Flying

I've been flying on my own for 4 years since DH died. Don't worry you'll be fine. Plenty signs at airports to help navigate. Used assistance for DH and I found the service pretty mixed. Usually have to find the flipping assistance station which can be at the entrance or within airport. Check location with airline when you book. Found BA the best but was 5 years ago.

Please request assistance from your departure airport, your transit airport and your arrival airport. It will help to make your journey easier.

I'd never flown on my own but a few years ago while living in beautiful New Zealand I flew from Palmeston North to Aukland, Aukland to Hong Kong, from there to Heathrow, then by car to Oxford, spent afternoon with family in Reading, then train to Cardiff, then on to West Wales by car. The thought of doing the whole return journey filled me with dread but it all went fine. Don't think I would even contemplate it now!! My claim to fame was that a nervous stomach meant I had to use the toilet in 3 different countries in one day!

Yes I would book assistance. 💐

Definitely request assistance! On arrival getting on and off planes, collecting luggage, transfers. Nothing is too much trouble for them, and makes travelling so much more comfortable

Parky.

You need to book assistance when you book your flight .

Parky I have a son in the USA and have flown from Heathrow many times. Definitely check in your luggage as sometimes the distance to the departure terminal is a long way to walk. I think the departure terminal depends upon the airline that you are flying with. I fly with American Airlines as I land in North Carolina.
I have seen people being escorted from the departure lounge to the aircraft, usually in wheelchairs. They seem to be very well looked after. If you need help do book it as soon as possible and certainly before you travel. I am 79 and am able to walk to the plane, but it can seem a long way to passport and baggage check upon return after a night flight.

Yes I would book assistance. You will only be carrying hand luggage after check- in but some of the gates are a 10-15 minute walk from the terminal so unless you are up for that, assisted boarding makes sense.

Definitely book assisted travel. It is free and works wonderfully, I could not manage any other way. I go to Australia from Heathrow every year and even with assistance, at 85 I now find it a very stressful experience but with wheelchair assistance and someone to handle my luggage , jump the queues and cut the waiting times the whole experience is made so much easier. Have a pleasant trip

Definitely book assistance through your airline as soon as you have booked your flight. I started using assistance in February 2026. Both in the UK and abroad. It makes a big difference to the airport experience and in general the assistance staff are very helpful. You font have to be over 60 to use this service and remember some disabilities are not obvious.

I have now arranged assistance for outward and return. It has taken some of the worry out of the trip.

This getting old is a tough journey. Have travelled on my own without a second thought. But was younger and legs didn't ache

Good news, @Parky. Hope you have an easy flight and a stress free trip.
Fyi I think you only need to book the special assistance 24 hours before
your departure but it’s probably best not to leave it too late!

Definitely book assisted, Heathrow can be a nightmare
And make sure you get and do the leg exercises for such long flights.

Just returned from Heathrow. I must say it was easy to find my way through but also the place seemed full of nice people in purple tops just to help people. All staff were unfailingly kind and helpful to a highly stressed traveller after BA cancelled my long haul flight at last minute late at night.
Summary: Heathrow not as bad a feared. BA: 😡😡😡