MCO assistance for son

[Lloydstenton]

We sorted all ourselves (we're here now) for my son with Autism. OCS at Manchester escorted us all the way to the V Lounge and then the Virgin staff escorted us to thebe plane where we were first on with the "physically" disabled.

With regards to MCO, I'd emailed them to see what they had similar to Manchester's hidden disability lanyard and they advised to catch one of their ambassadors as we got off the plane. Turns out they'd taken my name and we got name checked by the ground staff as we were getting off - took about 20 minutes to get through immigration as they escort you through what's effectively a fastpass lane

Collecting our bags was a nightmare though as they must have been split up at Manchester - first two were straight off but then it was another half hour before the last one came off ...

[Bootrip2]

Originally Posted by *cath*

My only concern was having to wait til everyone has left the plane

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I know its difficult to explain, but teres no holiding back 100s of holiday makers keen to get thru first! Each time we have been thru with DD and special assistance it has been very calm after the crowds have fought their way thru. You arent going anywhere fast anyway. You still beat the majority of them who have barged past you to get to immigration quicker as you go through seperate lane as directed.

[Guest]

My advice would be to exit the plane as normal and when you come to the immigration hall have a word with the member of staff before the general queue.
They will generally direct you through the disabled immigration queue which is usually much faster.
We have had exactly the same problem with my son and I've found that assistance via Virgin at the other end is a bit hit and miss for non physical disabilities.
Good luck and have a wonderful time x

[amandajane10]

If you ring the airline they can sort out special assistance for you.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by LoobyLou_1

My advice would be to exit the plane as normal and when you come to the immigration hall have a word with the member of staff before the general queue.
They will generally direct you through the disabled immigration queue which is usually much faster.
We have had exactly the same problem with my son and I've found that assistance via Virgin at the other end is a bit hit and miss for non physical disabilities.
Good luck and have a wonderful time x

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Sad to say that I found VA sadly lacking with assistance at MCO to those with physical disability also. I checked in, standing there with my waking stick (it was quiet and the check in assistant had seen me walking slowly over) and as I'd requested special assistance, I thought I'd be offered it. Not so! I was told to join the security queue with the others. I had to stand and shuffle in the queue for over an hour and nearly fell over. The walk to the departure gate wasn't too easy either. I mentioned the problem at the gate and wasn't given an apology but told to stand by the wheelchair people as I'd be let on the plane early. Big deal!

Arrival at MAN was no better as there were no wheelchair attendants to greet us. I walked slowly to Immigration and a kindly 'queue marshal' pointed me towards the disabled line. That helped. VA let themselves down that day which surprised me as they'd been so good on the outward flight.