TRAVEL WITH CLL
Travel with CLL has come up on this site. Here are some travel tips my wife & I follow.
My CLL: Diagnosed April 2019 with CLL type B deletion P17. I live in Costa Rica.
Treatment: 8 infusions of rituximab+., then started 3 ibrutinib 140 mg per day in March 2020..
My wife and I started travel again after 2 years. May & June to Germany, Danube River, Hungary; July Aruba 10 days, Nov & Dec SE Asia, Mekong River, Bali. It involved 12 flights in total.
Masks – vital. Take along a couple of spare boxes to replace masks dropped, worn more than half a dozen times, and to have extras in various clothes you bring with you. Wear them full time in airports, on planes, taxis, buses, or anywhere you are close to other people,
Vaccine – My wife and I get another shot if it is more than a few months from the last one to be sure of full protection. I had my fifth shot and my wife had her fourth.
Baggage – Take only carry on baggage. You will avoid the crush waiting for checked bags, you will be ahead of those with checked bags for immigration and baggage inspections plus the airline won't lose your bags. You also have access to anything you have packed while in flight.
Class – If you can pay the price, it is safer to fly business class. It reduces exposure to others as the check-in line is quicker, you are off the plane first so avoid the crush in the aisle getting bags from the overhead bins, you are first in customs and immigration lines for your flight, you will be able to wait in a well spaced lounge before boarding or between flights. Business seating has more space, and most long flights now have private cubicles or pods so no one is near you.
Travel Companion – If you travel with someone you know does not have covid you will occupy both seats in a two seat configuration. There is nothing worse than being trapped in a window seat beside a stranger who is hacking and coughing his way through a flight. If travelling economy where only 3 seats abreast are available, book the window and aisle, as airlines will book the seat between you only on a full flight, and the person with the middle seat gladly change for aisle or window.
Airline – Business class on most major airlines have wide seats two abreast. On longer routes many have pods or cubicles where you are not seated nest to anyone. Even adjacent pods have dividing separators for privacy. I have flown on most of the world's major airlines, and would rank Singapore Airlines well ahead of the pack, gradually going down to Delta who earned last place, both for comfort and covid protection. If flying Air Canada be cautions – they operate two services. Avoid flying Air Canada Rouge – they use old equipment, are not as good on covid space or comfort.
Wheel Chairs – The service is free and available around the world. My knees and ankles are pretty shot after a hard life. I can walk, but it is painful over longer distances. There is no need to prove disability and there is no charge for the service. A wheel chair can be arranged by asking the agent as you check in - it will be waiting at your destination. The people who push wheel chairs have often been at it for years and know routes inside the airport not available to others, and know the staff in all departments They are usually free to set their own schedule so are not rushed. On occasion I've been pushed to rental car areas, or to different terminals some distance away. I vary the tip depending on the service there is no set amount. For covid protection it often keeps your out of the crowded areas.
I hope you can take advantage of some travel and that these tips help.
) or destinations where personal hygiene is a high cultural priority (Tokyo). Warm weather helps. Places with a lot of outdoor restaurants help.
Travel Insurance Excluding CLL
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for UK residents with CLL
