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Friday, June 10, 2011

Summer Air Travel

Summer seems to be a time for travel and for those with low vision or who are legally blind this can be a challenge. Airports present many obstacles to passengers traveling with a visual impairment. It is hard enough for a sited person to maneuver through a crowded airport and to stand in line to be patted down be some stranger with bad breath and an attitude. It can also be an adventure trying to board a plane with everyone trying to stuff there baggage into the overhead compartments squished together like a can of sardines. There is no such thing as personal space when boarding a plane. For someone who is totally blind and traveling with a seeing-eye dog or a cane, it is obvious that they may need some assistance. Those with low vision on the other hand, have to do a bit more asking, be more organized an get to the airport earlier than most. It is not fun knowing your plane is about to take off and you are running towards the gate not being able to read the signs, even though they can be quite large, praying that you are headed in the right direction. Planning ahead of time is the best way to save yourself from headaches and unwanted stress that can be a voided with a few phone calls and some simple steps.


  • Read about your destination and plan out what sights you will want to visit and contact those places to see if they offer special services. Pre purchase tickets if possible for parks and attractions.

  • Research accomodations. Foreign destinations are likely to have different accomodations and services from your home city or town. Prepare yourself by researching your trip before you plan your travels.

  • Make reservations whenever possible. Call the airline and ask about assistance and tell them your are visually impaired. Give them as much information as possible and let them know what you will need, (preboarding, luggage help, connecting to your next flight). Also let them know if you have a guide dog. Ask about seating arrangements, special meals, and shuttle and driving services. Some airlines allow trained service dogs to sit in the cabin. Continental and Delta are two airlines that will.

  • If you are meeting an airline representative or transportation company let them know what you look like and what you are wearing.

  • Plan for quide-dog restrictions. Some countries and states such as Hawaii either do not allow guide dogs for short visits or have quarentine requirements. Call your local guide-dog school for information on restrictions.

  • Carry written directions with you. Have them written down before leaving. Even if you can't read them you can ask for help by showing then to someone else if you get lost. It's also helpfu to have a copy of the exact addrss of where you are going. A driver may not know where a specific hotel is, especially if there are several with the same name.

  • Bring helpful technology with you such as a monocular, handheld magnifier, or mini video magnifier.

  • Keep necessities with you at all times. Carry your money, keys, tickets and passes in a pocket. If you happen to misplace your purse or wallet or someone takes it, you can still reach your destination. Keep some extra money handy for tips.

  • Notify others about your needs. Inform those around you about your visual limitation. Ask questions. If you can't see a monitor or find a gate at the airport ask a customer service representative or another traveler to help you find your way.

  • CARRY your cane. Whether you choose to use it or not for mobility puposes, your cane helps to identify others that you are visually impaired.

  • Ask about amusement park or other tourist discounts. Some of the amusement parks give discounts either to visually impaired visitors or to their sighted guides.

  • If you do bring a suitcase, remember its type and color. It may be helpful to putt a colorful piece of ribbon or a sticker to help you or anyone assisting you with easy identification.

  • Enhance your sensory experience by going on tours and visiting gift shops. Some tour groups allow travelers who are visually impaired to experience an exibit by tuching objects that are off limits to others. Gift shops often sell dmall cale replicas of monuments you can touch.

Remember that travel is supposed to be an adventure and exciting so take your time and enjoy all you can even if everything does not go exactly as planned. Happy Travels!