How do I get a blind 7 year old on a plane?

My son is blind and scared to get on plane. Airlines will not let him take his cain(which is so wrong, that's like taking someone glasses.) He's in tears when we talk about it. What should I do? Should I fight the airlines about letting him use the cain?How do I get a blind 7 year old on a plane?It's true. If you fly with an American company, the cane is allowed. I used to be a Flight Attendant and our blind passengers had canes and sometimes their dogs, which were exempt from most animal restrictions around the world.



The cane had to be inspected and had to be stowed on the floor but they brought them.



http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/s鈥?/a>



If you're flying a non-U.S. company and this is what their rules are, ask about a collapsible cane.



Also, who told you that the cane wasn't allowed? Perhaps a revs agent who was new and didn't bother to look up the rules just spouted that out.



Is your son scared of actually flying or is the whole leaving home issue to blame? He might have a form of agoraphobia, which would be something a blind person could easily acquire.



Usually, it's believed agoraphobic people don't leave the house but that's the extreme form and there are many levels. My mom has it with very long distances, like overseas but can fly to the other coast without a hitch and she's used to flying. Everyone blames that and it's hard to explain that she has no problem with planes.



Find out what the root of his fear is exactly and work from there. If he does have a problem with flying itself, see if you can do a class together at your closest airport. At least find out if your son can somehow visit an aircraft and see what it's like.



For safety, I used to give our blind customers the emergency equipment to feel so they were familiar with it. I also made sure they knew how many rows there were to their nearest emergency exit. I had one man who had been through a whole course, specifically for the seeing impaired and he knew everything.



Contact a local organization for the seeing impaired in your area and find out exactly what's available and what your son's rights are. Flying is safe and most children his age really love the experience. If you can get him onboard, I'm sure he'll be fine. A few children were nervous at the beginning but most end up enjoying the experience and get over it quickly.



China will be good for your son, with such a different environment. I hope you're able to manage it.



Good luck!How do I get a blind 7 year old on a plane?If you don't have to take a plane, then drive. Otherwise, hold his hand when you are walking to the plane. Explain what is going on and tell him that it will be okay. I think that the airlines should let him use a cane, but they are very strict about security after 9/11.



While you are walking to the plane, you could also make up a story about a boy on an adventure. Get his mind on other things. When you both are on the plane flying, tell him that he is like superman or a superhero.How do I get a blind 7 year old on a plane?you could very well fight cause that is wrong! U could also hold his hand or carry him and tell him what is going on and what is around! I think it would be cool if u got a toy plain ( playmoble) and kind of let him feel It to give him the whole picture and if u can when walking on the plane kind of show him on the toy plane where u r and let him feel it. My little brothers were frightened there first time on a plane and we had ideas so feel free to e mail me for any others !!

good luck!How do I get a blind 7 year old on a plane?
The cane IS very specifically allowed under the TSA rules for travellers with disabilities. Whoever told you that it could not be taken was quite istaken. See site below and read the list of equipment that is allowed. Could you take him to the airport a couple of times , just to get the feel of it. Is there an air museu or small airport you could visit so he could sit on a plane before you have to travel? I do hope you can find ways to make him more comfortable and help him enjoy the flight.