[chickadee]

In September, I'll be taking Midwest Airlines to Boston from MSP (via Milwaukee; thankfully not O'Hare like last time) on a bunch of small regional jets (E70s, a E90, and a CRJ). Has anyone had any experience flying with them? This will be my first time on them. I was wondering if there's any service things I should know about? I'll be letting them know about the whole gimpy bit... any other info I can glean before I go would be awesome. Thanks!

[twisted_ophelia]

I'm not sure if this is the same type of jet but I have flown on small jets numerous times, mostly recently on a plane from Los Angeles that seats about 50-60 people to Mammoth Lakes in California (very short flight). The flight was operated by Alaska Air and it was just fine. Actually, it was better than the bigger jets because the flight attendants gave me all sorts of extra attention! To get on the plane, they actually even asked me if I just wanted to be carried on. On those small jets, you generally climb the small set of stairs to board. Anyway, one way this big dude carried me up the stairs and then in Mammoth they had the ramp thing set up waiting for me to get me off, using the porter chair. The ramp is super narrow so even my 14" chair wouldn't fit on that thing. On the way back, I used the ramp both times instead of carrying me (ramp is way safer). Anyway, the small jets have the same size airline seats and all that and it really shouldn't differ from regular flights other than the boarding/getting off thing.

[chickadee]

Hey... figured I'd post an update should anyone need info.

Midwest Airlines was awesome when I went to Boston last week. I travelled via Milwaukee, which is a great alternative to both O'Hare or Midway, which is usually what happens for us Minneapolitans.

First up, I was not the only gimpy person on three out of four of my flights. I had my manual chair cared for very well on each flight, and I watched a lady with a power chair get on the plane from Milwaukee to Boston - and I also watched the care they gave to her power chair as well. They were very professional getting her onto the plane, as she needed a full transfer. The staff also gave plenty of help to a man who was a double amputee, and got him on and off the plane without any trouble. The stewards/stewardesses were so friendly and wonderful, and the pilot came out afterward and said hello and asked us how the flight was, basic chit-chat. No one ever made me feel rushed, which makes me feel a lot better about being a slowpoke!

The only thing I wished was better was the very short amount of time they allowed for a 'preboard'. On the way back, I had a hard time getting settled in before everyone got on the plane. Plus, the staff didn't keep folks that were obviously not up for the preboarding specifications on the flight from Boston. So, in effect, putting my carry on, my crutches, and my wheels where they belonged for the flight was way more difficult because I was trying to fight with others for overhead space, to untangle my legs and that sort of thing.

But... considering my last trip to Boston on United via Chicago O'Hare, this was loads better.