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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310184
12/11/2023 09:16 AM
12/11/2023 09:16 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 816 Kannapolis, NC
ndfaninnc
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 816
Kannapolis, NC
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If flying via American Airlines you can reserve one through their app.
Go Irish!!
Bill
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310185
12/11/2023 10:05 AM
12/11/2023 10:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,365 Cincinnati area
Cincinnati_Kid
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,365
Cincinnati area
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I was able to reserve a wheelchair when checking in my suitcase. You can also do it at the gate with the gate attendant. Usually no problem, but this time in Charlotte it was a no show....It was a struggle for me, but I made it !
Paradise is an island in the Caribbean!
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310186
12/11/2023 10:11 AM
12/11/2023 10:11 AM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 59 Bucks County, PA
Marie
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 59
Bucks County, PA
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I've read several entries about reserving wheel chairs. How is this done? If you get it before boarding for SXM does it carry through at SXM or what's the procedure? Hubby is having difficulty now. I've read several entries about reserving wheel chairs. How is this done? If you get it before boarding for SXM does it carry through at SXM or what's the procedure? Hubby is having difficulty now. I fly American Airlines and make our reservations on their website. At the same time I make the reservation for the wheelchair. it works both ways flying out of PHL and there is a wheelchair waiting for me at SXM.
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#310192
12/11/2023 01:44 PM
12/11/2023 01:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671
Brookfield, CT.
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FYI - to be perfectly honest, I absolutely hate needing wc service but due to recent surgeries and/or illnesses, it’s become mandatory if we choose to travel.
But what I hate even more is watching people who DON’T need the service but take advantage of it to get through the lines faster and easier. I’ve heard people in the airport laughing over how they use this not because they need it but because it’s more advantageous to get themselves through the lines faster. 😟😟
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310193
12/11/2023 01:54 PM
12/11/2023 01:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671
Brookfield, CT.
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And on another note regarding wheelchairs and the need for them, I am so very impressed with the kindness of so many on SXM who will go out of their way to hold a door or offer an arm to one who might benefit from this. I’ve seen it all over so I don’t want anyone to think I’m being critical of other locations and peoples but I was so amazed at the kindness of so many St. Martiners who were willing to offer a hand and show patience to those who are a little slower or holding up a line.👍👍
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310196
12/11/2023 02:21 PM
12/11/2023 02:21 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671
Brookfield, CT.
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That’s understandable and right there with you. Clearly you need the service. We’ve seen this and heard people laughing over their cleverness. So sad…….and while we couldn’t tell, I do hope they at least tipped their porter.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310209
12/11/2023 04:34 PM
12/11/2023 04:34 PM
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,441
Kennys
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Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,441
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: The_Lurker]
#310213
12/11/2023 05:20 PM
12/11/2023 05:20 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,180 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,180
Auburn, WA
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"It's along the lines of putting your seat back on the plane....." Yep. I'm one of those people. If my seat reclines I recline it to my comfort level. That is why they have reclining seats. "Maybe we should have a Senior line." From the sounds and appearance of it that would be most of the people on this board and other Facebook sites. ![laugh laugh](/images/graemlins/default/laugh.gif)
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#310223
12/12/2023 07:16 AM
12/12/2023 07:16 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,488 Rhode Island
RonDon
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,488
Rhode Island
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"It's along the lines of putting your seat back on the plane....." Yep. I'm one of those people. If my seat reclines I recline it to my comfort level. That is why they have reclining seats. "Maybe we should have a Senior line." From the sounds and appearance of it that would be most of the people on this board and other Facebook sites. ![laugh laugh](/images/graemlins/default/laugh.gif) Reclining doesn't bother me unless the person doing it then leans forward in conversation the entire trip. Why recline then.
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: pat]
#310226
12/12/2023 07:26 AM
12/12/2023 07:26 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,750 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,750
Ohio
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FYI - to be perfectly honest, I absolutely hate needing wc service but due to recent surgeries and/or illnesses, it’s become mandatory if we choose to travel.
But what I hate even more is watching people who DON’T need the service but take advantage of it to get through the lines faster and easier. I’ve heard people in the airport laughing over how they use this not because they need it but because it’s more advantageous to get themselves through the lines faster. 😟😟 And this is exactly what I witnessed a prominent SXM business owner do a few year ago. Right to the front of the line at the airport, then to his first class seat and the same in ATL to get through C & I faster,
J.D.
