can't get to the first aid room, just ask any of the 'crew members' to radio for medical assistance. The first aid staff are all qualified nurses. We always find that comforting as I have a few medical conditions that can go wrong without warning.

[lotti]

my son is autistic and we have not had any problems with him flying previously but ive informed va special needs help line just incase something does happen and at least they are aware then.