October 13-14, 2009

The adventure begins!

For those of you who have been the unwilling victims of domestic air travel, I want to assure you that courtesy, comfort and service are alive and well in the friendly skies over the Atlantic ocean, where British Airways is truly the queen’s airline.

I arrived at BWI chauffeured by Prince Moshe Shaul a.k.a. Michael Grossman in his faithful red chariot. My travel scooter got into the trunk easily. As I approached the check-in counter, a BA customer representative walked up to me and welcomed me. She had been waiting for Galahad the scooter and I, Gueniviere the fair maiden, to arrive. In that lovely British accent they are famous for she asked if I would mind checking Galahad in at the counter. She would provide a wheelchair for me to get to the plane.

This was my first test and I hadn’t even checked in yet! I remembered what Rick Steves’ co-author said, “Be assertive! The Accessibility for the Disabled Act is on your side. Demand that you be allowed to take your wheelchair or scooter directly to the door of the plane.” But didn’t they know how nicely Priscilla of BA was going to be? It would make things so much easier for everyone! How could I say no? I smiled my best smile - and caved. “Certainly, I don’t mind. Of course I won’t be able to get around while I wait to board. . . “

“Oh, ma’am, you’re being so kind, we’ll let you wait in the lounge.”

And that, folks is where heaven awaits. Luxurious seating. Attendants to bring you a coffee, soda or perhaps a glass of wine. Pastries, cheese and crackers, little peppeidge Farm packets of Milano cookies. And all, of course, on the house. Gratis. Free. And my own personal BA chauffeur comes to collect me in my wheelchair and escort me to the door of the plane. And the flight makes me want to come back next month. Wait - I’ll be coming back on British Airways! G-d save the Queen!!