Need help getting assistance at SeaTac

Oh no, I'm sorry you got injured. Hopefully the rest and ice will improve the situation.

According to the port authority, they provide assistance before security and the airline coordinates it after security. Most airlines require a request within a certain number of hours ahead of a flight, so you should probably call yours asap. https://www.portseattle.org/Wheelchair

When I possibly needed a wheelchair to switch from one gate to another I called the airline (Delta) and they took care of the request. Mardee I am so sorry this happened. Are you flying in to MSP? Do you have someone meeting you there? Let me know if I can help in any way.

Mardee, oh NO! I'm so sorry. It happens. I tripped and fell within hours of arrival to Istanbul. I was basically fine, just looked like I'd been in a fight. And lost.

We had to take our son on a trip a few days post hernia surgery. I called Delta and set up "meet and assist". I just used the regular Delta number. Are you close to a Walgreen's or CVS? Might a cane help?

When do you arrive back to MSP?

Mardee, I’m so sorry you are hurt. I don’t know which airline you’re on, but I just looked at Delta. On their website there is “Help Center” under that is “Request Accessible Travel Services.” Your airline should have similar for you to order a wheelchair. Take care.

Oh Mardee, that’s a sad & painful ending to your Seattle trip! Others have given help to answer your question. I’ll just add sympathy for your situation, and the idea to use some services like Instacart for grocery deliveries and/or restaurant deliveries when you’re back home recuperating.

Mardee, hope you find good help, and please let us know when you've gotten home!

Thanks everyone, I’m leaving early tomorrow morning. My flight leaves at around 8:30 AM, and it’s Alaska airline. I’ll try and call them now and see what happens. Thanks! And I’ll come back with updates.

For those who ask, I did the Park sleep fly thing and left my car at an airport hotel, and will be picking it up when I get there tomorrow afternoon. Luckily it’s my left leg that is hurting so hopefully that won’t affect my driving.

I called the Alaska Airlines and got a bot, but asked for a human since the bot kept telling me that I had to do it online and every time I went online it said I had to call. So I’ve requested a call back and they said it will be about 30 minutes. Hopefully they will be able to help me.

I just hate this. I’m so mad at myself for not paying attention while walking. I think I tripped on a rocky part of the road. It looked a little uneven.

But interestingly enough, there were actually two EMTs right there at the time who had just finished some training. So they looked at it and wrapped it up and asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital. To be honest I probably should have because I’m just worried that there might be a small fracture or something. But I said no, so they had me sign something. When I asked if they wanted my health insurance card, they said no, the taxpayers are paying for this. So thank you Seattle! 😊

But that would’ve caused more problems than it was worth probably. I’m hoping it will feel a bit better in the morning.

Oh no!!! I am so glad the EMT’s happened to be there, but ouch!!! If you don’t get an answer tonight, go to the Alaska ticket desk and talk to an agent. After my first knee replacement I had to fly a month post op and the Alaska agents at the gate went way beyond anything I could have asked for. They have good people so I hope you are taken care of.

I just got a call back from Alaska Airlines, and the person I spoke to could not have been nicer and more helpful, so you are definitely right, mikliz!

She told me exactly where to go tomorrow and said that they will have a wheelchair for me and I just need to show them my boarding pass and ID and everything should be good. She asked if I wanted a wheelchair to get on the plane and I said I thought I’d be OK. I said I’m just really slow and she said just come up when they call the pre-borders who need extra assistance. So it sounds like everything is set.

So all I need to do is have a cab here by six and then get there by 6:30, which I think should work. It’s Saturday morning early and I can’t imagine they’ll be that much traffic out or that much traffic at the airport. Of course I don’t know this airport so who knows.

Oh mardee, I’m so sorry you fell. I’m glad you got it all sorted out for the morning. I hope it goes smoothly and I really hope you recover quickly.

Thanks Trotter and everyone else for all of your good wishes! I feel like such an idiot but hopefully it will work out. Luckily the EMTs gave me two ice bags so I’ve been icing it and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it feels better in the morning. I’ll let you all know how it goes!

