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A positive note on disability services at UK airports and the kindness of strangers

Emmalephant

Hi! 
I haven‘t been here for quite a long time since I‘ve had a lot going on and fluctuated pretty much between an arrogant "I can manage on my own“ and a burned out "I don‘t even have the energy to reach out". But something happened last week that made me feel hopeful and I‘d like to share it…

After completing the Skye Trail and exploring Glasgow with a friend, I had to get back by plane on my own (I live in Germany). That had me feeling nervous, but I didn‘t realise how close I was to melting down, before starting to hyperventilate and sob in the middle of the security queue (I stupidly did not request any assistance in advance nor did I at least get a sunflower lanyard since I was able to manage one flight alone before…). It was so embarrassing but in that very moment, I had no more f‘s to give. Everything after that is a little blurry, but a staff member reacted so well and led me out of the queue, handing me over to a security lady, who got me through in no time and sat me down (all without touching me) while handling my luggage (didn’t even got asked to take off my shoes even though I‘m usually always asked to do that with my hiking boots). Next thing, a stranger gives me her noise cancelling headphones (I only had my loops and AirPods because of the backpacking trip), figures out how to communicate with me (through writing after I calmed down a little bit) and then offers to stay with me and speak to the staff for me (turns out, she‘s a psychologist). While that happened, the security lady got someone from disability services who then spoke to the nice stranger (she wrote the information down for me and asked for consent whenever possible). They got me to a quiet room for me to regulate myself, figured out my flight, took me to the gate in time and made sure I got boarded first.

I feel guilty for taking up so many resources but also incredibly grateful for the people that made sure I was safe while having the most public meltdown I’ve ever had as an adult.

Thanks to every kind spirit out there who takes care of complete strangers just for the sake of keeping them safe for the moment!

Parents

  • Aside from the adversity of your meltdown, your account of the kindness of strangers is such an encouraging thing to hear.

    I had an incident going through airport security in London years ago. Staff questioned me, then without warning, I started hyperventilating and crying. I was taken through security and put into a seat in a quiet area while the staff member stayed with me. She then escorted me to the top of the plane steps, handed me over to a cabin crew member and told her to put me in business class. 

    The flight was memorable for another reason. There was only one other person in Business Class, the N. Ireland, Unionist Politician David Trimble, who had been First Minister. Along with John Hume, he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their part in bringing about peace.

    Emmalephant said:
    Thanks to every kind spirit out there who takes care of complete strangers just for the sake of keeping them safe for the moment!

    I second that. 

Reply

  • Aside from the adversity of your meltdown, your account of the kindness of strangers is such an encouraging thing to hear.

    I had an incident going through airport security in London years ago. Staff questioned me, then without warning, I started hyperventilating and crying. I was taken through security and put into a seat in a quiet area while the staff member stayed with me. She then escorted me to the top of the plane steps, handed me over to a cabin crew member and told her to put me in business class. 

    The flight was memorable for another reason. There was only one other person in Business Class, the N. Ireland, Unionist Politician David Trimble, who had been First Minister. Along with John Hume, he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their part in bringing about peace.

    Emmalephant said:
    Thanks to every kind spirit out there who takes care of complete strangers just for the sake of keeping them safe for the moment!

    I second that. 

Children