Flying delta!

[Shoshana]

So on July 6th I will be flying Delta from Florida to Atlanta and then to North Carolina to visit my Mom and friends! I have flown many many times before BUT this time I will be alone. Flying causes very bad pressure in my head/eyes so bad that I normally start crying and I cant help it I normally fly with someone else but not this time.

Since I normally fly with other people I leave them in charge of dealing with all the people since it can be difficult to lip read all the various people--plus id hate to get information wrong!

My mom called the airline and told them I am Deaf and they seemed to be very helpful in that they will transport me from gate to gate when I need to switch flights (I am traveling with Service Dog too).

I have to admit I am nervous about flying alone and having to deal with the people by myself...any advice?

 

[DeafCaroline]

You'll be fine! First time I travelled alone was from Canada to Tunisia (with a layover in Europe) and that was in 7th grade. Airports are pretty easy to understand and flight information along with their corresponding gates are posted on big screens all through airports. As long as you know your flight numbers, you'll know which gate to go to. You can ask the attendant at the gate to let you know when it's time for you to board. No worries! have a good visit with your family!

 

[SimonJ]

I have just gone from Australia to UK and all the stops and transfers were very good. Writing things like food options on the plane made it a pleasure to travel.

 

[lanapoo]

You'll be fine. It requires mostly common sense when you walk through the airport. I don't need any sort of assistance of that nature although getting on the plane first is a nice perk. For check in, I usually use self check in kiosk. If there's none available, I hand in my confirmation number and ID and that's all it takes. They give you the ticket and ask how many luggage you're checking in, you check in your luggage.

Security line. Blah! If you get an assistance because you have a service dog, just follow. They'll gesture. No problem! Without an assistant and you're not "late" to your flight, waiting in a security line is kinda a pain, but part of our daily life. Take off your shoes, belt, anything metal, coat, take your laptop out of your bag. That's it.

For checking your gate number, go up to the TV's, usually just right beyond the security check and match your flight number. Figure out the gate that way, but you'll have an assistant. Don't need to do that. Same thing for when you have a connection, I always check the TV's.

When you reach your destination, follow the signs to baggage claim. No problem.

 

[Shoshana]

You'll be fine. It requires mostly common sense when you walk through the airport. I don't need any sort of assistance of that nature although getting on the plane first is a nice perk. For check in, I usually use self check in kiosk. If there's none available, I hand in my confirmation number and ID and that's all it takes. They give you the ticket and ask how many luggage you're checking in, you check in your luggage.

Security line. Blah! If you get an assistance because you have a service dog, just follow. They'll gesture. No problem! Without an assistant and you're not "late" to your flight, waiting in a security line is kinda a pain, but part of our daily life. Take off your shoes, belt, anything metal, coat, take your laptop out of your bag. That's it.

For checking your gate number, go up to the TV's, usually just right beyond the security check and match your flight number. Figure out the gate that way, but you'll have an assistant. Don't need to do that. Same thing for when you have a connection, I always check the TV's.

When you reach your destination, follow the signs to baggage claim. No problem.

Thanks for all the advice! I do have to check in with the people since I My Service Dog has a bag that needs to be checked. I know the Atlanta airport is HUGE (you need to take a train to get around it!) so Im glad they will help helping me find my way around too. I cant go through the metal detector since I have CI, Im pretty familiar with the pat down process. I am kinda shy to ask people to write things down since I know airports are pretty fast paste and dont want to hold people up...

 

[lanapoo]

Thanks for all the advice! I do have to check in with the people since I My Service Dog has a bag that needs to be checked. I know the Atlanta airport is HUGE (you need to take a train to get around it!) so Im glad they will help helping me find my way around too. I cant go through the metal detector since I have CI, Im pretty familiar with the pat down process. I am kinda shy to ask people to write things down since I know airports are pretty fast paste and dont want to hold people up...

I go through the metal detector all the time with CI and it was never set off.

You sound like you'll be fine! Have a good trip. If needed, ask them to write things down. Don't be afraid to ask.

 

[DeafCaroline]

Thanks for all the advice! I do have to check in with the people since I My Service Dog has a bag that needs to be checked. I know the Atlanta airport is HUGE (you need to take a train to get around it!) so Im glad they will help helping me find my way around too. I cant go through the metal detector since I have CI, Im pretty familiar with the pat down process. I am kinda shy to ask people to write things down since I know airports are pretty fast paste and dont want to hold people up...

I hate going through US customs but I do love how friendly american people are in the airport - on my way to Tallahassee, I found out my flight would be delayed by two hours and my cell was dead so I couldn't let my friend know. I went up an airport staff member, explained my situation and she was so nice! She used her own cell to call my friend and let him know. I can't remember a single time I got a negative reaction from anyone in an American airport. Don't be shy if you need any help