For the MSP end:

Alaska uses Gate E2 which is among the closest to an exit (trivia: MSP took down all the “Exit” signs and replaced them with the British and apparently more international “Way Out”). I don’t think the wheelchair that meets your plane can take you out of the secure area, or if they can then they have to stop at baggage claim. 85% of the walking journey to the hotel shuttles is outside security. BTW: It’s a 3 elevator journey.

I suggest you stop at the volunteer booth in the Mall between E2 and the Way Out. They will get you a Go Guide volunteer to escort you to the shuttles or an Uber. They don’t help with baggage however.

Falling: After nasty falls during all 3 of my last major trips (Berlin, Honolulu, Mexico City) I realized that falling is going to be what ends traveling in my life, not say money or mobility issues.

Just seeing this. I am so sorry about your fall. I was going to suggest reaching to airline but glad to hear you already did and are all set for tomorrow morning.
I will be sending you good thoughts.

Mardee - I’m so so sorry this happened. Sending positive thoughts for your trip home.

Mardee, sorry, good luck, and pls keep us posted.

That's really too bad Mardee, so glad you've taken good care of yourself, had EMT's handy, and spoke to a person at Alaskan. Please don't beat yourself up about it, accidents do happen! Bon Voyage & do let us know how the trip goes.

All I can say is so very sorry you are ending your trip this way.

And yes, I’m watching where I put my feet!

Mardee, I’m so sorry! It sounds like you’ve been able to get some assistance lined up, so I’m sure your trip home will be ok, tho hopefully not too uncomfortable on the plane.

A long time ago, I slipped on some ice while loading my suitcase into the rental car on the way to the airport. I landed right on my shoulder and my face, which was all scratched up. I must have looked a mess and I couldn’t use my right arm. People were very, very kind to me all the way home (with a carryon suitcase and a connection!), helping me with my bag and anything else I needed. I walked off the plane at home and went directly to urgent care, where X-rays showed a broken collar bone.

Moral of the story, accidents and falls happen to all of us. They really stink, but people are kind. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

I hope your trip home goes well!!

Toby, thanks so much for this information. I do remember E being very close. When I left, I flew out of E1, and that was right past security so that was really nice.

I will need to go to baggage claim as I checked a bag, but I should be OK. I can walk, I’m just walking very slowly. Although it may depend on how I feel after a four hour flight so I’ll probably play that by ear.

But I’ve got plenty of time. And I do know where the shuttles are. Most of my flights from Minneapolis use the Groome Transportation shuttles and I think they’re in the same area as the hotel shuttles although it might be across from them.

But all of this information is good to know and right now my brain is a little fried so having it handy like this will be helpful. Thank you!

I know what you mean about falling. I think that’s how I’ll probably go, too. It’s weird as I’ve been walking a lot around Duluth and I never fall. It’s usually when I’m traveling. Last year in Romania, I got off the bus from the airport to meet CWSocial and I swear we hadn’t walked even a block before I tripped and fell flat on on the sidewalk. Getting old is not user-friendly!

And to everyone else, thanks again for all your good wishes. I will continue to keep you all posted.

From someone that has tripped thru life, I'm not sure its all about age. You flying Alaskan did surprise me. I hope your morning goes well.

Alaska moved to E2 from E1 a week or two ago, which is more desirable because it has direct taxiway access without having to back around. They must have needed E1 for an unexpected reason when you left; I don’t think it’s been reassigned. Either is equally close to the Way Out.

Look for the elevator between TSA north and the escalators down to baggage claim. The next elevators you need are across from the volunteer booth halfway down the carousels. Look for the yellow lit up question mark.

Then it’s a walk across that weird under street lobby without a name, then look for the elevators after the alternate Delta check in, on the right side of the main way to the tram. They serve two of the colored parking structures, gold and maybe brown. Or if you can manage the escalator up one level it’s simpler since the shuttles are right at the top.

Edit to add: maybe practicing a specific walk for travel could be helpful with preventing falls, e.g. a high steppage gait

Oh, man, that's my worse travel nightmare! Since I've gotten to an age where the doctor asks me if I have fallen in the last year, I am trying really hard to stay upright when walking. I do have a mallet finger deformity from my last fall over 15 years ago (maybe you'd noticed that on my right hand).

Getting up and down the stairs in the shuttle are going to be a challenge, but once you get in your car you should be okay to get home and get checked out.

