Gatwick airport experience

I just thought I would relate here our experience in Gatwick airport. DH had severe mobility problems relating to a herniated disk. Walking, even with a cane was very difficult and painful. Upon arriving at the airport, we did not see any wheelchairs available, and I guess we were not aware that there is some assistance available.

We stayed right in the airport at Sofitel hotel in the north terminal. Just getting to the hotel was a chore using his cane and I did not think we would make it.

I asked for mobility assistance to the Delta Gate for the return flight home, and Sofitel assured me that they would call the airport and request assistance for us. (flight was an early one).

The next morning, an electric cart came and got us. This cart and driver were sent from heaven!

The driver took our tickets and passports, and our 1 piece of luggage to the check in counter, checked us in, got our boarding passes, took us to the Delta vip lounge (we were first class) where we waited for him to get us and take us to the gate. I think that even if we were not first class we still would have been taken to the lounge. The driver and the lounge administrator seemed to be friendly, in fact, the driver knew most of the airport employees well. We were taken to a special security check point used only for these carts. Then we were driven right to the tramway leading to the plane. We never stood in any line. All this is provided by Gatwick airport, and free of charge, but of course you do give the driver a handsome stipend.

This service is wonderful, so if you need this type of help arrange it with the airport assistance dept. They were a godsend for us.

Grace

My experiences at Gatwick was also very positive. When my flight arrived, we did not have a normal jetway to dieplane. While most of the passengers walked down the stairs, they brought in a lift and we deplaned on the oposite side of the aircraft. A cart was there that took me through customs and out to the curb where my ride was waiting. On my return I was met at the ticket counter and escorted all of the way on to the plane. I als had a very positive experiece at Heathrow where this very cheerful older gentleman met me at the airplane and took me all the way through customs and then wheeled me onto the Heathrow express. He must have called ahead because I was met on the other end by another assistant who took me to the taxi stand where I took a black cab to my final destination. needless to say I have become quite spoiled by the service in the UK. :)