Mom sick wants to see Niagra Falls one last time
Aug 2nd, 2005, 06:53 PM
#22
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I don;'t know if it's possible but if you looked into rented a large conversion van - do you think she could lay on the sofa and be comfortable until you got there? It might be as easy as taking her in and out of two airports. I'm thinking only of her comfort and no any time involved but flying has a certain amount of time involved too.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 02:01 AM
#23
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As a former hospice nurse, I agree with above poster who said if you possibly can, go for convenience/ease of travel rather than saving a few dollars.
Packing. Hope there is someone who can help her with this. No sense being exhausted before the trip starts.
Pre-trip logistics (stopping mail, nespapers, etc.) This is usually the worst part of travel - trying to remember what to do, phone calls to make. Is there someone organized who would just accept this entire responsibility so she does not have to worry about it. Does not even need to be someone who lives in their locale.
Trip to airport (don't even think about train or bus). Whether it is Providence or Boston, there must be some sort of passengers with disabilities office there - make enough phone calls to find the right person to talk with and I bet they will ease her trip from curb to plane.
Take as much care planning trip to airport - car, cab, as you do rest of trip. Make sure she is not hauling luggage.
Flight. Using advice given above, find a non-stop (not direct - they are not the same thing) flight to Buffalo or Toronto. Changing planes is exhausting. After you make reservation, speak with airline. They will probably not upgrade her to first class (are next door neighbor had similar needs and the did not get upgrade) but may give her aisle, front of plane or bulkhead seat if you ask - if that would make her more comfortable inflight.
If she has a passport, bring it. She will need that or birth certificate - some proof of US citizenship. Don't wait until Monday AM to begin searching for it.
Call hotel and ask to speak with manager. They may be able to make special accomodations regarding room location, size, etc. Even if she is feeling well, a handicapped adapted room might be a good choice - bathrooms are larger, usually room is larger, often on first floor - they are often very good rooms)
If she has a handicapped placard for current car, make sure you bring it. (If she doesn't, apply for one now - you wont't get it in time, but it will be useful when she returns home. It takes a few weeks and forms are available on Massachusetts RMV website)
Hope I did not overwhelm you with details - but it is these that will make the trip easier for all. Best wishes to both of you.
Packing. Hope there is someone who can help her with this. No sense being exhausted before the trip starts.
Pre-trip logistics (stopping mail, nespapers, etc.) This is usually the worst part of travel - trying to remember what to do, phone calls to make. Is there someone organized who would just accept this entire responsibility so she does not have to worry about it. Does not even need to be someone who lives in their locale.
Trip to airport (don't even think about train or bus). Whether it is Providence or Boston, there must be some sort of passengers with disabilities office there - make enough phone calls to find the right person to talk with and I bet they will ease her trip from curb to plane.
Take as much care planning trip to airport - car, cab, as you do rest of trip. Make sure she is not hauling luggage.
Flight. Using advice given above, find a non-stop (not direct - they are not the same thing) flight to Buffalo or Toronto. Changing planes is exhausting. After you make reservation, speak with airline. They will probably not upgrade her to first class (are next door neighbor had similar needs and the did not get upgrade) but may give her aisle, front of plane or bulkhead seat if you ask - if that would make her more comfortable inflight.
If she has a passport, bring it. She will need that or birth certificate - some proof of US citizenship. Don't wait until Monday AM to begin searching for it.
Call hotel and ask to speak with manager. They may be able to make special accomodations regarding room location, size, etc. Even if she is feeling well, a handicapped adapted room might be a good choice - bathrooms are larger, usually room is larger, often on first floor - they are often very good rooms)
If she has a handicapped placard for current car, make sure you bring it. (If she doesn't, apply for one now - you wont't get it in time, but it will be useful when she returns home. It takes a few weeks and forms are available on Massachusetts RMV website)
Hope I did not overwhelm you with details - but it is these that will make the trip easier for all. Best wishes to both of you.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 07:07 AM
#24
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I'm so sorry for what you are your parents are going through!
I can only help you from this end. It's only a quick 20 minutes from the Buffalo airport to Niagara Falls. (You'll have to include bridge wait time to Canada. Chances are on a Monday going to Canada it will be a real quick crossover).
They can take a cab - even into Canada! I checked for someone else on these boards, and I think it's about $50 per person one way to the falls. I know that's a lot, but would be much easier than dealing with a car rental. And driving on the Canadian side of the falls is an absolute nightmare!
Please make sure they have ORIGINAL birth certificates and their picture ID driver's licenses, or passports if they have them. It's much harder to cross the bridges than it was 46 years ago, unfortunately.
FYI, USAir is the largest carrier in and out of Buffalo.
I hope this helps, and good luck!
I can only help you from this end. It's only a quick 20 minutes from the Buffalo airport to Niagara Falls. (You'll have to include bridge wait time to Canada. Chances are on a Monday going to Canada it will be a real quick crossover).
They can take a cab - even into Canada! I checked for someone else on these boards, and I think it's about $50 per person one way to the falls. I know that's a lot, but would be much easier than dealing with a car rental. And driving on the Canadian side of the falls is an absolute nightmare!