It looked like you had a great adventure until yesterday! I hope you heal quickly!

Oh Mardee, you've had such a lovely trip. I'm sorry to hear that this happened. I hope it's not terrible, because those tulips you saw were pretty special!

I got off the bus from the airport to meet CWSocial and I swear we hadn’t walked even a block before I tripped and fell flat on on the sidewalk.

I'm pretty sure that one was because I had you walking at CW speed, which feels like running to most people, and really is not suitable in Europe, even for myself. I have a collection of "banged up pants" from travel falls and nearly added a pair to my collection when I completely missed a step in Valencia.

Getting old is not user-friendly!
As my non-traveling, book reading cousin used to tease me, you don't get hurt sitting at home on the couch!

I'm glad you got things sorted out with a wheelchair!

I’m sorry you had a fall, Mardee!.
Hope you got home without too much fuss, and can have a doctor’s visit soon to make sure all is well.
I tripped on the last step of the Duomo in Florence years ago, and landed on my knees with my arms out and head down, as if I were praying fervently right there in the doorway.😅
None of us are immune!

Re:" getting old not user friendly ." I am reminded blatantly of this: "What a drag it is getting old."

Gute Besserung !

Hopefully no 'permanent' reminder of Seattle.

On the taxi ride to the airport were you humming in your head "Get me to the church on time" or were you captivated by the bluest skies?

As my cousin says, 'getting old isn't for the faint of heart"

Keep on truckin'

I’m just seeing this. I hope you’ve made it home okay and that it doesn’t turn out to be more serious. Feel better soon.

I’m sending good thoughts your way, Mardee!

Hope you made it home okay, Mardee.
Few years ago (I was 45) I fell hard on my bum inside a cave in South America. I had nonslip shoes but was holding my kids hand. To keep her balanced, I lost control and fell hard.
I thought I had broken my tailbone because the pain was excruciating. But I walked out of cave (it was toward end of tour) and my friend drove us back to where we were staying.
The problem - it was 2 days before my flights back home. My friend’s friend who is a doctor helped me out and told me it looked like just a bad bruise. So I got some muscle relax medicine for flights back. Sitting for that long was so hard. I had to ask for help putting carry-on in overhead bin because of motion and weight made it worse.

Nothing broken, but took me about 3 weeks to get better. Glad you are getting it checked out and hopefully some rest and new shoes is all that you need.

I finally made it home and have been just taking it easy. My leg is still swollen, but it's not as painful, although I still have to hop around like a frog. Luckily, I have a good leg brace that was left over from a previous injury. So I am going to wear that, and then I'm going to head to Ortho Urgent Care on Monday, since it's closed tomorrow.

Getting home wasn't too bad. I got the wheelchair at SeaTac and she took me through baggage check, touchless TSA security, and every place I needed to be. It felt kind of weird being pushed around like that, because I've never had that experience before. The Alaska Airlines staff were great. They called everyone up whose name they had so that we could board first. I decided to check my bag so I didn't have to deal with it, and I was glad I did because that meant I had lots of room under the seat in front of me to stretch my left leg out.

At MSP, I didn't request a wheelchair but did grab a ride on one of the carts that they have going around that picks up people, and he took me over to Baggage Claim. From there, it wasn't too bad. After I got my carry-on spinner back, I was able to use it to help me maneuver and get some support. The hotel shuttle picked me up promptly, took me right to my car, and once I was in the car, I was fine and had no problem on the 2 1/2 hour drive home.

Now that I'm home, it feels a bit better. I live on the lower level, so I'm having to go up and down stairs, but it's not too bad, and I'm being very careful not to put too much weight on it. But it is taking a little bit more weight than before, so I consider that a good thing. My daughter, who's a PA, looked at it and said I should get an x-ray done, so I'll be doing that on Monday.

Last night at the hotel, I took a close look at the shoes I was wearing when I fell and I realized that they were in pretty sorry shape. I have a tendency to hang on to my shoes till they die a natural death, and these should have been euthanized a while ago. I didn't realize just how unsupportive they were until it was too late. They were split in the back a little bit and very worn down, so I think that was part of the problem. I put them in the garbage before I left town, and am now on the search for a new pair of shoes. I do have 2 others that are good, but both are older so having a new pair before Scandinavia is probably be a good idea.

