Parent doesn't speak English

[AlexZ92]

My mother is likely to come visit me in Canada between July and August from Italy.
She doesn't speak English and she would like to know if there's anything that can facilitate her trip.
I know at some point she will have to speak to CBSA.
I was thinking of writing a letter that she'll hand on to he authorities upon arrival.
And maybe write my phone number as well.

 

[Jaywalker]

My mother is likely to come visit me in Canada between July and August from Italy.
She doesn't speak English and she would like to know if there's anything that can facilitate her trip.
I know at some point she will have to speak to CBSA.
I was thinking of writing a letter that she'll hand on to he authorities upon arrival.
And maybe write my phone number as well.

Book a wheelchair assistance for your mother with airlines. In that scenario they will take her from start till the exit gate in Canada. The staff will take her around and she won’t need to do much beyond that. In case officials need clarifications they can call the translator.

 

[AlexZ92]

Book a wheelchair assistance for your mother with airlines. In that scenario they will take her from start till the exit gate in Canada. The staff will take her around and she won’t need to do much beyond that. In case officials need clarifications they can call the translator.

A wheelchair? I thought they provide that service only for people who have a disability.

 

[canuck78]

A letter is fine.

 

[foodie69]

Book a wheelchair assistance for your mother with airlines. In that scenario they will take her from start till the exit gate in Canada. The staff will take her around and she won’t need to do much beyond that. In case officials need clarifications they can call the translator.

Just another way to screw the system.. shameful!

 

[Jaywalker]

Just another way to screw the system.. shameful!

Well it’s called being smart! I know it’s tough for you. Airlines worldover rip customers in whatever way possible and herein if you can use this service you think it’s screwing the system? Get a life and be mindful of your comments.

 

[AlexZ92]

Well it’s called being smart! I know it’s tough for you. Airlines worldover rip customers in whatever way possible and herein if you can use this service you think it’s screwing the system? Get a life and be mindful of your comments.

I wonder how that can be done.
Is it something that I can get by paying extra for it or do I need documentation?
I don't wanna take advantage of the system but I also want my mother to get on the right plane.

 

[Jaywalker]

I wonder how that can be done.
Is it something that I can get by paying extra for it or do I need documentation?
I don't wanna take advantage of the system but I also want my mother to get on the right plane.

When you book the ticket you can select that option. Even after booking you can call the airline and they will assist you and it’s free of cost and on first come first served basis. There is no taking advantage or anything. As per airlines there is no minimum requirement or anything to be eligible for the wheelchair. You just need to book and that’s it.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I wonder how that can be done.
Is it something that I can get by paying extra for it or do I need documentation?
I don't wanna take advantage of the system but I also want my mother to get on the right plane.

Don't take advantage of the disabled services. Many thousands of people who don't speak English or French travel to Canada every day without issue. CBSA can call you or a translator.

 

[AlexZ92]

When you book the ticket you can select that option. Even after booking you can call the airline and they will assist you and it’s free of cost and on first come first served basis. There is no taking advantage or anything. As per airlines there is no minimum requirement or anything to be eligible for the wheelchair. You just need to book and that’s it.

I didn't know about that hank you very much I will tell my mom about it. Have a good day

 

[Jets13]

A lot of people book a wheelchair for this exact purpose. But you can give your mom a letter explaining what she is doing in Canada, who she is visiting, how long she is staying etc.

 

[Copingwithlife]

When I worked at the airport, people would routinely book wheel chair service, under the premise that the agent was going to be the translator, porter, everything under the sun. I would advise them I am going to get them a porter, and the porter charges XX per bag. God have mercy, the number of miracles I saw over the course of 25 years at the airport. As soon as they realized they had to ante up some money, lo and behold, a miracle.They would literally jump out of the wheelchair. Funny, how money cures disabilities. I always suggested that we set up a shrine in customs, because I am positive the Saint of Luggage performed many miracles in that place
The agents will push the passengers, beyond that, any costs come from the passengers. Agent will not heave 100 lb bags off the baggage belt.

 

[foodie69]

Well it’s called being smart! I know it’s tough for you. Airlines worldover rip customers in whatever way possible and herein if you can use this service you think it’s screwing the system? Get a life and be mindful of your comments.

It is abusing the system designed for disabled people or older passengers with issues. Not speaking English does not qualify. I have a beautiful life and I will say whatever I like, buddy! Thanks for asking.