I think the best tip I can give you, is to remember be assertive. Along with being assertive you should be persistent, patient, and calm. Sometimes during the process of planning and dealing with such things as airlines you will find yourself frustrated. In the beginning I had troubles with UOW getting back to be about questions I had. But I didn't give up, I was persistent, patient, and calm. For example, I would send emails with questions, and weeks would go by and I would hear nothing from them. So I would do follow up with another email, saying something like, " Just wanted to make sure you got my last email"or "It has been a few weeks since I have heard from you and I just wanted to check in to see if there is anything I needed to." I had to do this often not only with UOW but also with arranging my airline travel. Remember, arranging details and everything is up to you. I have found it helpful to keep an agenda and make lists so I make sure to stay on top of everything and get everything done.
I also say to be assertive because you will need assistance that people such as airlines may not be familiar with. If you don't stand up and be assertive about these needs you may be walked over.
This all may sound daunting to you. It did to me. However, just keep your mind focus on the end goals and the positive aspects that will come out of it in the end. Remember all things in life has challenges, but I like to think it is challenges that make us a stronger person.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Correction
Since Quantas is not an American airline they don't have to follow the Airlines Carriers Access Act. They use it as a guide. Which means they can charge for taking two wheelchairs. I am in the process of working that out though. But just keep that in mind if you take an airline that isn't American; look up their guidelines and find out what services they will provide for you. If possible, it might be best to take an American airline to your destination.
Another correction...I went to Bank of America to do some investigation to see if it would be worth transferring some funds into a Bank of America account...and actually it could cost more. Although Bank of America only charges 1% to converge money, there is also $3 for withdrawing from a non-Bank of America. However, they do have a partner bank there...Westpac and if you withdrawal from their ATMs you would not be charged for taking out money. Yet since they didn't know how prevalent Westpac was there I decided not to and went to Compass. Which I found a much better deal. They only charge 1% for converging money however, they also don't charge from taking out from any ATM including internationally and they also refund international charges. All you have to do is save your slips and send them to Compass and they will give you back those fees. But you do have to send back the slips within 90 days. I felt it would be more convenient to have the option of withdrawing from any ATM.
Tip of the Day: Double check things. Like above, one person told me that Quantas couldn't charged, however, since they are not an American airline they can. It is best to ask twice then later find out there was miscommunication.
Another correction...I went to Bank of America to do some investigation to see if it would be worth transferring some funds into a Bank of America account...and actually it could cost more. Although Bank of America only charges 1% to converge money, there is also $3 for withdrawing from a non-Bank of America. However, they do have a partner bank there...Westpac and if you withdrawal from their ATMs you would not be charged for taking out money. Yet since they didn't know how prevalent Westpac was there I decided not to and went to Compass. Which I found a much better deal. They only charge 1% for converging money however, they also don't charge from taking out from any ATM including internationally and they also refund international charges. All you have to do is save your slips and send them to Compass and they will give you back those fees. But you do have to send back the slips within 90 days. I felt it would be more convenient to have the option of withdrawing from any ATM.
Tip of the Day: Double check things. Like above, one person told me that Quantas couldn't charged, however, since they are not an American airline they can. It is best to ask twice then later find out there was miscommunication.
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Future Freaks Me Out
As January quickly passes by (at least it feels like it t0 me) I start become more anxious and nervous about this adventure that I am going on.
I spoke to soon when I said that there was nothing to do now but to leave. My airplane ticket situation is slowly falling into place. As of right now it looks like I am leaving February 6th at 5pm from Tucson going to LAX for a five hour lay over. I have told this to my friends and they say, "that sucks." I however, am excited about it. Funny I know but since this is my first time flying alone and only the second time actually going somewhere on a plane I am excited and ready for this adventure.
I have been assure by my sponsor for the airline ticket that United will assist me from that plane to Quantas terminal. However, I like to be precautions so I plan on calling them myself to double check.
Here are some important numbers that you might find useful. Unfortunately they are only for the airlines I plan on using. However, it is important if you are traveling with a disability to contact airlines and let them know that assistance you will need.
