Wheel chair Ron makes his debut.

[drron]

Tomorrow hopefully we are flying to Sydney to spend 6 nights at the IC Coogee. But things aren’t going quite to plan.
Flying VA in J. Our new rule is to always fly J domestically so not as far to walk for me.

First problem is that I submitted the form on the website and I presumed everything was OK as on my flight page a note popped up saying your request has been received. Last week Mrsdrron felt she needed the lift to the plane so I submitted a request for her. Last night she got a confirmation email.
This morning I realised that I didn’t receive such an email. So rang Customer Service to be told that there’s no request from you in the system She couldn’t get through to MCY to see if it could be confirmed. So now I have to be at checkin at least 90 minutes before. Initially couldn’t change our pick up time with the car service but fortunately 15 minutes later they confirmed an earlier pick up so we will be at MCY 2 hours before flight time.

This trip was to get some ideas about wheelchair travel. There are obviously a few.

Next the IC. I rang the front desk and said that although I am in a wheelchair I can walk some distance so I want an. ordinary room but would like a chair or a nonslip mat in the shower.
Yesterday the pre stay email arrived and I am in an accessible room with double beds and views of Coogee not the beach. Rang and they said sorry but we’re full on some nights next week so we can’t move you. Will want a talk to the GM. tomorrow if he’s available.
Hopefully some better news tomorrow.
2026 has been a bad year. I can’t wait for it to be over.

 

[Pushka]

Tomorrow hopefully we are flying to Sydney to spend 6 nights at the IC Coogee. But things aren’t going quite to plan.
Flying VA in J. Our new rule is to always fly J domestically so not as far to walk for me.

First problem is that I submitted the form on the website and I presumed everything was OK as on my flight page a note popped up saying your request has been received. Last week Mrsdrron felt she needed the lift to the plane so I submitted a request for her. Last night she got a confirmation email.
This morning I realised that I didn’t receive such an email. So rang Customer Service to be told that there’s no request from you in the system She couldn’t get through to MCY to see if it could be confirmed. So now I have to be at checkin at least 90 minutes before. Initially couldn’t change our pick up time with the car service but fortunately 15 minutes later they confirmed an earlier pick up so we will be at MCY 2 hours before flight time.

This trip was to get some ideas about wheelchair travel. There are obviously a few.

Next the IC. I rang the front desk and said that although I am in a wheelchair I can walk some distance so I want an. ordinary room but would like a chair or a nonslip mat in the shower.
Yesterday the pre stay email arrived and I am in an accessible room with double beds and views of Coogee not the beach. Rang and they said sorry but we’re full on some nights next week so we can’t move you. Will want a talk to the GM. tomorrow if he’s available.
Hopefully some better news tomorrow.
2026 has been a bad year. I can’t wait for it to be over.

I think that you will now sadly experience the issues that Shane Hyrohec experiences and many of which have been reposted here.

 

[markis10]

Oceania Ground Force do the ground handling at MCY for VA, lower expectations required. 2hrs at MCY, people get less for murder!

 

[drron]

I think that you will now sadly experience the issues that Shane Hyrohec experiences and many of which have been reposted here.

even walking around a shopping mall using my walker I feel I must be invisible as I get cut off frequently..
And don't start me on disability parking spots. 30-40% don't have stickers and those that do 40-50% don't meet the criteria. just being old does not entitle you to a parking permit. At Kawana I have seen a couple of times a young fellow pulling out a bollard and parking over the yellow line between disabled parks
But back to the subject yes it can go very wrong having a wheelchair and flying.
Makes it worse when you are no longer match fit.

 

[Flyfrequently]

My SIL (59) was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS 16 years ago and is quite incapacitated - I haven't seen her "walk" in 3 years (add in a slight fear of flying!)
With her very supportive husband, they have just managed MEL-LHR on UL in J without issues using her motorised scooter.

Have not heard how they fared in the past 48 hours with the recent UK ATC issues affecting their delayed/rescheduled Y flights to Milan.

But you have knowledge and experience on your side, hoping it all goes smoothly for you @drron @mrs.dr.ron

 

[Pushka]

even walking around a shopping mall using my walker I feel I must be invisible as I get cut off frequently..
And don't start me on disability parking spots. 30-40% don't have stickers and those that do 40-50% don't meet the criteria. just being old does not entitle you to a parking permit. At Kawana I have seen a couple of times a young fellow pulling out a bollard and parking over the yellow line between disabled parks
But back to the subject yes it can go very wrong having a wheelchair and flying.
Makes it worse when you are no longer match fit.

Nothing like you are experiencing but when I had PMR that hadn't yet been diagnosed, I had to use a shopping trolley to keep me moving in supermarkets. And it surely is a different world when doing this activity for genuine support and mobility versus just going shopping.

You both are pretty much legends for travel on this forum and am waiting for the day when you both are able to get back onboard your favourite ship and remember the joy of travel. It's been a tough tough couple of years for you both.

 

[Flyfrequently]

You both are pretty much legends for travel on this forum and am waiting for the day when you both are able to get back onboard your favourite ship and remember the joy of travel. It's been a tough tough couple of years for yous both

Agree, and beautifully expressed @Pushka