Welcome to the November issue of the Metropolitan Airport News. By this time, you’re all bustling with work and getting ready for the upcoming holiday season that starts in a few weeks with increased activity at the airports.
The traveling public will be taking those long awaiting trips to be with the family that may have been put off for a while now, and the cargo sector is ready to move goods worldwide.
All the while, our airports are alive with movements; construction is here and will be for the foreseeable future. It’s stressful, so be sure to plan your activities with plenty of extra time to get where you need to be.
This month’s issue brings forward all that is done to create a positive experience at the airports for people with disabilities. Planning and preparing are the best ways to ensure a problematic scenario has a great outcome. I’ve seen guide dogs receive training in the air terminals and on aircraft, so they are prepared to guide their person successfully. I’ve also seen sessions where people with disabilities had mock runs through the process of navigating all the sights, sounds, and expectations that they would encounter on a real trip, from checking in, TSA, lines, and boarding an aircraft. These types of drills, of course, include the staff at the terminal and the airlines so that everyone feels informed and understands how they can be of assistance. I’ve always said that air travel can be very stressful, especially when something goes wrong, and that’s coming from someone who knows what to expect. I have personally been a travel companion with a person in a wheelchair at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and I can tell you that when help arrives, it is an incredible relief. Keep up the good work, everyone; you’re making a difference to people who appreciate it.
As we move into the holiday travel season, the social side of the airport is also getting ready to party. Check out our calendar of events to see what’s going on.
I hope you enjoy the issue, and I’ll see you around the airports!
