possible. Packing only carry-on
luggage saves you time and trouble
by eliminating a visit to the baggage
claim terminal.
If you must check in baggage, there
are a couple of things you can do to
make the retrieval of your luggage a
simple process. First, you can now
purchase audible luggage locators
which can help you to quickly find
your bag as it travels around the
carousel. These allow you to press a
button, which will activate a beeping
locator in your bag (although I have
never used one and I’m not sure
about any security implications of a
beeping suitcase – I know I would
perhaps not feel too comfortable
using this one!). Also, consider
marking your bag with brightlycoloured tape, a luggage strap or
another distinctive element. Asking
someone to locate a black suitcase
will likely result in frustration!!!
Alternatively you could try using
bump-on’s, not only to help you
identify your luggage, but to identify
your hotel room or even your floor
on a lift panel; get some and give
it a try. It may be worth seeking
permission to do the latter from
your accommodation reception.
At a security search, always explain
your impairment and ask airport
security staff to repack bags in a
specific order for you, so that you
14
2014 · Issue 11
know where essential items are
located. If you have an E-Passport,
then going on my experience you
can ‘sail’ through security… having
faced the scanners and struggled
to stand in the correct position, I
have learnt to simply tell the security
officer of my sight impairment… they
then send you to the front of the
main queue or an empty desk where
they will check your passport!
When on the plane, the safety
demonstration given by the cabin
crew to all passengers at the
beginning of a flight should be
available in other formats. You
should request this in advance if
needed. The cabin crew should
also: tell you more general
information about the plane
including its services and facilities;
if necessary describe the layout
of your food tray to you; open any
packaging that is awkward; and
help you find your way to the toilet.
If you want to take your guide dog
on the plane with you, always tell
the airline about this in advance.
The airline can ask the owner to
produce proof that the dog has
been trained by a recognised
organisation and don’t forget their
ID and a safety harnes