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looking for some advice ( currently in Malaga)
Due to caring responsibilities and health issues we are on our first holiday since pre covid !
Wife now has a condition which restricts how long she can stand/queue, albeit not outwardly visible until she faints ( registered disabled with Blue badge and Access card). Doesn’t like to ask for extra assistance.
Booked LHR-AGP-LHR in CE. (BA)
LHR flight was fine as she sat to the side when I checked in at CE desk , and quickly through security, lounge and gate.
Flight was delayed on tarmac and chaotic but guess lots to serve up in a short time, combined with one PAX hogging toilet throughout. Arrival in AGP ok but long walks as no working travalater.
Anyway.. looking for views on return from AGP
Can I bag drop and use mobile or preprinted boarding cards ?
If not, how early does CE desk open, can she just sit to the side / join me when I’m at front?
Is distance from security to lounge and gate particularly long?
Is it worth asking for assistance or in reality does that just complicate?Bag drop at AGP only opens 2 hours before departure. I’ve seen people using assistance there and it looked pretty well managed, I would ask for it.
There are cafes with seating near to the check in desk where your wife could sit with a coffee while you queue, you’ll need to stay within the luggage limits for one person though. But it would probably be easier to ask for a wheelchair so she can remain seated until you have to go to the gate. The AGP lounge can be accessed by lift and is very spacious, you would have no issues with a wheelchair.
The security and exit queues can be quite long as well, so another reason to get a wheelchair. You might even get taken to the front of the queue, but I’m not 100% sure on that. You have to exit through passport control before you can get to the lounge or gates, though at this time of year it won’t be as bad as at peak periods.
*If you hang around near the check in desk, they sometimes start 20-30 minutes early. Nothing happens quickly in Spain so take any advantage you can get!
Thanks Northernlass, as you suggest I can therefore queue on my own (only have 2 bags in total, which is my personal CE allowance ) …. Although Thinking about it, it is strange one person cannot check in for both.
We may leave it until the day and hope a wheelchair is available if needed , rather ( than prebook assistance ) as she hates using /needing one. Hoping airport will be quiet next week ( based on less flights, as the flight itself was full, as is our hotel).
Definitely ask for assistance at AGP. It’s an excellent service and very well organised. No need to be shy or proud not to. The assistance area is bright yellow with seating. You can’t miss it.
They will even come to the Avis (and presumably other on airport) rental drop off zone if you rent a car.
You will be able to accompany your wife and will be taken to the front of the check in queue. They also have a separate security zone and it’s much quicker than using the regular security.
The only downside is that they wouldn’t let is go to the lounge BA uses but took us directly to the gate.
I’ve seen a wheelchair user in the lounge, though possibly it was the lady’s own?
I second @AJA. I know of people who request assistance to skip the queues when they don’t strictly need it, so never be ashamed of having a genuine need! Travelling is stressful enough with unnecessary difficulties.
We have 3 x used assistance at AGP in 2024 and it was excellent. On all occasions when the Boarding pass showed lounge access we were taken there then later collected. I suggest turning up ahead of check in – get the assistance first from the central reception and they will then take you to check in and fast track through the assistance lane. Heathrow however is a different story – but if you have assistance added to your booking then at least you may be able to gain some help which may be essential if you are at a remote stand or immigration has queues.
Just book assistance. There is no shame ( or cost ). You and OH get fast track security and taken direct to lounge etc. Also just go to front of que and it will be sorted. Inform BA ASAP and go to the assistance desk at airport.
I have travelled with many people on flights that require this service. Also if medication is needed or equipment it is supposed to be carried free in addition to normal baggage. ( Helps if you have stickers that say Medical ) Never had a problem even on FR ( and Air Asia ! )
Assistance will provide wheelchair ( and let you keep it till on plane ) so no problem in lounge.
Heathrow assistance WILL take you to the Premier Inn at T4 if required!
They are generally very good – but you deplane last – but often leave airport first!
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