Travelling and the sunflower lanyard

Hello Everyone 

When I travelled with an indwelling catheter I asked my airline. Sure enough they advised me to check in as normal and then go to the disability area before security - I was given one there.

Last time I was at Salford Royal Hospital sunflower lanyards were available for free at the main reception.

They are available on Amazon for as little as £ 3.99  - it's a good idea to get a "Radar Key" (disabled toilet key) at the same time.

You may also want one of there:

Toilet Card.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks Brian, I do have the toilet card , 

48 hours before travel - contact either your airline or the airport and you get one for free.  I am due to travel to Florida to see my four week old grandson and when I booked the flights I asked for Airport Assistance and that is now part of my flight details.  However, if I hadn't done that then I could still have added it for free as I originally stated.  Be sure to inform them of all conditions, as some conditions get additional help.

Update on Airport Assistance.

I am currently on holiday in Florida and travelled out her using airport assistance.  I had read a tip that you should pick up airport assistance after check in and did that.  At Gatwick there is a dedicated area to do that and after alerting them that I was there; I was directed to the assisted security line (well signposted).  This was a very simple check of your bags you intend to take on-board.  No need to get your technology out of bags and no need to remove shoes (not sure if this is the same for everyone now).  After security they do make you walk through duty free and after that I had some problems reconnecting to airport assistance.  If you are going to Gatwick then it is on the first floor by the lifts and is not off to the sides as I expected.  Once I found them and had reconnected, I was given the sunflower lanyard and allowed to sit in a dedicated area.

Once it was time to go to the gate, I was put on an electric buggy along with the wife and driven to the gate.  This so helped as I do get a lot of trouble with aches after long walks.

The flight seats were nice and close to a toilet.  Sadly, there is nothing they can do to help with the 9 hours stuck in a tin can.  After about 4 hours I did start to get wind issues and general aches and pains in the surgery area.  I was very glad to land.  Hot tip - alert the stewardesses that you have airport assistance and they will make sure the required help is ready and waiting when you land.

We flew into Orlando International Airport and were the last to leave the plane as they ask people with assistance to wait on the plane.  I then got a ride in a smart wheelchair from the plane to the baggage claim.  The smart bit was a joystick controlled by our assistant.  My wife was also given a wheelchair even though she didn't have assistance.

From baggage claim I was back to being just another guy in the airport and there was no more assistance.  That said, I was offered more assistance and just didn't need it.

Return Journey

Okay so not such a great experience on the return journey.

At Orlando I think I was unlucky to get a check in lady who had the hump.  On asking for airport assistance she asked me if I could walk.  When I answered yes, she said I had all I needed.  Later as I passed through the airport I did see others getting lifts in buggies.  At least one was clearly someone who could walk.

When I got to Gatwick, I was put off asking for help and felt well enough to walk so I didn't use airport assistance.  I was okay and did feel I had let the side down, but all I wanted to do was get home and get over jet lag.  Its amazing what one knock back can do.

I would still recommend airport assistance but be prepared for knock backs.

I don't have trouble with walking , I have trouble with anxiety thinking I need to go to the toilet even though I've not long been.

It's standing in that tube with people in front and behind fir 20mins waiting for the passengers to get off the plane.

Prostatectomy 2020 aged 51.

That is exactly why I wanted airport assistance and in Gatwick they fully understood and look after me on the way out of UK.  On the plane you can still use the toilets while you wait.

Have you tried Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for your anxiety.  A friend of mine had the same anxiety and it helped him.