Six family members are flying to Ireland in 10 days (6.5 hour direct flight). My son broke his foot 3+ weeks ago and is in a boot and on crutches (which he has not been using enough :(). At a follow-up orthopedist appointment this morning, the doctor said he has to stay off the foot as much as possible until we leave, and he will then likely be OK to use just the boot and not crutches when in Ireland. However, he should bring the crutches with him in case they’re needed and to back up the “limited mobility” note that the doctor provided.
Per the doctor’s advice, I am planning to call the Special Assistance number for the airline (it’s Finnair but operated by American) in advance to arrange for a golf cart to get him through security, to the gate, etc. So far, I can’t select seats because it’s an economy ticket on a code share flight, so we select 24 hours before departure; but I was hoping for an aisle seat on the right side of the plane so that there’s a bit more room for the giant boot on his left foot/leg. The FinnAir website says that for safety reasons, persons with limited mobility must be seated by a window. American’s site doesn’t seem to have that same rule. S is 6’2" and I can’t imagine cramming him, with a knee-high boot, into that seat.
Any ideas for how to proceed? Should I start with FinnAir or with American? If the window seat rule is non-negotiable, then he’ll just have to tolerate it – but is it forbidden for him to switch seats with one of us? I have questions about where the crutches will be stored, when he boards, does that affect when the rest of our group boards, etc., that the airline can answer, but I hoped if anyone had a similar experience, they might have some tips.
Contact FinnAir to get the six character booking reference for American (a code share flight will have two booking references, one for the selling airline (FinnAir) that you see on your ticket receipt and one for the operating airline (American)).
You may have better luck getting things correct (and preassigning seats if allowed and web check in before leaving for the airport) going directly to the operating airline with the booking reference for the operating airline.
I’d check into the cost of upgrading your son to business class if possible and at least somewhat affordable or at least Premium Coach if they have it.
When I requested wheelchair assistance on two recent trips (I have tendinitis and was wearing a boot), they automatically upgraded me to seats with more legroom.
Your son would not be able to leave his foot in the aisle. The flight attendants go back and forth frequently, as do other passengers going to the lavatory. I would also talk to the airline about upgrading your son to the bulk head row or paying for business class.
There is typically a coat closet in the first class/business class cabins where they’ll store the crutches.
They should let at least one family member board with him but probably not an entire party of 6 unless there are young children.
He won’t want to stick his foot into the aisle, as it will be bumped accidentally (and sometimes on purpose) by other passengers and airline staff pushing carts. Source: flying with rotator cuff injury in cast that stuck into aisle.
If they will put him in an exit row, there will be more leg room but there are age and ability requirements.
Absolutely contact American and since you booked through them, see if they can help you get a bulkhead seat on both flights. When I broke my ankle last year (the week before my granddaughter was born) the airline assigned me to the bulkhead seats (often several seats are held back/under their control for things such as this). We took two or 3 cross country trips while I was in the boot and they accommodated me every time. Now I wasn’t dealing with a codeshare carrier, but if you explain the situation. you should get accommodated. Also, I strongly recommend one of those knee scooter things. Lose the crutches. The knee scooter was a blessing!
Yes, if it is his left foot, he needs to sit on the left side of the plane to keep his leg OUT of the aisle. The family member sitting to his left may not like that big old cast taking up the limited leg room but hey, it’s family right?
It is very easy to get wheel chair assistance through the airport. There are often chairs available right at the drop off, but we’ve been able to get them for my parents at the check in desk. They go through a different security line and will ‘wand’ him and his possessions, including his crutches.
I’ve never flown with that issue, however I’ve had to get wheel chair assistance at airports before. Once because I sprained my ankle while traveling and was traveling home on it (no crutches, through 3 airports. Ouch.), and another time when I was traveling after injuring my neck and as a result was unable to carry my carry on bag. I would have been fine with walking and someone carrying my stuff for me, but they insisted I sit and be pushed about. Both trips were domestic and the airlines were great to work with. Good luck.
A few times I have traveled with my very elderly mom on basic economy tickets. Calling airlines, American included, they have put me in closer to the front seats, and on United last weekend, Economy Plus. Wheelchair transit through TSA check was easy as the transporters were experienced with the process. Have a stack of $5 bills in your pocket for tips.
How are you managing the rest of the trip if just the flight is a problem? Is it a sedate trip? No walking, no little cars to use, no public transport?
I agree that you should try chatting with American and see if they can help. Perhaps a supervisor can override the 24 hour rule for seat selection. There is a good chance that at least one of you six will get an aisle seat and can switch with your son.
Please tell your son that a lot of healing can occur in 10 days time so listen to the doc and to use the annoying crutches until travel day. Ireland is such a beautiful country, buy you will find many uneven walking surfaces so a healthier leg will make his experience more enjoyable.
Thanks to all who offered such helpful suggestions. I was working on this while we were OOS at D’s graduation, and I wanted to update now that we’re all set.
Called Finn Air first to get the appropriate record number for American. Called Special Assistance at American, which ordered wheelchairs for my S and for my dad, who uses a cane. American kindly assigned seats for those two plus my H (so he can help them board, stow their bags, etc.) in one row near the front of the plane (it’s called something like Main Cabin instead of Economy and has an extra 5” of pitch). They have three seats in the front row of Economy on the way back (I think that’s what bulkhead means from checking Seat Guru). No problem for S to have crutches on the plane. The other three of us have to wait until 24 hours out to get seats, but that’s what we expected and is just fine.
We have a driver and 8-person van for the days in Killarney and the owner is aware of the mobility issues. Later we’ll take a train to Dublin where S and my dad can rely on taxis and hang out in pubs when they’re tired.
S had one of those scooter things for the last few weeks at school, but it was a loaner and returned before he came home for the summer. It’s great on flat surfaces, but would be unwieldy getting it into and out of a car, and it’s no help with steps. The hope is that the crutches will only get minimal use, but will be available if needed.
It’s a little ironic that we convinced my parents to go (they have always wanted to visit Ireland but just never got there) by assuring them that they’d have plenty of help from the four of us — and now the brawny one will need help, too. Still, we are very lucky to have the opportunity, and I appreciate the advice and good wishes.
Both trips were domestic and the airlines were great to work with. Good luck.