walking . is . overrated

This fantastic review was submitted by John, who is a tetraplegic and uses a manual wheelchair.

A recent return trip from Auckland to Wellington proved to be a pleasant trouble-free experience. The booking (which must be done by telephone at internet discount rates) was well handled and a wide range of questions were covered to save any misunderstandings on the day. (I saw an article by a blind person complaining that he couldnt book on the internet and that it was some kind of discrimination, but personal question/answer was the only way). Some people can get a bit precious about their disability.

On the day, check-in 1 hour before departure was straightforward with a couple of short-term disabled parks right outside. Loading was via an aisle wheelchair and a partly enclosed hoist to the door oposite the passenger loading door. Plenty of willing and able bodied staff were on hand to transfer me to the aircraft seat. The flight was uneventful and if you are hungry or thirsty snacks and drinks are available at reasonable prices.

Disembarking at Wellington is via the aisle chair and passenger covered walkway, to be reunited with your wheelchair in the luggage claim area. Again willing staff on hand to transfer. The return trip next day was equally uneventful.

My rating for Pacific Blue is 4.5 out of five. The facilities and staff were excellent. My only complaint is that the ground staff, whilst willing, did not seem to have any training in transfer/lifting technique. I am told theIr staff are able transfer customers provided they do not weigh more than 130kg. (How about that Air NZ / OSH!)

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