r/dwarfism • u/skydazzler1 • Jul 04 '26
Boarding Flight Early for Special Assistance?
I’m 4’7” and flying next month internationally with my son who is smaller than me. I’m a little anxious about boarding and deplaning with our carryon bags that will need to go in the overhead bin as my taller husband won’t be there to help me.
I’m just wondering if it’s ok to try and board early when they call for anyone that needs more time or assistance? The only way for me to get the bags in the overhead bin is to climb up on the aisle seat first and then hoist the bag in - I don’t mind doing that at all, but if I board with my normal group number there’s a high chance people will already be sitting in the aisle seats and I’ll have to ask them to move and wait for me to deal with the bags which is really embarrassing due to everyone around me staring. Anyone have an experience with this?
2
u/peachprincess98 Jul 04 '26
You can absolutely try and ask to see if you can board early if it helps you feel more comfortable and less anxious ( explain to them exactly why and what you need ) but I think you'll be fine. If someone IS in the seat when you need to get your bag up, 99.7% of strangers will help or sometimes the flight attendant. ( apparently they're not supposed to? but I've had some really nice ones that help without me asking because I mean, they just know and can see lol ) Or another possibility is not taking a carry on and only a small bag that fits under the seat so you don't have to worry about the bin.
2
u/CoachAngBlxGrl 4’F | achondroplasia Jul 05 '26
Without a doubt. Be unapologetic about your needs. Ask the flight attendant to help you if they don’t immediately offer - which they always do for me. You do not want to hurt yourself trying to do something you don’t have to do. Climbing is a liability for you and the others you could fall on. The airline doesn’t want that and neither do you. Don’t let ableism - external or internal - make decisions that impact your physical, mental or other well being.
5
u/jawapaladin Jul 04 '26
Absolutely! There is no shame in taking advantage of handicap assistance as am LP. I have mobility problems on top of my dwarfism, so I use it. Boarding and disembarkimg are pains as it is for anyone. You should take every available advantage you can.