Please make sure they have ORIGINAL birth certificates and their picture ID driver's licenses, or passports if they have them. It's much harder to cross the bridges than it was 46 years ago, unfortunately.
FYI, USAir is the largest carrier in and out of Buffalo.
I hope this helps, and good luck!
Aug 3rd, 2005, 09:50 AM
#26
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Technically, immigration can require a passport or birth certificate plus photo ID for entrance between US and Canada for us or candian citizens. Living on the border, I've been going across the borer for many years and have never had to produce my birth certificate or passport, but if I didnt live so close, I'd make sure I have it. If it's required of me, my husband or kids can just pop up to the border to provide it. Although border agents are not supposed to do any sort of profiling, my light eyed blonde hair child has no problems getting across the border, but his dark skinned buddies do sometimeshave to produce ID. But they say there's no profiling. this is post 9/11.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 10:27 AM
#28
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I don't know what kind of money you're looking at, but you might check into a charter plane based at your local airport. They could pick you up at the nearest public airport and take you closer to Niagra than most commercial operations. It would be a non-stop flight.
I'm not familiar with that area (we're on the AR/MO border), but it could possibly be cheaper than the commerical flights. It would definitely be A LOT easier on her. You arrive at the airport at the designated time and within 15 minutes or so, you're on the taxiway. Depending on the plane chartered, you could easily be at Niagra Falls in a couple of hours.
I would call the FBO (fixed-base operator) at your local airport. Explain your situation, they can tell you who is licensed and can fly you there. My DH does this type of thing for free, (if it works out with our work schedule), but Cape Cod is a "little" too far!
Good luck and prayers for your mom and her treatment,
Marla
I'm not familiar with that area (we're on the AR/MO border), but it could possibly be cheaper than the commerical flights. It would definitely be A LOT easier on her. You arrive at the airport at the designated time and within 15 minutes or so, you're on the taxiway. Depending on the plane chartered, you could easily be at Niagra Falls in a couple of hours.
I would call the FBO (fixed-base operator) at your local airport. Explain your situation, they can tell you who is licensed and can fly you there. My DH does this type of thing for free, (if it works out with our work schedule), but Cape Cod is a "little" too far!
Good luck and prayers for your mom and her treatment,
Marla
Aug 3rd, 2005, 11:51 AM
#29
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Although it's best to have both your driver's lisence and birth certificate, I,(like Rachel) have been crossing the border for many, many years and have never had to produce more than my driver's lisence.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 04:39 PM
#31
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I can not thank all of you enough for your research, prayers, thoughts and advice. What a wonderful feeling to know that others are behind you as I attempt this trip. I do have siblings who are also very involved with my parents. We are very close and lucky. Yes, I meant the Monday the 8th her chemo is Thursday. She had it for 7 months and her body became almost toxic so she had to stop and is starting the second round for as long as her body can handle it. We all know the end is near but none of us want to admit it so we are putting our energy into things like this trip. Thank you doesn't seem enough, but it is all I have right now. Thank you , Thank you.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 05:30 PM
#32
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shakqueen, I just called Southwest. Even tho I cannot book a trip from Manchester or Providence to Buffalo online, I just found out that a SW agent can book that itinerary.
If your Mom can handle a change in aircraft, most likely at BWI, I have a Rapid Rewards voucher good for 2 one way trips that I will use to get your folks to Buffalo. You'd be on your own to make return travel arrangements.
You would have to call Southwest, make the flight reservation "on hold", then give me the itinerary so I can call to "cashin" the vouchers and I'd pay the required security fees.
My office phone is 518.355.3593, pager is 518.484.3326, and my email should be apparent from my username, except no X. Better yet, use junkmail _AT karnerdata.com I wish there were direct flights avail on SW, as I've a feeling you won't be able to utilize my offer, but it stands if you can. My prayers are with all of you. Bob
If your Mom can handle a change in aircraft, most likely at BWI, I have a Rapid Rewards voucher good for 2 one way trips that I will use to get your folks to Buffalo. You'd be on your own to make return travel arrangements.
You would have to call Southwest, make the flight reservation "on hold", then give me the itinerary so I can call to "cashin" the vouchers and I'd pay the required security fees.
My office phone is 518.355.3593, pager is 518.484.3326, and my email should be apparent from my username, except no X. Better yet, use junkmail _AT karnerdata.com I wish there were direct flights avail on SW, as I've a feeling you won't be able to utilize my offer, but it stands if you can. My prayers are with all of you. Bob
Aug 3rd, 2005, 05:49 PM
#33
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Oh shakqueen, there are angels on this earth, are there not?
So many good and carying people.
I send your mother, you, your father and all your family my prayers and very best wishes that you can work out this very special trip for your parents. Blessings to all of you.
So many good and carying people.
I send your mother, you, your father and all your family my prayers and very best wishes that you can work out this very special trip for your parents. Blessings to all of you.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 06:45 PM
#35
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If you think you could handle the ride.....well.....let me know [email protected]. I have a few days off with nothing planned. and a good sized vehicle.
