Okay, well, maybe just flying tips in general? I have not flown in a commercial plane✈️ since 2000!! I'm going with my husband on a business trip 😀
Since I'm walking with a cane, and would probably make us late if I tried to walk across the entire airport (and then need a nap 😴🤣- it is the largest airport in the US! 😮) we are getting the... I don't know what it is called but the airline help where they meet you with a wheelchair and take you to your flight and wait for your flight with you, in case there is a last minute gate change 😬. And we will get priority boarding that way, so I don't have to worry about bumping into people and falling down.
But... should I get a folding cane to take on the plane? I have a lot of meds, and I've read that if you put them in your suitcase it will get stolen, so I was thinking I should take them in my backpack with me... is that true? I bought several 'MS Warrior' masks to wear in the airport and on the flight (I wear them out places that are germy here, and now that I'm sick, to the doctor's office). So much I don't know about flying, especially flying with MS!!
And what are your 'must have's' for flights🛫? It will only be a few hours, not a long flight.
I'm really looking forward to going, to my first time flying in 24 years!!😀I'd really appreciate all the tips and advice I can get!🙂🧡
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MSFlea
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The last time I flew, I almost missed my flight. Give yourself plenty of time.
As for meds, I kept insulin and needles in my purse, with extra in my carry on.
I boarded using my cane,which the attendant took and put it in the overheard storage.
Upon landing, a herd of wild buffalo was released to stampede up and down the aisle to grab their luggage. I waited in my seat and watched as my cane fell out of the overhead storage and clonked an especially ornery buffalo on her head.
It really improved her demeanor and she went on to become a saint.😂
A folding cane might be a good idea , just don't step on the base as you're walking-unless you like surprises.
I wonder if having the accessible-help-thingy (I really need to look it up and see what it is called! 🤣) will cover getting off first too... I will ask. If not I will do as you did and wait for all the buffalo🐃 to get off first 😂
We are getting there hours early, which I'm sure the wheelchair person will appreciate, having to stand around with us 🙂
I do wheelchair assistance every time I fly but they don’t help you get off the plane, so if you can wait, it is often best to let the herds off first!
That definitely sounds best! I don't want to get knocked into! Is the wheelchair assistance pretty easy? I'm just a little nervous about the airport since it is such a huge one!
wheelchair assist makes airport navigation very easy. Like someone else said, give yourself plenty of time because sometimes you do have to wait, but most airlines have a special wheelchair assist area near their departure check in! The assistant will usually make stops if you need to pick up a snack or go to the bathroom. As a Covid conscious person I would suggest snacking up before you make it to the airport as it is very difficult to find a safe space! Enjoy your trip! We need to not let our disability take things from our life!
I don't fly, so I'm not much help here, but I know that CDL truck drivers have to carry all prescription drugs in their original bottles. Might be wise to make sure you do the same. I'm with Falalalala, though, on keeping the meds with you at all times. I wouldn't worry about them being stolen as much as them just losing your luggage. Keep emergency supplies with you at all times, whatever you consider those to be.
That is what I read too, so that is what I'll do. It's going to be fun going through the the check with all my meds, but I'm sure they go through things like this on a daily basis... I definitely don't want to lose them, and I read to take a few days extra in case of delayed flights and getting stuck places... Hopefully that won't happen, but just in case, I think I'll take just a few days extra of everything. 🧡Thank you!
Definitely have your meds on your person, and make sure they fit under the seat in front of you so you can see them. You don't want them to get lost if your luggage gets lost, heaven forbid.
I don't travel much, but if you need pain meds, take them an hour before you get on the plane, because the airline seats are so cramped and uncomfortable.
It might be on the airlines website? I've had a flight attendant take a tote bag that had my wallet in it because it wouldn't fit under the seat. She was all, "Don't worry, it's right here," but you know, it was a little weird. 😊
I fly a lot. Get the wheelchair. If you're early they'll take you to your gate and will leave you until your flight boards, then they will come back and get you to the plane. I recommend being early because now almost everyone is getting a wheelchair, so it can get backed up.
I have taken flights to several areas and used the WC assist to and from the gate which is great. Upon Arrival and departure. Just called your Airline(Special Assistance) and booked this in advice and when you arrive they will notice on your ticketing and be ready to accommodate.
