Requesting special assistance at airport - what to expect?

Sephs · 21 Nov 21, 01:55 PM

Hello 👋🏼😊

OH and I are off to Orlando in September next year. We're flying direct from Manchester with Aer Lingus.

When booking the flights we selected the assistance option which stated
'I require assistance but can embark and disembark the aircraft unassisted'.
What will this assistance entail?

Also I want to request assistance through security at both airports if possible as I really struggle in queues. Do I need to submit a request with Aer Lingus and then contact MCO separately? I found a TSA Cares webpage but I'm not sure this is the right one. Is it possible to be "fast tracked" through security and customs?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks! 😊

richard29 · 21 Nov 21, 09:39 PM

We're doing a cheeky trip to Gran Canaria in Jan, I need assistance so called the airline today.

They have arranged the assistance (wheelchair/buggy) at the airports, also booked seats for my husband and I for both flights.

Gatwick has a dedicated special assistance and family security area, which tends to be very quick.
I've never been to Manchester airport so I don't know if they have the same?

A quick phone call to Aer Lingus assistance department should easily sort this out for you.

Last time we were in Orlando, they had gotten rid of the disabled line at immigration and my husband had to push my wheelchair through the normal queue, which was a nightmare!

**fluffychicken** · 22 Nov 21, 10:18 AM

Manchester have a wheelchair line at security which is usually fairly quick(not sure if this applies to you)
MCO don't have a dedicated line anymore but if you ask one of the people in the hall and explain your difficulties they can direct you to one of the other desks to minimise the wait.
I messaged MCO on Face book last time we went in 2019 I've copied there reply below.

Sephs · 22 Nov 21, 11:02 AM

Thank you @richard29 and @fluffychicken. Your replies are really helpful. 😊

Jakey Neverland · 28 Nov 21, 12:21 PM

At Manchester once you check in they will send you to a seating area (check in side of airport) it has yellow and black signing. You wait there and someone will come and then assist you to the departure lounge.

The same process happens again there is another Special Assistance hold place where you can sit and someone will take you from there to the gate.

Hope that helps, on check in they will direct you to these places.

Sephs · 20 Dec 21, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by Jakey Neverland

At Manchester once you check in they will send you to a seating area (check in side of airport) it has yellow and black signing. You wait there and someone will come and then assist you to the departure lounge.

The same process happens again there is another Special Assistance hold place where you can sit and someone will take you from there to the gate.

Hope that helps, on check in they will direct you to these places.

Thanks so much, your reply is really helpful. 😊

sophie1405 · 20 Dec 21, 08:43 PM

recently when i have just been security and immigration i was through in a matter of minutes like less than 5 minutes. hopefully it stays like this.

**2point** · 20 Dec 21, 08:46 PM

We encountered a very aggressive officer at MCO.

We were in the shorter queue with the other wheelchair users (4 chairs, about a dozen walking).

I was barked at if I had a Green Card, when I said I didn't he asked who said to join this line, I pointed at the porter who was pushing the wheelchair my wife was in. He then gave the porter a warning that this was the last time he was to take non residents into that line again. I'm not sure if he was just annoyed they he was still on shift as our flight was 4 hours late.