Here’s a great story from the Guardian about how being deaf can help when traveling especially to other countries.
When I flew alone on Southwest Airlines, I went to the check in desk and let the staff know that I was deaf and would need notification when to board. Without a beat, she said I should board first and would let me know.
Nice getting a seat up front so I could exit the plane faster.
I haven’t had the pleasure of traveling to other countries besides Mexico and the Caribbean. The thought makes me a little nervous as English in foreign accents doesn’t come easy for me as a lipreader. Maybe it’ll go better like the article says.
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I have found travel accommodations to be hit and miss when flying. Some airlines are great, others hardly acknowledge you. It seems to be inconsistent. But when you get those accommodations, it’s nice and it never hurts to ask! 🙂
That makes me so much better! I’m going to attempt to fly in June and I’m wondering just how am I suppose to know when to board. Thank you so much!
wooo!! ill try that 🙂 🙂 🙂
When it comes to my Deafness, I just omit that fact at check-in desk– I skip the whole hassle and only let the flight attendants know that I am deaf. After all, they are the only people that have to deal with me in case of emergencies or any announcements made in the airplane.
The lady or gentleman at the check-in desk will only fuss and go through great pains to make me fill out forms to state my deafness and instructions for me regards to my luggage and emergencies. … Why bother? Those damn forms won’t help me when the airplane is going through a thundercloud or when the airplane made a detour to another airport at last minute…
Why bother? Let the people in direct contact with you know that you are Deaf and you get through the trip hassle-free.
Interesting, Gnarlydorkette. I’ve never run into that. They just say they’ll let me know or to check back with them in X minutes.
Interesting. I usually inform them at the kiosk by the gate that I’m deaf and to inform me of any updates and that usually leads to being preboarded. ^_^ Although I do remember San Diego at the airport, not sure which airline but they were asking me all these questions…I just assumed it was because I was underage at the time. Who knows? It varies from airport to airport as well as airlines to airlines.