Joe, I wasn't humming anything in the taxi ride because I was scared out of my mind. He was a very nice guy, but he drove like crazy down these streets. At one point, I looked up, and the speedometer said 82 miles an hour, and the speed limit was 65, so I asked him if he ever got any tickets. He looked at me and said, "No, why? I'm not speeding." Then when we got to the airport, he tried to charge me $57, so I explained to him that the hotel told me it would be a $50 fixed fee, and he said, "Oh yeah, I forgot." Uh-huh. But he was happy with his tip, so I guess he didn't miss that extra 7 dollars. 😊

Once again, I want to thank everyone for your concern and your really nice posts. It kept me going today because I was feeling a bit depressed about not being able to do all the things I wanted to. I'll write more in my trip report, but I figure at this point it just gives me an even better reason to go back to Seattle!

Those carts buzzing around say “Delta” on them for a reason. They are intended for SkyTeam passengers only. Since E is not SkyTeam the carts aren’t usually on that concourse. In any event you couldn’t have ridden more than 50 yards, to the elevators to baggage claim level. So you did a fair bit of walking and survived.

I'm glad to read you made it home!

The biggest sale I've ever seen at Benders just ended today, and I got two new pairs of shoes for future travels. It sounds like you need to get there and buy some new footwear. They have a pedorthist on staff in Duluth (by appointment) to help you find the best shoe for your foot.

I've ridden on those carts before, Toby, and I've never been asked for a boarding pass. But I was asked for one today, so I showed him my Alaska Airlines boarding pass, and he didn't say a word about it. I was curious about what you said so I just checked on the MSP website, and it says they do have carts for both Delta and for the other main airlines there.

I did have to walk back, but it was okay (and yes, I survived). 😊 Today was better. Yesterday was a really sharp pain, but today was more dull, and it's getting better as I go along. Hopefully there's nothing broken and it just needs time and probably PT.

mnannie, shoot, I wish I would have known about that. I would have gone before I left. I used to get email reminders, and I think I was just getting so many that I unsubscribed to a bunch of places. But I should add that back in. But I will definitely go out there and check it out soon. I really do need some new shoes. Thanks for letting me know!

You might consider this shoe. As a plus, it doesn't have the crazy colors so many do.

https://www.oregonlive.com/shopping-deals/2026/04/hoka-is-having-a-mothers-day-moment-with-this-versatile-trail-shoe-that-moms-are-wearing-everywhere.html

[snip]
Originally built for technical terrain, the Mafate Speed 2 has found a broader audience thanks to its combination of support, stability, and cushioning. The shoe uses a rockered sole to help smooth transitions while walking or running, and a grippy outsole designed to handle uneven surfaces. Despite its trail roots, reviews suggest it’s being worn just as often for long walks, travel days, and standing-heavy jobs.

What makes it gift-worthy is versatility. This isn’t a niche running shoe—it’s one that suits moms who trail walk daily, travel frequently, or just want something supportive that doesn’t feel stiff or heavy.

Mardee, I love your attitude! Bless you, for all the joy you have given us over the years. And for goodness sake, keep on traveling!

Mardee, so glad you made it home OK. Good luck at Urgent Care Monday.

I just upgraded and replaced a couple pairs of walking shoes. I tried Abeo and really like the arch, metatarsal support and wide toe box. Easy to break in. First day I walked 2 miles and the shoes have only gotten better with each wear.

Take care while healing.
Kathy

Oh, Mardee, I feel your pain! I just saw this. I'm glad you made it home okay. Good luck on Monday!

Well, I thought they all had Delta written on them. I look for another company name.

Hi Mardee! I checked back this morning to see that you made it home safely.... whew, sounds like it worked out surprisingly well. I'm so sorry, I've had numerous foot injuries over the years and it's difficult.

Just a note about your trip to Sweden - No one cares if you wear hiking boots! Because so many people cycle here, we're all dressed for it. Personally, I'm a huge fan of Merrill Moab low boots & my custom orthotics fit inside. (I sometimes wear them crossing the Atlantic to save space in carryon, with some Oofos sandals for walking around in the plane.) I always carry Oofos for hotel rooms as well. Feet are so important!! Take care.

