Flying

I dont have experience but if I were you I wouldn't hesitate to book assisted boarding. They will meet you and get you and your luggage through the terminal to the correct place for your onward flight.
Ive used Heathrow many times and i know how confusing it can be. Dont hesitate just book it

I ve not done it but I would book assistance my friend always does and she’s a bit younger than me
Heathrow is big and I don’t think I d want to navigate it

Heathrow is big but has 5 terminals. My son goes to the US quite frequently and I think Terminal 5 is the one he seems to leave from and fly into. If you know the terminal your flight is leaving from, then perhaps it won't seem so daunting as imagining you are having to navigate the entire airport. I'm sure there will be help on hand available.

Wishing you good luck.

My friend's daughter under 50 but with physical health problems books assistance which she says is very helpful.

Find out your terminal/s

Terminal 5 is BA, if you are nervous I would book assistance.

I hope you enjoy your travels

My 84 year old friend flies several times a year, not long haul, but she always books assistance and is very happy with the service provided.
Please book it and then forget until you fly.

Once you know your terminal at Heathrow you’ll be able to make plans. I’d definitely book assistance - you can also get a sunflower lanyard so people know you need extra time and help.

I would also look carefully at what assistance is on offer at Chicago. I am assuming you’ll be landing at O’Hare. I’ve been there a number of times and I’m sorry to say, it’s not an easy place to negotiate. It’s noisy and chaotic compared to UK airports and their main method of communication is to shout and if you don’t understand, to shout LOUDER.

Very best of luck on your journey.

Parky
I know it’s easy to say, but, it will all be fine 🥰 That’s what the assistants are there for, to help you and others in the same position.
All you have to do is make sure that all necessary paperwork is easy to retrieve. No scrambling around in the bottom of your carry on bag 😂
You will sit in your seat and think, why was I getting in a tizzy.

You could check your case all the way through so you don't have to lug it?

Ask for assisted boarding.
" Special Assistance: Special assistance is not just for wheelchair users. It covers physical disabilities, sensory impairments, intellectual disabilities, age-related frailty, and even mental health issues. Remember, special assistance is a legal right, and you are entitled to it at no extra charge. "

Sensory impairment includes deafness; we discovered this too late at the airport. DH is deaf.

We'll certainly claim Assist next time ; takes you straight through queues.

Hi Parky I came across this video by chance, it explains that anyone over the age of 60 can request special assistance at all UK airports, and how to apply for it:

share.google/R4GCza3fa3SIRYum8

I find airports overwhelming when travelling alone (I'm 78) so would definitely use this next time.

Book assistance. Airports like Heathrow require passengers to walk for miles at a brisk pace to reach their plane. We nearly missed one plane because DH cannot walk fast because of his heart condition and we arrived at our plane sometime after the rest of the passengers.

Yes do book assistance.

I wish I had when changing planes at Doha en route to NZ. By myself and waiting for my new hip, I couldn't walk fast.

I still had miles to walk, was sleep deprived and had just realised I'd left my phone on the first flight when my flight was called and I was getting agitated.
Luckily I was spotted by a driver of a buggy who told me to climb on and he got me to my gate just in time but I would never want to repeat that stress.

Good luck to you!

Definitely book assistance. You will normally board first but the downside is you might be the last to get off the plane. I haven’t done it but many friends have and they say it is worthwhile.

I'm going through Heathrow today. Am dreading it. It seems quite a short time between flights. Just have to hope for the best. Didn't book assistance as didn't feel I qualified for it. Am wide awake very early and flooded with adrenaline!

Aveline for next time (if it applies to you), the video I posted above says anyone over 60 qualifies for assistance if they feel they need it. Good luck today!

Gramaratto last time I flew to NZ I was in my 70 s and found it all way too much, especially when the gates were changed twice with little time between changes at Tokyo. My son knows I won’t go again and he ll have to come and see me if he wants in the future
I flew last year to Europe to see my youngest and that was a total nightmare I wrote about it on GN so won’t go into it again
but even Stansted that I know well, is bigger and busier and scary to me now. I have had some difficult experiences flying in the past it rarely seems to go to plan with delays etc I know the time has come I need to stay at home I know some 90 year olds fly across the world but I m not one of them

I love flying and people-watching at airports. But if you're not used to it, definitely ask for assistance.

Keep your luggage to a minimum. You're not leaving the planet!!*. If you're going to stay with friends or family you will be able to wash clothes. Also, most American hotels have washing machines and dryers, so just take enough for 5-6 days.

You don't need a whole suitcase full of stuff on the flight, but do pop a spare pair of pants, socks, and your toothbrush, face cream and all medications in your handbag. Soap, shampoo and towels will be provided wherever you are staying.

Make sure you have good advice regarding how to pack liquids, rechargeables, etc., and how to fill in the ESTA application. Possibly from the travel agent or from frequent flyer friends, neighbours or relatives. (Apologies if you've already done all this.

If your luggage doesn't arrive with you, make sure you report it immediately and get a reference number to quote for further enquiries.

Don't let the immigration staff in Chicago intimidate you. I have never had this problem but I have heard some of them can be draconian . Getting through immigration can take anything from 10 minutes to 3 hours. So go to the loo as soon as you land!

And don't be scared to ask people to help.you around Heathrow before you are picked up. That would daunt even me. (Where possible, I avoid the big airports). O'Hare is probably huge as well, but getting out is usually easier as there is only one way to go.

Have a safe journey!

*having said that, if you were leaving the planet, I have heard that the personal luggage limit is 180 grammes!!

Thank you all so much for your advice very much appreciated.

Yes I'm going to ask for assistance it will put my mind at rest. The thought of travelling alone is bad enough without worrying about finding check in gate etc

It's hard on a long haul to avoid a big airport.
I flew Qatar Airlines because they fly out of Edinburgh so I could get there easily and a friend picked me up on the way back.

It was the lack of sleep i couldn't sleep on that first flight combined with the strangeness of travelling alone apart from sitting beside a Glasgow taxi driver who was travelling home to Pakistan and drinking his way to oblivion.
If I go again and I would like to, I would be better prepared and maybe break the journey. 😁

You and I could go together BlueBelle ? 😉

Yes absolutely 💯 The airport staff will look after you.

Don't even think twice. Book assistance.

I don’t walk that well, I am slow and use a stick so I do book assistance at airports because Very often there is A LOT of walking. Even without changing flights.
It is very easy, efficient, free and an absolute godsend. In fact I’d probably be happy to pay a small charge. DH, a very brisk walker, supports me completely in this. (well, I no longer hold him up!)

Gosh this is worth knowing. Because my walking is very laboured these days I’ve been scared of the thought of travelling anywhere. What about flying back from your destination though; can you get assistance for that too?