Each time I travel, things get a little easier, but there is always something new to learn. This time, I traveled to Washington DC for a work meeting.
The way out to DC was smooth sailing. During the travel, things were going too smoothly and I was a little worried. But, it turned out alright. Security got me through quickly and for once I didn’t have to wait a long time for a female officer to do my pat down.
If you haven’t ever traveled before, let me explain this process. So after getting my boarding pass checked by the first officer, and putting all my things on the x-ray belt, I have to wait for a female officer to come get me to do a pat down. I don’t fit through the metal detector/x-ray machine, and even if I did, my wheelchair and hardware would set off the alarm.
So, a female officer (male if you are a male) will give me a quick pat down and test her hands for different substances. Then, she comes back with a wand and runs it over parts of my chair and then tests that for the substances. They offer a private screening room if you are uncomfortable with all of that being done in front of others, but since I have no shame, I don’t care where it happens. They do not get that personal with me, so I don’t mind other people watching. Usually, I find that others going through security are caught up in their own process, so no one really watches me.
Off to the gate I went
And there I waited, for awhile. You see, I was really early for my boarding. But, that’s the way I like it. There was no issue with obtaining an aisle chair, and the employees allowed me to do what I do best: transfer myself. Usually someone wants to grab my arms to help and in reality, it doesn’t help at all. The flight went great and after two lost Lyft drivers, I made it to my hotel where the meeting was held and everything was great. I love trips like this.
Let’s think about this for a minute before I go any further with the story. I am a wheelchair user. My hands push my wheels through all types of surfaces, and through whatever is on any of those surfaces. And, let’s get real for a minute, I don’t wash, wipe, or sanitize my hands after every push. That would just be insane. And, don’t make me start on how our bodies (our gut) need some bacteria to build up the good stuff and be healthy. Sanitizing every 2.5 seconds would actually be worse for my health.
The way home
My Lyft driver to the airport was great. He helped take my bag to the check-in point and asked if I needed additional help before leaving. Then, for the second time in a row, something set off the alarms going through security. I overheard the officers talking that the paper that wiped my hands set it off.
Back to the story.
So, my hands set off some alarm, so I had to go through the pat down again. But, this time, they didn’t wipe down my hands. WHAAAA?! My chair and my clothing did not set off any alarms, yet that’s what had to be wiped down again. What sense does that make??
So, after being violated for the second time today, I headed to my gate to wait for three hours. Yes, I said three hours. I asked the hotel to have a late check out, but the latest they could grant me was 1pm. And, I was not about to go anywhere with my big suitcase, so off to the airport I went, about 4 hours early for my flight. But hey, I’m using the time to write this, so time well used.
I got some food, a couple of drinks, and just waited patiently for my flight. And, I actually used that time productively to write most of this blog post, and get some reading done. But, let’s be honest, I also played some games. Besides, it can’t be all work and no play on travel day!
The rest of my travel went smoothly. There were no events to report, and that’s just the way I like it! I want to thank United Airlines on making my travel experience (both directions) very nice and smooth!
What to keep in mind when traveling
I had to learn to speak up with my needs. This took awhile to get the language down, but I am now very confident in traveling by myself. Knowing what to say so people know exactly what you need will take time, but I am here to offer any help in your learning process.
I also learned to check my bag instead of carrying on. It is just so much easier to check the bag instead of carting one around the airport by myself. A few things though. Never, ever pack medications or medical supplies in a checked bag. You don’t know if it will get lost or how they handle the bags, so always keep those things on your person at all times. Remember, if it is medical, we are allowed an extra carry on bag. Medical items cannot be refused.
And, lastly, when in doubt, just ask! There is never a silly question except for one not asked. Chances are, if you have a question, someone has already asked it. Airport staff should be prepared and trained to help you with all of your needs.
As always, leave me some feedback either here – below this post, e-mail me (megs@thewheellifeblog.com), or on any of my social media platforms! (FB/IG/TW @wheellifeblog and Snapchat @megsh8). I would love to hear from you and what I can do to help. If there is ANYTHING that you want to hear about – please let me know! I can’t do any of this without YOU, so I would love to connect with you!
Let’s keep those happy thoughts, productivity and self-care going! Live honestly, passionately, and with kindness!
Megs