Through Our Eyes: Planes, Canes, and Automobiles

It was early morning in the Seattle airport as I sat at my gate, cane in hand, waiting to board a connecting flight to Anchorage, Alaska. An older woman sat down next to me, and we began what to me felt like idle conversation.

Soon it was clear that is was something more than that.

Noticing my cane and sunglasses, which is the universal symbol of someone with low vision or blindness, she began to ask me all the usual questions about how I traveled alone, and what services I utilized and found the most helpful.

After a few minutes our flight began to board. As we prepared to leave, I stood and shook her hand. That’s when she said: “My doctor tells me I am losing my sight, and in a few years I will be completely blind. Traveling has always been my greatest passion, and I thought I would have to give it up, but you have showed me that that is not true.”

“No,” I responded. “You can travel with vision loss. You can do anything you want with vision loss; you just have to find a different way to do it.”

 Taking Flight

Not only do I not have any trouble traveling on my own, but I also quite enjoy selecting an audio book for the journey, tossing my bag over my shoulder, and setting off on an adventure. I have traveled by myself to New York, LA, and Palmer, Alaska, to visit my family. I recorded an audio journal of my travels, with tips and tricks, which you can find exclusively on the Alphapointe app …  but here it is in written form as well.

For me, the first and possibly most important step when I travel alone is to inform the airline that I am completely blind and will require assistance. Personally, I always request a sighted guide, but there is wheelchair service available as well.

An airline official will meet you as you check in for your flight, assist you through security, walk you to your gate, and ensure that the gate officials know you are there and will require assistance. If you have a connecting flight, an official from that same airline will be waiting the moment you step foot off the plane to assist you to your next flight or help you to baggage claim if you have reached your destination.

Managing Security

Getting through airport security is not nearly as daunting as it is often made out to be. The same airline official who has been helping you will be at hand to assist in whatever way they can. The TSA, too, can also be helpful.

On my last journey, I did utilize a service called “TSA cares,” which you must call ahead and schedule in advance. Honestly, I did not notice a difference between using “TSA cares” and my usual experience. Those traveling with vision loss should be aware that you be asked to give up your cane to walk through the metal detector. A TSA agent will be glad to help you through the process and, when you get through, your cane will be returned.

Use Technology

There are a couple of different apps that are very useful for those traveling alone. Be My Eyes, of course, is a go to for many visually impaired or blind travelers. This will give you easy and quick access to a volunteer who will serve as your eyes. Another option is a paid app known as Aira. Aira operates very similarly to Be My Eyes, but the volunteers are professionals who are specially trained in how to give instruction to someone with vision loss. Also, while you do typically have to pay for Aira’s services, it is actually free in certain areas like airports, train stations, and bus stations. Both apps work in conjunction with Meta Glasses, utilizing the cameras on the glasses instead of on someone’s phone so you get a hands-free experience.

Tips and Tricks:

• Asking for Help

When traveling independently, the greatest tool you have at your disposal is your ability to advocate for yourself. Don’t ever be afraid, ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help, and let it be known what you need or what you want. If you don’t speak up and ask for help, there is a good chance you won’t receive it.

• Talk to Gate Officials

Once your airline official leaves you at your gate, make sure a gate official knows that you will need assistance onto the plane. Do not assume that the airline official has done so, but rather make sure of it yourself.

• Checking a Cary-On

On flights you are allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag. But if given the option at your gate to check your roller bag free of charge, that makes one less piece of luggage you have to keep track of for the duration of your trip.

• Storing Your Cane

It is unlikely you will need your cane while in the air. If it is a collapsible cane, then fold it up and put it under the seat or in the seat back in front of you. Another option is that, as you board the plane, ask a flight attendant to store it in the small closet at the front of the aircraft and then reclaim it as you leave.

• Use the Restrooms

This might sound silly but take advantage of any opportunity you get to use a restroom. When walking with an airline official, they will often ask if you need to use the restroom, and I always say yes regardless of if I do or not. This will cut down on having to ask for assistance or find restrooms on your own later.

• When Technology Isn’t the Answer

While Aira and BE My Eyes are terrific apps that optimize independent travel, there will be situations where you simply don’t have time to make use of those apps. Again, self-advocacy is important. Ask the airline official who is helping you for what you need. They’ll gladly provide it.

• Find a Restaurant

If you have a long layover, ask for assistance in locating a restaurant you can stay in for a while, which gives you a comfortable place to sit where you’ll have easy access to food, restrooms, and an easily accessible location for airport staff to find you.

Safe Travels

Believe me … even if you are living with vision loss, there is no reason you can’t travel. It just takes a few skills, some technology, self-advocacy, assistance, and a little bravery. With those in your pocket, you’re ready to get out and explore the world.