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310229
12/12/2023 09:54 AM
12/12/2023 09:54 AM
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Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 66 South Carolina
Alltech63
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 66
South Carolina
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Interesting topic. As someone who travels for work averaging about 100 flights a year (counting connections) between Asia, Europe and the US. Since the restart of traveling again since the lockdowns I have noticed a definite uptick in WC use and abuse. Just by looking at a person you really cant tell if they need a WC or not all of the time (most truly do require one). Some of the give a way's for me is when they board the plane and have a group of people go with them all carrying a ton of items to make sure they can put all of them in overhead bins I understand needing at least 1 person to help but when you have 4 or more you are abusing the system. The next thing I have noticed is having 10 WC for pre boarding and only 2 WC needed once the plane lands. Because of my airline status I always board in group 1 and 90% of the time in business class but I still put my back pack under the seat and try to use proper airline etiquette which is if I am in the main cabin I always like an aisle seat I let the person in the middle use the arm rest if the flight is less than 3 hrs. I do not put the seat back even if I'm in business class and always put the seat forward when meals are served. This unfortunately in todays world of travel this is an exception and not a rule people still crowd the gate even though they are group 7 gone are the days of polite and courteous travelers for the most part of course they are always some and it is a pleasure when I come across them . What I find interesting is that more people are rude when traveling for vacations one would think they would be more relaxed but most times they are not. I will be in SXM in 7days and I will the guy in line smiling with an occasional head shake but since we are flying business I will also have few bourbons in me ![smile smile](/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif) . I have not always been a patient person but experience and a great life have helped me to balance the scales.
Last edited by Alltech63; 12/12/2023 10:00 AM.
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: Alltech63]
#310231
12/12/2023 10:20 AM
12/12/2023 10:20 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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As far as walking on the plane and walking off the plane, that is a whole different situation than waiting in a half hour immigration or security line. On the AA website, you have the option to pick "i can walk short distances" or " I need wheelchair assistance onto the plane", something to that effect. I always get a wheelchair when I have to deal with immigration, but I don't need it to get on and off a plane. I can walk short distances, but if I have to walk more than that, it is extremely difficult for me, and I cannot stand for long periods of time. Even when walking, I need extra time to get onboard, so it is very helpful to me to board early, to be able to do that, without people jostling me. But I don't need a wheelchair for that.
Carol Hill
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: Kennys]
#310239
12/12/2023 11:17 AM
12/12/2023 11:17 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 251 Toronto, Ontario
Kevin_B
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 251
Toronto, Ontario
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On the topic of wheelchairs (and people’s kindness), after 25 trips to SXM, we finally succumbed and ordered wheelchair service both at YYZ and SXM due to my wife’s mobility issues. The wheelchair service was excellent, as others have mentioned. It is the kindness of people that almost brought me to tears. When we returned our rental car (Kenny’s), we found Lesley. He ran over to the car, opened the door, and asked “Which airline”? We said “Westjet”. He said “Don’t move. I’ll be back”. He ran off into the terminal, and came back a few minutes later with a wheelchair agent. Service from car door to airplane door. Wheelchair service was good, but Lesley’s help was the icing on the cake. He gave us both a hug as we left. Thanks, Lesley and Shirley.
Kevin
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310248
12/12/2023 12:52 PM
12/12/2023 12:52 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671
Brookfield, CT.
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There are airport personnel at all airports we’ve travelled who are employed by a company for just this service. In SXM I think the company may be Signature but I could also be wrong. Regardless, each time we’ve used them they have been great. And I truly wish they could teach the transporters in MIA and JFK how to perform this service with a bit more civility.🙂🙂
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: Alltech63]
#310256
12/12/2023 05:11 PM
12/12/2023 05:11 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 539 Sugar Land, Tx
IslandBoi
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 539
Sugar Land, Tx
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…I have noticed is having 10 WC for pre boarding and only 2 WC needed once the plane lands… those are known as “miracle flights”
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: Kevin_B]
#310258
12/12/2023 05:53 PM
12/12/2023 05:53 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671
Brookfield, CT.
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That’s but one of so many reasons we love Lesley and Shirley Bruce of Kenny’s Car Rentals. 👏👏
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Wheelchair
[Re: RonDon]
#310291
12/13/2023 09:33 PM
12/13/2023 09:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,328 RI
jomarc
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,328
RI
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In November, 2022, we were in St. Maarten. Marc was experiencing extreme back pain for most of the year. He could barely walk, and in hindsight, we probably should have stayed home.
When we departed SXM, sitting at the boarding gate, Marc had a question for the gate agent. He stood up, in obvious distress. The American Airlines agent called out to him to stop and she actually left the gate desk to talk to him in his seat. She answered his question and told him that while she couldn't get him a wheelchair at that point, she wanted us to board with the people using wheelchairs. She also insisted and arranged for a wheelchair in Miami. What an act of kindness that was! We were grateful for her kindness and compassion!
In February 2023, Marc had spinal fusion surgery (L2-L5). His surgeon said that his back was completely collapsed in that area. I'm happy to report that he is now walking 2-3 miles a day without stopping! We were in SXM in September 2023, and he had no problems walking. And we just were in Rome, where we walked 9 to 10 miles a day. We are blessed!
We will always remember the kindness of that SXM gate agent!
Last edited by jomarc; 12/13/2023 09:34 PM.
Jo-
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
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