Hubby's gout came back a few days ago and with less than 15 hrs before we leave home he can barely walk. He is taking prescription drugs (2 different ones) but I think we are going to need a wheelchair at the airports. If it doesn't get any better I guess we won't be straying very far from the hotel. Hopefully the meds will kick in soon. I wanted him to stay home from work today to keep his feet up but of course he said he couldn't stay home the day before vacation.
Oh no!!!!!!
I will be thinking positive thoughts and sending them your way....hoping for a REALLY SPEEDY recovery so you both can get to Negril soon and relax and recover!
As some of you may know, I was in a wheelchair up until June of last year and after I was (haltingly) able to walk, I immediately booked a 70 vacation to Jamaica from Nov. to Jan. of this year.
I always arrange for a wheelchair to fly on both ends for a couple of reasons. The first is that you don't have to stand in any lines (on either side) and you get faster processing through Immigration and Customs on both sides too.
I normally tip the person who takes me from the plane to the outside of the airport $20 US and that seems to be a reasonable price to them as well. Because I am unable to carry my luggage, I have to get a porter to take the bags over to where my driver picks me up and I give $5 - $10 US for that short carry.
As I have friends to pick me up and I live in the mountains, I can't speak to the using a wheelchair at your hotel or in Negril area but "everything is possible" in Jamaica!
You might see if someone could "loan" you a chair to take with you just in case. I have two spares in a storage space so I would figure others would have one or two as well.
Try not to let this spoil your vacation and just work around it. Remember, Jamaica is "no problem" so keep that in mind.
Peace and Guidance
Free Opinions Offered. No tipping required. Hours: Open when I feel like it.
Hope things are really coming togeather ..we too did the last minute wheel chair thing thru airports 3 years ago..then went to crutches..people seem to help all over , and that was a great feeling
Thanks so much. He is still hoping he won't need it and will be better. So we shouldn't have a problem getting a wheelchair once we are at the airport. Is that correct? I don't think we will need crutches. He can hobble to his beach chair and hopefully hobble to the water too. We will definitely need help with the luggage (3 cases) if he can't walk and will tip appropriately. The last outbreak only took 2 days to totally recover so I'm hoping it won't last much longer.
Accompong's advice is great, take advantage of all the wheelchairs you can at the airports, the porters at drop off should be able to hook you up. Keep the feet up as much as you can on the travel day and use every assistance available. Don't stress the body any more than necessary, once on the beach feet up is a natural position!!
What's so funny 'bout Peace, Love and Understanding?
Where you fly out of in the US it should be no problem to get a wheelchair to take you to the plane boarding area. Jamaica can be a little more difficult as the wheelchairs are not usually at the gate. You may have to wait until someone is summoned to bring you one or.... tell the Ticket Agent where you check in that you will require a wheelchair on your arrival in Jamaica. That way, a chair will be waiting just outside the door of the plane.Originally Posted by MoFromMonroe
One other thing. You probably will have to have the wheelchair helper take you up or down a floor or (possibly) both ways from the gate to Immigration/Customs. If you do, that is when you should slip him/her the $20 tip and thank them for all your help. They don't want to be seen accepting a tip so keeping it on the QT is best.
Peace and Guidance
Free Opinions Offered. No tipping required. Hours: Open when I feel like it.
Yes....you can get a wheelchair at the airport no problem. Just tell them you need one at the checkin counter when you arrive, they will call someone and then you will pretty much be escorted through to the gate.
Update your flight itinerary to request it before you leave, that way no asking and waiting at the airport (hopefully!!)
Thanks again. I actually called the airline (Caribbean Air) and they put it in the computer so there will be a chair waiting at JFK. We always drive ourselves to the airport but this time we got a car service. So glad we did. It will make it a little easier pulling right up instead of getting on and off shuttle buses.
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