First Airplane Ride - by myself

• by NWGirl
• 2009-06-01 03:06:14
• General Posting
• 5700 views
• 1 comments

Hi all - I got my pacemaker put in 2 1/2 months ago, and just took my first airplane trip - solo. I am a 60 year old woman, and was apprehensive about going through security, and also lugging my suitcase around by myself. The trip actually went off without a hitch, and here’s what I did:

I parked my car at a lot with a bus transfer, and the driver took my bag out of the car and loaded it on and off the bus for me, and I tipped him. The bag was easy to roll to the ticket line. When I got to the counter, I told them I just had an operation (great line, it works) and couldn’t lift my bag up. No problem, I got help. When I had to retrieve my bag from the baggage claim carousel, I found a strong looking person each time, told them I just had an operation, and again asked for help, and they very kindly took the bag off for me. Maybe I could have grabbed it myself, but I’m being careful that I don’t strain my incision site.

As far as security, I had my identification card out and ready to show someone, but all I had to do was load my belongings in a tray as usual, and as I was ready to walk through the metal detectors, I instead stood by the gate to the right of it and told them I had a pacemaker. No problem. They get someone to give you a hand pat-down, and then you are on your way. It only takes an extra 5 minutes, maybe.

The plane ride itself was fine, and I was glad that I checked my luggage and didn’t have to wrestle it up in the overhead bin.

Everything went smoothly with a little planning ahead. I find I am not afraid to ask for help when I need it, and people are generally very nice. So if you are thinking about a trip, and your doctor says "okay", don’t be afraid to go :-)

Bon voyage.