Just wondering if anybody 75+ has recent experience of travel through LHR Security. Last time we travelled 2 years ago my wife who has some mobility issues that means she wears boots (ankle only) was told to remove them to pass through security. No way can she personally do this so it meant that I at age 78 had to get on my knees to do it. I am now aged 80 and we arer about to fly to USA again so I wonder if this is still a problem.
Posted by
London
765 posts
Tho security at UK airports don't require you to remove shoes generally, any time I've worn boots they've asked me to remove them. I think that is standard practice. If your wife is able to wear another type of shoe (like trainers/sneakers) for flying she will likely be able to keep them on. Otherwise I would look into asking for additional assistance at the airport: https://www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/assistance-and-accessibility/assistance-departure-guide
Good luck, I hope they are able to help you.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA
143 posts
Passed through LHR in August with my arm in a sling due to a dislocated shoulder. Also have a pacemaker so no magnetic scat. Big hassle! Long wait to get somebody to do a hand search and then he could not understand why I could not remove the sling or move my arm despite the obvious pain when he tried to move it. He then had to get a supervisor to clear me. Total 10-15 minute delay. General inefficiency, incompetence and confusion all around. I had previously gone through security in Stockholm with the sling on and had no problems - quick hand search on on my way.
Posted by
261 posts
Ask for help. You deserve it.
Posted by
Preston UK
1671 posts
I don’t quite qualify but at 72 I’m close!
Just ask through your airline for assistance. You do not have to be registered disabled to have access. The airline will book assistance which will then be delivered through the Heathrow service. Not only will they fast track you through security and help you deal with issues like boot removal if need be, they will also get you promptly to your gate.
We came out through Gatwick on Sunday and for the first time in quite a while at a UK airport we all had to take shoes off.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for responding
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23927 posts
As someone who has recently had some "mobility" issues I have found it useful to request a wheelchair. I normally use a cane and can get by pretty well but am slow. A couple of years the check-in person said, "Let's get you a wheelchair, that makes it so much easier." It does. I now request a wheelchair when I check in on-line, and for a ten dollar, maybe $20 tip depending on how far we have to go, it is worth it. At first I felt funny being push around but security seems to respond better. Just a part of getting old -- at 83 pushing for another ten years.
Posted by
Preston UK
1671 posts
You really don’t need to tip at UK airports.
Posted by
London and Chester
119 posts
Definitely book assistance via your airline for throughout your journey. It really does make such a difference, not least because in my experience you get through the border a bit quicker :-)
The guidance for Heathrow is here https://www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/assistance-and-accessibility
I could be wrong but I think they focus on boots in particular because their solid heels can be used to store contraband, explosives etc.