We have just returned from a couple of days away in Queenstown, New Zealand. I thought I would share some of the things that we found useful.
Firstly, we had originally planned to go on this trip in October 2024, but postponed it till now because of my pain and mobility issues stemming from my back injury. This was pre-operatively, so I would not have been able to get on and off a plane, let alone do anything much while we were away. So, it was a good idea to defer till now and even then, there were things that we were able to do to make travelling easier for us both.
Originally, we had booked and asked for wheelchair assistance to board and disembark from the plane. However, since I have had the operation this was not needed as such. There was still a flag against my name, so we were called to the desk at the gate for boarding. We advised that we no longer needed the wheelchair. However, because my mobility at present is compromised – I can get there, but slowly – we asked if it would be possible for us to have ‘priority boarding’. This simply put, meant that we were able to board the plane first before any other passengers, apart from maybe one or two others in similar circumstances. I know from previous experiences, if you are slow to move down the aisle of the plane that some passengers get very annoyed if you take a while to lift your carry-on bags up into the overhead lockers. This for me, usually makes me a bit anxious as we try to hurry so as not to inconvenience others. Priority boarding meant we had none of that and could put our bags in the locker without the stress. Also, sometimes when boarding the plane and trying to get down a narrow walkway with people either side, I worry I am going to whack someone round the head with my handbag or something! None of those worries today!
So, if like me you find boarding the plane itself stressful, the airline staff were wonderful and made it so much easier and less stressful. Having a walking stick with me, to assist in showing I was a person to be considered as needing assistance was useful too. So, don’t be shy or think you are putting anyone out. It works out well for the airline staff, other passengers and certainly for those of us – and our companions – so if you need it ask for it and things will be so much easier.
In addition to the plane, we went on the Earnslaw a lovely steamboat that offers trips on Lake Wakatipu. The trip we went on was for a cruise across to Walter Peak Station and barbecue lunch. When we went in to confirm our booking we asked for ‘priority boarding’ from them also. I have always found that when boarding such a vessel via a ramp that more able-bodied passengers can jostle and push ahead. There are a limited amount of seats with tables and not being able to stand safely and for too long while my back is mending having priority was so helpful. It meant that we had safe seating for both the outward journey and the return. This can be really helpful if you are still mobilising, but not necessarily completely steady on your feet. If hurried along in a crowd, there is going to be more opportunity for a fall due to rushing. We all want to avoid that don’t we!
Another hint, if anyone is thinking of going to Walter Peak Station for the barbecue lunch. Although there may appear to be accessibiity to this station online, if you are in a wheelchair, this would be impossible. There is a gravel path leading to the restaurant and it is very uneven and on a slope towards the lake, so not somewhere you could go if needing wheelchair assistance. A walker would be extremely marginal too, unless you had a four-wheel drive one? I just had a walking stick and my husband’s arm, so manageable for us.
Don’t be shy, ‘priority boarding’ can make all the difference to your comfort when accessing plane travel. You don’t want to start off your journey feeling jostled and hurried to the point where it causes anxiety.
Hope this helps you when traveling.
My journey with Parkinsons 
👏👏👏
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