Pre-boarding

How do you approach the gate when you need extra time to board? Occasionally I need extra time to board due to a chronic condition and always ask check-in staff if it's okay to board during pre-boarding. So I am always careful, I have a little script that I use when I hand over my passport. 'Hi there, I just need a little extra time to board, thank you'. However, the last two times with Aer Lingus flying from Chicago to Dublin, I was told that it wasn't my turn even when I've said that I had already spoken to an agent. Two different staff members (who check passports before sending me to staff who scan boarding cards) told me no, it's not your turn. I had to step away and regain my composure but eventually approached the gate again and was able to board. It was incredibly embarrassing and very distressing. I don't look like someone who is chronically ill. And it's not like I was trying to gain any advantage or being unreasonable as I always book an exit row seat.

Just book assistance. It’s free. They’ll bring you in a wheelchair to your seat.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118520470#Comment_118520470

Hi there, I thought of doing that, don't need a wheelchair. Sometimes I move a little slower. But I guess I'll have to put in special assistance in future.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118520495#Comment_118520495

You’ll never regret it! I travel a few times a year with a relative who would not be the most mobile. The first time we used assistance, she was not best pleased, worried that she might come across someone she knew and wouldn’t want them to see her in a wheelchair, but it makes life so much easier for us both. You can just get assistance to the steps if you don’t need it to your seat.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118520514#Comment_118520514

Cheers! I would be the same to be honest, not wanting to cause a fuss. The attitude of the staff is what bothered me the most.

MakersMark

I'm not being mean here, but you say that you book an emergency exit row seat.

If you have limited mobility should you be doing this?

Maybe I'm not reading what you wrote properly.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118520522#Comment_118520522

I found the assistance people very helpful.

Deagol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058229433/pre-boarding

If you have limited mobility you shouldn't be in an exit row seat. In fact, if you told the boarding gate agents you have limited mobility and they see you have an exit row seat they should move you to another seat. Something doesn't add up here.

endofrainbow

Incredibly embarrassing and distressing ? Really?

I sometimes need a little extra time specially if I've just come off a long flight and catching a connection. I always approach the gate agent and mention that I'm a bit slow and have never been made to feel in any way inadequate. I suggest you check in at a desk and mention your concerns there, they may arrange assistance or they will make a note on your bp that you need extra assistance.