Quantas 800-233-4414
United 800-241-6522
Delta 800-221-1212
I also learned just how important having contacts is. I called Quantas to arrange the traveling of my chairs (they want all these measurements i.e. height of the chair, weight, width, ect.). I was told by them that taking two chairs cost extra, about $150. I didn't think that sounded right esp. since I really need both to get around. I explained that to them but they told me from their point of view I didn't need both (as if they know me?!?). However, I didn't think it worth arguing right then and there so I contacted Cyndi (please see past post for contact info) and asked her. She did some research for me and found that I shouldn't be charged. Only if you are taking a specialized chair for likes sports or mountain use can they charged. Under the Airlines Carriers Access Act airlines cannot charge. Cyndi also gave me a number to contact if I run into difficulties. Here it is: Disability Air Access: 800-778-4838. If you get problems with airlines because they are not provided the reasonable accommodations you need contact them.
Tip of the Day: Make sure to start making a list of important contact information. So far I have number for like the place I will be staying at, a repair shop for my chair, and Cyndi, ect.
I spoke to soon when I said that there was nothing to do now but to leave. My airplane ticket situation is slowly falling into place. As of right now it looks like I am leaving February 6th at 5pm from Tucson going to LAX for a five hour lay over. I have told this to my friends and they say, "that sucks." I however, am excited about it. Funny I know but since this is my first time flying alone and only the second time actually going somewhere on a plane I am excited and ready for this adventure.
I have been assure by my sponsor for the airline ticket that United will assist me from that plane to Quantas terminal. However, I like to be precautions so I plan on calling them myself to double check.
Here are some important numbers that you might find useful. Unfortunately they are only for the airlines I plan on using. However, it is important if you are traveling with a disability to contact airlines and let them know that assistance you will need.
Quantas 800-233-4414
United 800-241-6522
Delta 800-221-1212
I also learned just how important having contacts is. I called Quantas to arrange the traveling of my chairs (they want all these measurements i.e. height of the chair, weight, width, ect.). I was told by them that taking two chairs cost extra, about $150. I didn't think that sounded right esp. since I really need both to get around. I explained that to them but they told me from their point of view I didn't need both (as if they know me?!?). However, I didn't think it worth arguing right then and there so I contacted Cyndi (please see past post for contact info) and asked her. She did some research for me and found that I shouldn't be charged. Only if you are taking a specialized chair for likes sports or mountain use can they charged. Under the Airlines Carriers Access Act airlines cannot charge. Cyndi also gave me a number to contact if I run into difficulties. Here it is: Disability Air Access: 800-778-4838. If you get problems with airlines because they are not provided the reasonable accommodations you need contact them.
Tip of the Day: Make sure to start making a list of important contact information. So far I have number for like the place I will be staying at, a repair shop for my chair, and Cyndi, ect.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Yucky Shots
Hey I hope everyone's holidays was good. I haven't posted in awhile because there really isn't anything else to do right now except leave...
I went to the doctors the other day and I had to get three shots! I still need to get one more. You should check on that now too if you plan on traveling because for example the hepatitis A shot requires two shots but they need to be spaced by two months.
I'm still waiting on my plan tickets....I'm a little nervous. I had a nightmare about it a couple of weeks ago. I dreamed that it was time to go but I had no tickets.
I'm also trying to figure out how to get all the things I need in two suitcases and one carry on. Any advice?
Tip of the day: Start making copies of important papers ie birth certificate, passport. Also get a traveling pouch. In case you lose your passport at least you have a copy of it with you. Don't put the copy and the original passport together.
Do you have any questions?
I went to the doctors the other day and I had to get three shots! I still need to get one more. You should check on that now too if you plan on traveling because for example the hepatitis A shot requires two shots but they need to be spaced by two months.
I'm still waiting on my plan tickets....I'm a little nervous. I had a nightmare about it a couple of weeks ago. I dreamed that it was time to go but I had no tickets.
I'm also trying to figure out how to get all the things I need in two suitcases and one carry on. Any advice?
Tip of the day: Start making copies of important papers ie birth certificate, passport. Also get a traveling pouch. In case you lose your passport at least you have a copy of it with you. Don't put the copy and the original passport together.
Do you have any questions?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
