He hates airports
@sallypup (57836)
Centralia, Washington
July 16, 2016 12:24am CST
My hubby has a ton of anger and angst when it comes to airports and the way the personnel treat him.
It feels to him like a giant bully session. He can't see. That does NOT mean he needs a wheelchair and he does not intend to go onto the plane first. He would like to have his cane when he goes through security- just like I want my eyeglasses. They do not allow that to happen so that is not easy for him, either.
I don't know what to do. I hope our next airport experience is not as bad as the last one. He ended up having one lady worker talked to by her supervisor because of the way she talked to him and treated him. We'll see if the airport folks have had lessons on treating people like people next Spring.
7 people like this
9 responses
@shivamani10 (11038)
• Hyderabad, India
16 Jul 16
Nowadays they are not doing proper service. People are fed up with their treatment.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
16 Jul 16
They might just be being kind by offering him a wheelchair?
My husband has to relinquish his cane at the airport too, but it's just the rule that it has to go through the scanner. It's better that should happen than some terrorist conceals something inside it.
I hope your next experience is a better one than previously.
2 people like this
@sallypup (57836)
• Centralia, Washington
17 Jul 16
@jaboUK Just imagine how it would feel if folks around you didn't think you could open and deal with a door yourself. When you are home you are making donkey sheds and putting up fences. You get to work and folks think you might kill yourself by walking over a curb.
1 person likes this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
16 Jul 16
I'm sorry you two had trouble, but at the same time I'm glad you've gotten off this easily so far. With the news reports of terrorized elders and handicapped people, the burst colostomy bags, the beatings, and the general terror - I worry every time you travel.
2 people like this
@sallypup (57836)
• Centralia, Washington
16 Jul 16
@Rohvannyn You've painted a grim picture. One guy even looked into my little scope!
2 people like this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
16 Jul 16
@sallypup Yes, I have, but unfortunately it's a true one. Sure, not every traveler has that happen to them, but have you ever heard of the term "gate rape?" That's where the TSA reaches into your clothes to search for things when you don't want to go through the body scan system. I don't know if NPR talks about it but it happens every day. I would like to keep my original point in the forefront. though. This is why I'm glad you both are okay when you fly, and I can understand why he hates airports. Unfortunately, I don't like them either anymore for the same reason.
2 people like this
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
16 Jul 16
Not only airports, but all places should like people.sorry about your experiences.
2 people like this
@sallypup (57836)
• Centralia, Washington
16 Jul 16
@responslveme Good to hear from you and thanks.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
17 Jul 16
I wonder if you could call ahead to the airport and ask some good questions, like would coming early help? could they scan his cane and then let him use it to walk through? etc
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325653)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Jul 16
That must be very difficult for your husband. They sometimes seem to think that a physical disability means a mental one as well.
