Great help from Thomas Cook Assistance

[soarintothemax]

Just called TC special assistance today as our DS has autism and I was looking for help on a flight next year.

They've booked seats for our family of 4 at no charge and noted on the flight record that DS is a passenger with a disability. Gatwick apparently provide a lanyard at the Special Assistance desk and will assist through the security lanes.

I know others have had good experiences with TC but wanted to give a shout out the no hassle service from Susie there.

All I did was explain about the autism and ask what assistance they could give.

[Megandllsmum]

That's very good service, make sure you do get the lanyard we got one from Manchester Airport for our daughter who has autism and it discreetly let's staff be aware the person wearing it has a hidden disability, it will get you free fast track security and also when you land at the airport on your return it gets you fast track immigration. I've also read on here people have had the lanyard recognised at mco Airport and used the special assistance line at immigration.

[soarintothemax]

Thank you, we will wear the lanyard. At mco. I've just contacted them and they've said the following

Hi Jo, thanks for reaching out to us. In regards to your trip, these would be the steps to be followed:
Please send us your names, the name of your airline, date & time of arrival and your flight number. We will forward that information to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and to the appropriate Station Manager for your airline. On your arrival please approach one of our Airport Ambassadors (they wear black slacks or skirts, white shirts and gold vests); advise them of your concerns & they will lead you & your family to a special lane to expedite your processing.
Also, please make sure you have made your airline aware of your special needs requests (contact their toll free number before you travel).
On your return flight, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a special program in place (TSA Cares) that assists guests flying out that need assistance. It is a wonderful program; if you contact them about your trip home in advance, (whenever that might be) it will make your trip home stress free as possible.
TSA CARES is a toll-free help line (1-855-787-2227) available for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances to get the latest information on screening. You may call from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Communicate information about you & your family’s specific needs at least 72 hours in advance of airport arrival to allow TSA to prepare for individual requirements at the US airports you will be departing

[Beanie1]

Originally Posted by soarintothemax

Thank you, we will wear the lanyard. At mco. I've just contacted them and they've said the following

Hi Jo, thanks for reaching out to us. In regards to your trip, these would be the steps to be followed:
Please send us your names, the name of your airline, date & time of arrival and your flight number. We will forward that information to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and to the appropriate Station Manager for your airline. On your arrival please approach one of our Airport Ambassadors (they wear black slacks or skirts, white shirts and gold vests); advise them of your concerns & they will lead you & your family to a special lane to expedite your processing.
Also, please make sure you have made your airline aware of your special needs requests (contact their toll free number before you travel).
On your return flight, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a special program in place (TSA Cares) that assists guests flying out that need assistance. It is a wonderful program; if you contact them about your trip home in advance, (whenever that might be) it will make your trip home stress free as possible.
TSA CARES is a toll-free help line (1-855-787-2227) available for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances to get the latest information on screening. You may call from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Communicate information about you & your family’s specific needs at least 72 hours in advance of airport arrival to allow TSA to prepare for individual requirements at the US airports you will be departing

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This is really helpful, thank you. Can you tell me who you contacted at MCO?

[Megandllsmum]

Originally Posted by soarintothemax

Thank you, we will wear the lanyard. At mco. I've just contacted them and they've said the following

Hi Jo, thanks for reaching out to us. In regards to your trip, these would be the steps to be followed:
Please send us your names, the name of your airline, date & time of arrival and your flight number. We will forward that information to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and to the appropriate Station Manager for your airline. On your arrival please approach one of our Airport Ambassadors (they wear black slacks or skirts, white shirts and gold vests); advise them of your concerns & they will lead you & your family to a special lane to expedite your processing.
Also, please make sure you have made your airline aware of your special needs requests (contact their toll free number before you travel).
On your return flight, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a special program in place (TSA Cares) that assists guests flying out that need assistance. It is a wonderful program; if you contact them about your trip home in advance, (whenever that might be) it will make your trip home stress free as possible.
TSA CARES is a toll-free help line (1-855-787-2227) available for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances to get the latest information on screening. You may call from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Communicate information about you & your family’s specific needs at least 72 hours in advance of airport arrival to allow TSA to prepare for individual requirements at the US airports you will be departing

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Sounds like they can provide all the help you need for your child... one less thing to worry about 👍

[Manny Haines]

Can I please ask what telephone number you used to call Thomas Cook?

Thanks!

[Ferb]

Originally Posted by Manny Haines

Can I please ask what telephone number you used to call Thomas Cook?

Thanks!

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I've just called thomas cook special assistance on 0800 1073 409. Spoke to Sam who was really helpful.

[Manny Haines]

Thank you very much.

[soarintothemax]

Beanie1 I just tweeted MCO via a direct message and they sent back the above. I guess I use the same method to contact them with our details nearer the flight.if anyone does this before I go in July 2019, it would be great to hear how they get on!

If you don't use twitter, I reckon you could just find the MCO e-mail address and start there.

[tomdan]

Thats brilliant, when do you travel? I spoke to Tui and they were useless😣 said they could nt book seats as it was to early, we go next sept