· Be upfront and contact the company letting them know the situation and giving them an opportunity to accommodate you. Be clear before you contact them about what is reasonable to expect, for example: you choose to fly economy because that level of service meets your needs and matches your ability to pay, but on this occasion, through no fault of your own, you have particular spacial needs because of a temporary disability. Be prepared to give them time to think about it and get back to you. If they do make you a reasonable offer let them know you appreciate it. This will make it more likely they'll do it again in the future for someone else. Good luck!
Staurt Radox

· I recently returned from Fiji on Air New Zealand on crutches although my cast from my broken leg had already been removed. When confirming my flight, I told them I would be on crutches. They told me to tell the check-in desk that I required help. They were happy to offer me a wheelchair and push me around the airports in Fiji, LA and Heathrow. In addition, I was given two seats in the first row of economy without paying any extra. However I have heard that airlines will not take passengers with plaster casts due to the risk of extra swelling during the flight, so it would be wise to check.

Nicola Wilkins