Airport assistance.

Mazgg...I know you've said you don't want a wheelchair,but I don't think you get a choice if you walk slowly. As my friend found out, although able to walk, she is slow. And despite saying to the assistant I'd like to walk. He said I'm afraid I have others to escort too, and we have a limited time to get to departure. So she had to sit and be pushed. The others in the group were able to keep u. I think some had hidden disabilities. So not sure you'll be given a choice.

Here you go:

This 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

This time, DD2 went ‘full Charlie’ for our New York trip - so much better, although she doesn’t like being strapped into an aisle chair to be taken to her seat. She can’t believe she’s struggled and almost crawled to her seat from her wheelchair for years! We’ve also found that with the quick turnaround for planes, it’s getting rarer for assistance to be boarded first, which has created problems in the past. There’s a time and a place for independence.

Full Charlie - is what the airlines call total assistance.

Mazgg I recently posted the info below on another thread - I've discovered that by law anyone over 60 can request assistance when flying, you do not need a medical reason or GP letter etc. You must register for it when you make your booking.

I'll find the other thread and post it.

JamesandJon33

My sister booked assistance at Cardiff airport . Press a button in the car park and a man with a wheel chair was there in seconds. Marvellous service .

Gosh that is a good do 😀👍🏻

My sister booked assistance at Cardiff airport . Press a button in the car park and a man with a wheel chair was there in seconds. Marvellous service .

When you book assistance tell them you can manage the stairs slowly & want to use your stick.
Airport staff will probably take you up on the portable lift to your seat 👍🏻

Book through you tour operator I meant to add.

Mazgg

I'm hoping to visit my daughter in Spain, a trip I have made many times alone. The difference is that I'm walking more slowly now and struggle with stairs. I can climb stairs, albeit slowly but can't cope with the crowd rushing past. I don't want to be put in a wheelchair, that time may come. My local airport hasn't got airbridg facility and there are a lot of stairs down to the tarmac. I can't use the down escalator. Anyone have any advice?

Yes book assistance. They will take you up & down in those lifts in a wheelchair, plus sort your luggage.
Just have to manage to get to your seat & push your case to the assisted area.
If you can just take a handbag on the plane if you are able.
There will be some kind gentleman to help with a case on the plane.
Hope your journey goes smoothly.