(Blogger note: Y'all, I just typed this whole thing in "Heading 2" font - that's 28-point font - before I realized it wasn't my magnifier making everything so large! Ha! SMH)
Do you know that saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”? No can do, buckaroo. It doesn’t compute for me. Oh, I understand what they mean; I just can’t relate it to my reality. Why? Because for a low-vision person, the small stuff can become Big Stuff in the blink of an...well, you get the idea.
“The devil is in the details.” Ahh, now, that is more like it! That little devil will rain chaos upon my head in the form of self-doubt, self-consciousness, and toe-curling anxiety. Why? Because my lack of vision makes me feel unsure in any strange situation, and I don't love that feeling.
How It Starts
Some people are devil-may-care travelers. They brush away that devil on the shoulder and go with the flow. They get a boarding pass, stick it in a pocket, and don’t think of it until time to use it. I cannot fathom how they navigate a travel day without a major catastrophe befalling that boarding pass.
Then, we have Traveler Me, with that devil firmly strapped in on my shoulder. I get the boarding pass and slip it into a secure pocket, alongside my passport wallet. Five minutes later, I’m thinking, “What was my boarding time again? What’s my flight number?" Best to re-check the departures board, too. I took a photo of it, so I can zoom in on it, but what if my gate changed? I need another photo.
So, you see the face-melting anxiety, right? It's a good thing I checked in three hours early, so I can spend that time like this. Side note: In all seriousness, for low-vision folks, checking in early is a very good idea because you will probably need a little more time getting around.
Right. This is my brain battling that little devil to get me to the gate. The solution for me is to kick that devil out of the details with research and information. Granted, not every low-vision traveler is compelled to strategize like I do. For those who find comfort in structure, I hope this is helpful. In my case, I try to anticipate anything I will have difficulty seeing in a new place. What works for me is being armed with information, so I hope some of those will help you, too.
Strategizing the Details
I begin with the travel center itself (meaning an airport, train depot, etc.). Is it unfamiliar to me? Do they have a web site? Or even a mobile app? I spend some good face-time with their online presence. Why do I stick to web or app-based info? Because it will ravel with me, on my smartphone with magnifiers. Hopefully, they've invested in accessibility for cyber-visitors like me or this could be a quick, frustrating venture. I'll do a separate blog on travel apps I've used.
In any case, using apps or Google, I look for maps of the ticketing hall and locate the nearest entrance to the checkin counter I need to use. I see if the airline has a special queue for my class of ticket. Do they use automated kiosks? That tells me that I'll need to get the attention of an airline agent to assist with the screen. (The full image to the right can be found at the Heathrow Airport Guide site for Terminal 5.)
When I book the ticket, I search the airline's (or train's) page to see what assistance they offer for visually-impaired travelers. Often, they can assign someone to either walk with you or provide a wheelchair or cart, if mobility is an issue. Be sure you register an account on their site so that your needs and preferences selections are saved.
I also take a screen shot of my confirmation and itinerary. Not only does it make it easy to find if a problem happens, but I also have it available offline, in case of connectivity problems. I do the same with virtual boarding passes.
Some carriers really sep up and make me feel heard, as well. When I have booked on American Airlines or British Airways, a friendly someone calls me and asks for details on the assistance I will need. Even so, bring your assistance needs to the attention of the checkin agent, just in case. If you use Amtrak, some routes offer ticket discounts for passengers who are registered with a (legit) disability.
Details on the Fly
At the gate, new details come into play. I need a bit more time to board (jetways can be a minefield of tripping hazards) and to find my seat (I usually cannot read the seat numbers). So, what's the process here? Where do the pre- boarders wait? What time do we need to be ready to board? Your nearest ally is the gate agent.
This can be a rough spot, but it will tell you if you need to be hyper-diligent at this stage. We will talk more later about the pitfalls of an invisible disability, but for now, remember that you need to be up-front about your challenges. When you approach the gate counter, keep in mind that the gate agent is usually very busy and under pressure. Even if you're not feeling it, treat the gate agent with a kind and considerate tone. You might even acknowledge that they are busy or having a trying time.
"Hi there - I'm sorry that guy was so rude to you!" or "Wow, you're busy today!" Then, something like, "I promise I won't be so difficult...." Then briefly (remember, busy person has only moments with you) explain your challenge and your question.
"I'm partly-blind and need more time getting to my seat. Where do you need me to be to pre-board?" Most of the time, an agent appreciates that you're asking what they need, to make boarding easier.
Then, find a seat in that location and stay there. You don't want to miss them waving for the pre-boards (which is usually before the general announcement is made). Be watchful in case an agent seats pre-boarders elsewhere, as well. Identify your fellow pre-boarders and stick close.
Finally, you're making it down that jetway! Watch your step! On large, international flights, several entrances. If you have difficulty with the directional signs, be sure to ask a nearby airline agent or even a fellow passenger. The other passengers are coming on your heels, so don't waste time getting where you need to go.
A word about boarding Amtrak trains: we'll discuss the pitfalls of low-vision train travel in another post, but suffice it to say that the Amtrak assistance options are bare-bones at best. You are on your own between the person you check in with (if needed) and the conductor at the steps into the train car. They don't pre-board. I was very fortunate to have the world's best son-in-law to see me to my seat. If you are traveling alone, you might consider the Quiet Car, which is usually near the end of the train and is much less chaotic than the more family-oriented cars.
Details on the Wing
Once I've made it down the jetway, you are entering that big friendly doorway with the smiling flight attendant. I have depth perception issues, so it's obvious that I'm very cautious when stepping into the plane. Still, I'll smile back at the first smiling face and say, "Hi! I'm partly blind. Can someone please help me find my seat number?" Have your boarding pass at the ready, for them to see your seat number.
