Upgrades??

[TikkiRo]

Okay - know this is a bad topic and it's been covered numerous times before but humour me. I'm disabled and am booked on a BHX-JHB flight at the end of next month. I have a chronic pain syndrome that causes a lot of problems particularly since part of it is related to nerve hypersensitivity meaning that sitting on normal seats is very painful for me. I'm obviously not in any position to pay out for anything more than an economy ticket and in fact, have had that heavily subsidised for me, so am trying to ascertain now what the likely situation will be if I hint at a seat with more legroom at check-in e.g. an upgrade?? Is it a total no-no to request an upgrade no matter what or are there situations where somebody might look on the situation more leniently? Also, I presume that if I prebook a seat elsewhere in economy that it might go against me for looking for anything better?

Forgive my expectancy at this - more desperation in all honesty, because otherwise I'm likely to arrive in S. Africa in a bad way and can't afford to.

Anyone interested in taking pity on me?? Anyone involved in check-in at BHX (Air France) who I could talk it over with in advance perhaps?? Grovel, grovel

Thanks - TR

[smile]

TikkoRo,

I don't work for an airline so this is not an educated comment, and I don't know the extent of your disability, but can I suggest that you perhaps mention at check in that a seat with a little more leg room will help with your comfort. YOu obviously cannot be put in an exit asle so they may put you down for any available upgrades.

Other than that perhaps you should contact the airline before the date on which you fly and explain to them your problem as they may already have a procedure for cases such as yours.

Either way you are not doing an harm!

Good luck and enjoy our flight!

love
SMILE

[Shadowpurser]

A tough one!!

Hmmm a tough situation.

Well as has already been said - you can't ask for an exit row because of safety - so my idea would be to ask for a bulkhead seat that might have more leg room (depends where this is depending on what A/C your travelling on) calling the airline and explaining your situation before hand is a very good idea though, it worked for my mum who is also disabled.

Is it just the legroom that bothers you? A lot of passengers bring on special cushions etc that help their journey to be more comfortable.

As for the upgrade....well....my advice is if you haven't been given an upgrade at check in (no harm asking there - maybe keep an eye out for a floor supervisor before you even get to the desk) then take your allocated seat and try to catch the attention of a kind looking crew member and ask if there is an available seat that would be more comfortable (but don't ask for an upgrade), expalin your situation to him or her and see what they come up with. Hopefully they will take pity on you and upgrade you to a more comfy seat.

What I would say is not a good idea is asking as you come on board. This is a busy time for your in-charge crew member and they could dismiss your request along with all the others they get for an upgrade every day.

I'm not saying that your crew are not sypathetic to your situation then or at any other point if you don't get an upgrade. However problems arise when one of your fellow passengers who is a Gold card holder (or whatever frequent flyer scheme your airline has) spies your movement up the classes; they will also expect the same treatment - and if they don't recieve it will want to know why when they are spending so much money on their ticket (which are normally full fare flexible etc etc etc).

Good luck anyway and I hope this helps.

[TikkiRo]

Thanks everyone - just as well I went and checked my ticket last night too - discovered I'm actually heading out of LHR not BHX - still via Paris, but that's besides the point. I know about the seat problems with exit rows etc but appreciate the specific info on when not to ask as much as when might be appropriate and will keep that in mind.

I actually do have a cushion I use all the time at home, but it's electrical (flotation) and therefore unusable on the plane as I can't get a DC adaptor for it. It's also probably too wide for an economy seat anyhow. So, it means I can only use a static air cushion which really isn't enough for me, but nothing anyone can do to alleviate that aspect. Leg room enables me to shift myself about a bit more and therefore not get extra pain from being stuck in the one position for too long. I also have had a threatened DVT in the past so again, would prefer to be easily able to shift without annoying people too much.

But I'll see how it goes. Thanks for the input - truly appreciated.

TR

[PAXboy]

Can you get a Doctor's letter in advance? Is there any medication that you can ostentatiously take? (I'm serious!)

Take a walking stick, one that is well used, perhaps borrow from a friend? Or take some form of walking aid to which you are entitled (or might be!). In other words, make your internal problem - externally visible!

For DVT, consult your doctor but an Aspirin 12 hours before travel and again at departure is recommended by many.

With AF, their web site shows Airbus 321 to CDG for the change onto a 747-400 to JNB. On the short sector, don't waste time trying to get moved. It is a short sector and no chance to build up understanding with crew.

I hope you enjoy South Africa, I grew up there.

[TikkiRo]

Thanks Paxboy - nature of my secondary condition means I not only have to use 2 crutches for extended walking, but also have no option but to use a w/c at airports as I can't cope with queues at all - ask me to stand for 5 mins and I'm on the floor with weakness (no jokes please!). At any rate, it's usually pretty obvious I'm having difficulties as my pain levels alone will wipe me out before I even get as far as check-in. It IS really only the longhaul flight I'm looking for some help with as it will be the killer.

Now for the laugh - I've held off saying about this as I know what the response is going to most likely be - BUT I'm heading out to SA to finish off my PPL - did 2/3 of it there last year (courtesy of the RIAT scholarship) and want to get my licence this time round if possible. My pain problem is the primary reason for not wanting to be pushed into a flare-up - I'm already having to cope with once again coming off decent pain relief for the duration of the summer, but have got other modalities in place to assist in keeping it relatively under control. Long flights in restricted seats don't help. I'm more than aware of what I face in every respect, but am determined to get my PPL so will endure whatever it takes - once I get there I'll be fine as the heat will make a huge difference as will the rest outside of the training.

So thank you for your thoughts on this - every bit helps give me a better idea of what to expect or try - can only hope I get somebody nice at check-in on the night!

Thanks again
TR

PS - LIKE S. Africa?? - flip, I've fallen for the country so badly I'm putting myself in tons of debt to go out there again (not just for the flying either!). Seriously - found the people wonderful and the land interesting. The high Rand to Pound exchange rate is doubly attractive just now. The Air School (43rd) is exceptional in my view and training is excellent, another good reason for me to kill myself to get back out there again.