When my mother was in a wheelchair and flying out to visit me whilst I was working abroad we booked assistance when making the booking, and then phoned a few days before. No problems at all.

As well as by-passing a lot of the queues, we thought it was especially important if there was a delay with the flight etc. as Oskvillian's parents had.

It was the same for me when I was a kid flying by myself. I would have been fine unless there was a problem - mainly lack of credit card! I loved the special treatment that I got as an unaccompanied minor.

If your parents have a tight transfer, just make sure that this is flagged in the booking and if possible your parents tell the cabin crew, because most airline policy is to leave assisted passengers until the plane is clear.

When I last flew back to the UK there was an older lady sat next to me who had very poor vission. The flight crew were really kind to her and kept coming to make sure that she could access the entertainment and cope with the food packaging etc.

I hope they have a good time - let us know how it goes.

Good luck with it all. I know my mum was really worried about how my dad would cope, both on the journey and once he was here: she often gets just as wound up worrying about his reaction as he does with the Parkinson's. Their treatment from airport and airline staff at the beginning of the journey really put her at ease to enjoy the trip.

It was definitely worth the effort for us and for them - they were able to say hi to their new granddaughter (we timed their visit for her Christening), see where we'd settled, meet the neighbours, etc. They've both said since that despite the dramas of the outbound journey they both had a great time and are inspired to try and come back again in a couple of years!

Mum came on via Gatwick to Pearson on Friday, with assistance booked by My Travel airlines. She was very pleased all round. My mum has arthritis with bad knees and is profoundly deafened. She said Gatwick was easier than Heathrow to book in etc. Less confusing, she travelled to Gatwick by herself and she coped just fine whereas at Heathrow she finds it too overwhelming and cant cope alone. After check in they looked after her better than they had at Heathrow, still lots of waiting around but at least they told her what was happening. I think the people at Heathrow took the view that as she is deafened there is no point in talking to her. Pearson were excellent again and this time they pushed her in the wheelchair as far as the carpark entrance.

So for mum its Gatwick to Pearson everytime

Thanks everyone for your help and advice on this.
Unfortunately my parents won't be able to come and visit after all as the consultant doesn't recommend that my dad should travel. His condition has worsened and he doesn't think he's up to the trip.

Hopefully the thread will help others looking at the same problem, and thanks again.

Oh hun

Am really sorry for you guys.

Gay
x

Aw, I've just read through this thread and am so disapointed to hear that your parent won't be able to visit you.

Sorry to hear this, you must be disappoint and concerned.
However this thread has been very helpful for me, mum and mum in law are both mid 70's and dont cope well alone. So are reassured.
Hope things look upi for you.

So sorry. What a disappointment for all concerned. Hope his health improves.

Yes, very disappointing, and worrying too. Always tough when you're thousands of miles away.
Thanks though for all the suggestions and good wishes.
Sharon

I meant to add, that while I was searching for info, I came across some useful info on the Alzheimer's Society website - worth looking at if you're ever in the same situation.