Mardee, you're a real trooper! So happy that you're safely home and recovering.
Yep, sounds like those shoes were definitely past their best-used-by date!

Mardee, just found your post about getting home. Sounds like all went well for you. Glad you are going to Urgent Care tomorrow.

I am happy to hear that the trip home went relatively smoothly (after the taxi ride!) and that you’re now in your familiar space. It looks like a lot of us were checking back to see you made home O.K. Hopefully the recovery phase will go as smoothly and, with a pair of new shoes, you’ll be traveling again soon.

It’s good to hear you made it home safe and mostly sound. I’m glad you will seek medical care tomorrow.

I know you are disappointed that you didn’t see everything you wanted in Seattle. Maybe you could go back in September and time it to be in Coeur d’Alene for the travel meet up? Just a thought. 😉

Mardee—At least you are not going to that urgent care next to Neptune that I showed you, LOL! I’m glad you will get it checked out. I missed a step at Versailles and went flying. I ended up with knee surgery when I got home. I am a klutz so have managed a few injuries on travels. If you want to come out fit the GTG in September I’ll take you over!

Joe, I wasn't humming anything in the taxi ride because I was scared out of my mind. He was a very nice guy, but he drove like crazy down these streets. At one point, I looked up, and the speedometer said 82 miles an hour, and the speed limit was 65, so I asked him if he ever got any tickets.

It has been said the most dangerous ( scariest?) part of a flying trip is the drive to the airport.

Hope all is well with your knee and you will soon be posting another of your (in)famous 'informational posts' on the fabulous new shoes you found.

Okay, I have been taking it easy today, but I figured I'd respond to some of the posts here. I'm also trying to write my trip report, and I'm almost done with that.

All the people I didn't mention before by name, like CL, Jean, Kate, Trotter, Valerie, Pat, Sandancisco, Pam, DebVT, S J, Fred, Andrew, Barbara N, Joy, jeanm, and Patty, thank you all so much for your well wishes and lovely comments. You have no idea how much it means to have such support when things go bad for you. Or maybe some of you do.

Jules, you said you were surprised that I was flying Alaska Airlines. It's true I'm a Delta girl but was flying them because they had a great sale and I got an email that offered 30% off all flights on that day only. I took it and I'm glad I did. I will definitely fly with them again.

mnannie, that made me laugh about your comment about the doctor asking you if you fall in. Every time I fill out one of those check-in sheets on my chart for Essentia, I get asked that question. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to make it to a year without having to answer "yes." 😂

CWSocial, ha ha, yes, I remember the way you walk! I learned pretty quickly that it was okay to lag behind you, which I mostly did, as did TTM, but I guess that first day I was trying to keep up!

Robert, I checked those out and I like them a lot. That said, I showed them to my daughter because she's a Hoka wearer. She runs a lot in ultra marathons, and those are her running shoes of choice. Her concern about me with those shoes is that they have a very deep (high?) sole, and because I do tend to shuffle somewhat when I walk, she thinks it might be problematic.

So I think I'm going to follow mnannie's advice and book a session with the person at the Duluth Benders store who will work with you to see what kind of shoe you need.

Jane, thanks! I feel the same way about you and everyone here And don't worry, I will!

Horsewoofie, thanks for the shoe suggestion. I will check them out, but I did mention above that I think I'm going to book a session with a shoe expert at the local shoe store. Hopefully they'll be able to help me make some good choices.

Sandancisco, I will check out those shoes as well. And I have no intention of buying hiking boots. I don't think I would do well in hiking boots. I'm really afraid that if I wore them, I would break an ankle. They may be supportive for some people, but I don't think they would be for me. Thanks for the shoe ideas! I will check them out.

Kate, yes, they definitely needed to bite the dust!

Patty, thanks so much!

Andrea, I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to come . I had told Jean that I couldn't, and although it's still a possibility, I'm just not sure at this point. Even if I did come, I don't think I would want to go to Seattle at that time. I'd feel like I was rushing it. I'd like to save it for a time when I have more time and it's not in between two big trips. I'm still thinking about doing a road trip to the Pacific Northwest, and that would be a good time to see it again.

mikliz97, Yes, it's very good I'm not going there, lol! I'd probably be in the crematorium next door after my visit! 🤣

Joe, thanks! In this case, I definitely agree it was the most scary part of my trip. 😂 Of course I will post about my fabulous new shoes! Now all I have to do is just find them!

