I have to give praise where praise is due. On my last cross-country trip with Delta Air Lines, I was treated like royalty.

No, I wasn’t flying first class. I had an economy ticket. But because of my disability — I am legally blind — and because I requested assistance when I booked my flight, everyone at Delta was aware of my needs ahead of time and ready, willing and able to help.

I get around pretty well on my own; I don’t usually need to use a white cane and don’t rely on a guide dog. The biggest hindrance (besides being unable to drive) is reading things like print, signage, monitor screens and seat numbers (and the signs on restrooms — I’ve walked into the wrong one more than once). Sometimes even following directions is difficult because people tend to point to something too far away for me to see and say, “Turn by that blue sign down there. You can’t miss it!” Beg to differ, but I can.

Over the years I’ve come to be more comfortable with asking for help. When I was younger, I was embarrassed to be considered different, to receive “special” treatment or be singled out as having a disability. At my age, I’m way past that.

On this trip all I expected in the way of help was to board first so an attendant could help me find my seat and for someone to get me to my connecting gate. Making a connection in a major airport is intimidating enough, even when you have plenty of time. Gates can be miles apart. And when you can’t see the signs, you can easily lose your way.

Most airlines worldwide offer some type of assistance to people with disabilities or other needs. I’ve had great help along the way in various airports and countries. But Delta went above and beyond on this trip.

In addition to boarding me first and getting me settled in my seat — as well as hoisting my carry-on bag into the bin — the attendants took the time to point out the location of restrooms and exits, plus all the seat controls and outlets for technology. Flying from Hartford (BDL) to Los Angeles (LAX), making my connection in Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) was a breeze, with an escort leading me to a motorized shuttle that brought me straight to the gate.

On my return trip, upon landing at MSP, I expected the usual escort. But as I exited the plane, a pleasant gentleman pushing a wheelchair greeted me. I explained I didn’t need the chair, I could walk and just needed help finding the gate for my next flight. “Ma’am,” he said, “I have the chair. You are here. Have a seat and enjoy the ride.” I obliged, though it was a bit embarrassing — and I wondered if someone else who really needed the wheelchair was missing out.

But he only took me as far as the motorized shuttle, which then brought me as far as it could go in the direction of my gate. I was tired and at breakneck speed we passed several Starbucks. No time to stop! I was brought to an area in the terminal where I had to take an elevator to reach a different level, and the vehicle could not continue. After a five-minute wait, another assistant walked me to the gate, for which I was grateful — it was another 15 minutes as we rode the elevator up and through a corridor and then took another elevator back down to eventually get to my gate. I never would have found my own way to this terminal!

Perhaps the best leg of the trip, though, was the final one, from MSP to BDL.

I approached the gate agents and explained I needed assistance finding my seat. One agent told me to stand near the desk and she would escort me when it was time to board. Another agent, however, looked at the computer screen and said, “Let’s move her from 14C to 5C.” When I asked why, she simply said, “It’s a shorter walk to the bathroom.” Not necessary, but I certainly appreciated it.

What I didn’t realize until I was in my seat was this was actually an upgrade to Delta Comfort+. Not only was it a short distance to the lavatory, but also I benefited from other perks of the class — a wider seat with more recline and more legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, complimentary wine (or beer or cocktails) and an attentive flight attendant. (It was such an enjoyable experience, I wished my flight was longer!)

So, thanks, Delta, for making my trip smooth and worry-free … and going above and beyond in providing assistance.

— Jan Hecht, senior editor