Only once have had a flight attendant act annoyed about helping me (looking at you, Delta). Everyone else has been super happy to help. Some will lead you to the seat and read out the number for you. Some will chat the whole way. And the glorious few who are destined to be your BFF for the journey will shower you with all the assistance you might need.
One such magnificent young man took my bag, placed my hand on his shoulder, and counted the rows to my seat as we walked, just in case I had trouble finding it later, when the lights were out. Plus, he gave me a tour of all the hoots, bells, and whistles of my seat. He also introduced me to the flight attendants for my section and explained my needs to them. They took up the baton and watched out for me the rest of our time together.
If it's a flight with a meal, a flight attendant will usually offer to read the menu for you, but you can also ask. I'm usually able to use the magnifier on. my phone, but it's good to know they are ready to help.
Now, if you're like me in sweating the details, you mad note of the plane type when booking, you've gone to a site like SeatGuru.com, and looked up the seating chart and reviews for each seat. Yeah, you can do that! However, even if you think you know where to find your seat, still ask for the assistance. About half the time, I find I'm on a different configuration than the map I used, usually due to a plane change. The seat maps help me know basically what to expect, but can't be my seating bible.
On arrival, the airline should have an assistance specialist waiting when you disembark. You might need to ask the flight attendant where to find them, then ask the waiting assistance folks which one is there for you. Don't skip this step - this person will make the process of Border Control, Customs, and baggage claim much easier! Have some cash ready because they work hard for you and deserve a tip when they've seen you safely to your ground transportation.
Details at Your Destination
Now, you're on the ground and ready to explore! That is, after you get to the hotel and feel human again. What details can you anticipate once you've landed on terra firma?
A quick word about my hotel choices: In my case, tripping is always a realistic hazard, especially at night. I look to reduce steps by staying very near to the transportation I'll need. This might mean paying a little more, but you have to weigh your options. For example, during my April 2023 stay in London, I wanted to visit several places around the area. After searching reviews and a friendly chat with the front desk, I decided to stay at the hotel at Paddington Station because it gave quick access to the Tube, trains, busses, and taxis. From Heathrow, I snagged the Heathrow Express directly to Paddington Station, which also offers its own shopping and food options - not to mention one adorable bear statue.
Here's where my magnificent brand of anxiety kicks in. From the moment I knew I'd be in London, I obsessed over one thing: How do I top up my OysterCard (public transportation card) without making a right fool of myself and pissing off the Londoners? I know you use automated kiosks to add funds to your card, but my vision makes me slow at these kinds of screens. Once loaded, you just tap it for journeys on the Tube, busses, boats, trams, and more, and it deducts your fare. The tap points are large, yellow badges, which makes them easy for us low-visioners to spot.
Nowadays, you can use your Smartphone to scan for fares to deduct from your own payment source. However, if you aren't from the UK, your bank likely charges a fee per foreign transaction, so loading the card once and being done with it is the better option.
But I digress - the topic is vision-related anxiety. The last time I was in London was about a month before my eyes turned traitor on me. Now, I needed to feel I could approach any OysterCard kiosk and look like I belonged there - instead of causing an embarrassing spectacle of mayhem for the people there who are concerned with more than how to get to Leicester Square to see where Batman is.
How to find someone to show me the buttons to press, from the comfort and safety of my laptop screen? For this YouTube is your buddy. And I speak to that buddy (and our mutual friend, Google) like I'm talking to the oracle that they are: "How do I use an OysterCard machine?"
Voila! My knight in shining armor...err, armour...is Joolz of Joolz Guides. The subtitle on the channel is "London History Walks," which does not do justice to the brilliance of his channel. Your guide is Joolz, aka Julian McDonnell, who not only leads you on tours of the quirky and magnificent history of London, but he also shows you how to navigate the city without inciting an angry mob. Or making them roll their eyes and murmur, "Tourist."
How did I decide on Joolz? This title: "How to Travel Around London and Buy an OysterCard." The heavens opened and the angels sang. Precisely the wisdom I was seeking. I must have magnified and watched the footage of the OysterCard machine a dozen times, plus a few more right before catching the lift to the Underground. I walked up to that kiosk and made it my...friend. Yeah, that's the word I was going to use.
A side note here about Joolz Guides. He now has a lovely book of Rather Splendid London Walks (link to US Amazon) shelves. It thankfully comes in an ebook version, for those of us who need the screen magnification to catch all the history and photos.
If you're planning to take the Tube to get around London, do a bit of research ahead of time on the routes you're likely to take. I made a huge mistake in 2019 and landed me at a station, at the foot of a stairway that might as well have been Everest for my inability to scale it, as my lack of depth perception would certain cause my demise. Did I mention the large, heavy suitcase with me? No lift in sight. I'd just arrived and was on my way to catch a train from Kings Cross. Looking at those stairs about reduced me to tears.
A lovely, young angel in a business suit saved me. And I learned my lesson: research accessibility at stations I might use. That said, route closures are common, so the route you learn might not be available when you get there. Many good apps are available to help plan routes in several cities. Explore a few to see what works best for your location, vision, and device.
For London, my personal preference is an app called London Transport: Tube & Bus (in the App Store). It's also linked with other "Sites and Apps that Saved Me," on my How I Got There page.
I'll end this super long post now. I didn't realize I had so much to say on the topic of handling anxiety over the small stuff! If you have some tips and tricks, feel free to share in the comments! I'd be happy to hear new ideas.
Stay safe, fellow travelers! And mind the gap!
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