Mardee, I'm always up for a road trip and from the years living in San Diego and visiting family in MN or Iowa or in the opposite direction living in MN, TX or IA and visiting San Diego I've taken many routes to and from. Also, take a look at the Empire Builder on Amtrak. Sitting in your own roomette & watching the world go by is a great way to travel. Last month my sister and I took our annual trip to visit our sister who came out to San Diego when I lived there and stayed. We take the Borealis to Chicago and the next day take the SW Chief to LA, then the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. I love that trip and you meet such wonderful travelers every night at dinner in the dining car.

Mardee, the Spokane Airport isn’t far from CdA. We flew in and out of there when we went to a wedding in Missoula, MT. We stopped to check it out on our way back to the airport to fly home. Now that I think about it, the wedding was at the exact same time of year and we got some snow, probably east of CdA.

Mardee, I'm glad you're feeling better and made it home ok. Your post is a reminder to all of us to 1) Be very mindful about our walking(I tripped over a curb when I was thinking about what I was going to order for lunch!) and 2) Pay close attention to the condition of our shoes(I totally avoid Sketchers because the toe kept getting caught in the floor and almost tripped me, and these shoes were only 6 months old. I now have some Kiziks, which are really ugly but feel so comfortingly stable)

Laurie Beth, I do like road trips and like trains even better so that's a thought!

Andrea, that was the original plan when I was planning on going to Coeur d'Alene—flying into Spokane and renting a car. Everything is just so much up in the air right now with my daughter and her schooling and the family. And then I added on this other Christmas market trip. So I was just thinking maybe I should hold off on the CdA trip. But I will think about it. I really would like to come and see everyone. That would be so much fun.

Cala, very good thoughts to live by!

By the way, if anyone is interested, I just posted a medical update on my trip report thread. I have a fractured patella. Sigh.

Mardee, at least you fell near the end of your trip instead of at the beginning. I hope this won't interfere with any other trips you have planned. And if 82 in a 65mph zone scares you, stay away from Atlanta. You have to drive 80 in the slow lane there or you will be run over. And never a cop in sight. And I can't go anywhere I need to go from Birmingham without going through Atlanta.

Mardee, The Rocky Mountaineer have just (in the last few weeks) launched a new train from Salt Lake City to Denver- entirely day cars for the leisurely 3 day ride. Each night, as in Canada, you sleep in a hotel, with all baggage handling happening like magic.

It looks interesting. Unlike on Amtrak there is a kitchen car, but no dining car so meal service is at seat, not having to change seats.

On the Empire Builder you can book a through ticket from Duluth to Seattle as Amtrak run a thruway bus every night to connect with the westbound train at St Paul Union Depot- the timetable may have changed but it used to be at 5.30pm in the last printed timetable I have (that service is really the normal Jefferson Lines route). In the morning it leaves at 8.30am.

At the other end there is a connecting ThruWay bus as far as Port Angeles (it's really the Dungeness bus). Through tickets can't be booked on line for thruway- only in person or by phone apparently.

cala, ha ha, I keep saying that as well—it was good that I fell on the last day rather than the first day. That would have really been a bummer. Believe me, I've had the dubious pleasure of driving through Atlanta before, and I hated it. Although I'm not sure what's worse: dealing with the speeders in Atlanta or dealing with Wisconsin drivers who have never heard of the phrase "drive on the right, pass on the left." They will park themselves in the fast lane driving under or at the speed limit.

Stuart, that is interesting. I have a sister who lives in Denver and a brother who lives in Salt Lake, so I could fly out to one city and then take the train to the other one and then fly back from there. That's really cool. I will check into that. Stuart, I'm constantly amazed at your knowledge of trains and buses. It figures you would know the Jefferson Lines timetable in MN. 😊 The other train looks interesting as well. I do love trains, and I would love to be able to take a long-distance train ride. Laurie Beth was talking about it above, and it just sounds like it would be really fun. Thanks!