When it comes to medicine, I packed it in a backpack in a Ziploc bag. Also you can let them know ahead of time you will be traveling with medicine by calling Special Assistance. It will allow you an xtra bag if it’s only medicine or medical equipment packed in it.
Oh, I did not know that about it being called Special Assistance or being allowed an extra bag... hubby did the calling, I'll have to make a note to call tomorrow and check on that, thank you!🧡
Sorry to say that the usual procedure is for the buffalos to be let lose to deplane first. People with wheelchairs or needing assistance have to wait. I don't know if it is a long flight you are taking, but if it is you might want a seat not too far from the washrooms. It is good you are thinking of all the things to ensure everything goes well. I think you are going to really enjoy your first flying adventure in so many years!
I think you are correct about the buffalos 🐃🤣on departing the plane, I reread the page from my airline and that is what it said. But that is okay, I don't mind, as long as I don't get knocked over!
And thank you! I am excited to be getting on a plane again!😀🧡
Yes, your meds and/or medical equipment does not usually count toward your carry on item limit. It should state so on your airline’s website. Also, if needed, the airline usually has a special wheelchair that will fit down the aisle of the plane, different from the one that will be used to transport you to the gate. Again, check the website or confirm with your airline as it probably depends on the width of the aisle on a particular plane. Not sure you will need the cane since the aisles are so narrow unless you are flying on a wide-body plane. You can hold onto the top of the seats if you walk onto the plane. You will be getting on the plane first and off last so holding the seat won’t disturb anyone. I will add one more tip that I use every time I fly: for up to the minute flight info log onto flightaware.com (I use the free version) and you can track your flight, gate, etc. I always check “where is my plane now” which gives me an idea whether there will be any delays. It will tell you where your plane is coming from and whether it will be on time, etc. You still need to be at the airport for your scheduled time, but it helps to know what to expect! I see updates on the website before they are announced at the airport. You can check even before you leave home, or track the flight couple days ahead to see a history.
I flew in July for the first time since 2013 and I was terrified. It couldn’t have gone smoother. I need a wheelchair when I’m out of the house and we took mine along so we didn’t need to be met but we did get priority seating. The transfer of the chair to the airline and back was seamless. I took my meds in my carry on because I was worried about my checked bag getting lost. I had a jacket and a portable fan just in case. A neck pillow would be great to have, I didn’t take one and regretted it. A foldable cane might be a good idea, it’ll save space
I had myself so stressed about it and it was all unfounded. The airline staff was amazing and I learned a smile and a thank you go a long way.
Best of luck!! You’ll be fine!! Have a great trip!!
Thank you so much! Can I ask what airline you used?
I ordered the folding cane, so it will go in my backpack so I can have it as soon as I'm out of the wheelchair once we land. I'll have to pack everything in my backpack in advance to see what fits and if I can take a neck pillow, that is awesome advice! Thank you!🧡
We used American Airlines. My nephew travels extensively for work and that’s they only airline he uses. He made all the arrangements but there were other disabled passengers who were treated the same. I read way too many negative articles online and that also had me scared about dealing with other passengers. Everyone was considerate and polite.
Yes, MSFlea , bring your folding cane, your mask, and put your medications in your carry on. Don’t forget your sanitizer for your hands. Your cane will come in handy when you go to the washroom and navigate the airplane aisles. Your mask should be on at all times. I forget my mask the last time that I traveled and I got COVID and it ruined my vacation. Keep your medications with you because of the possibility of the airline losing your luggage.
Also, request wheelchair assistance. Always! You can request that ahead of time so that it will be there when you check in.
Oh, I didn't know I could bring hand sanitizer on the plane? I was going to bring sanitizing wipes, and hope that was good enough, I heard I could bring those. I will ask. So sorry to hear you got Covid last time! I bought an some extra masks to take, just in case.
Don’t forget to bring your handicap placard for the car. Also, if you’re wearing or packing a cooling vest or neckerchief, make sure they are completely frozen if you want them in your carry-on.
Oh, will the placard for my state work in other states? And I had not known you could take the cooling vest with you on the plane! Thank you for the tip!🧡
We should have the recording of our recent free webinar "Successful Travel with MS" archived and ready to view sometime soon this week on MSAA's website. Hopefully the tips in here should help! You'll be able to view it soon at:
hello MSFlea . Kudos on getting a wheelchair. I feel as though we definitely need them in the airport. I kept my medicine on me in their original container. I was always told to keep necessary objects on you in case your luggage gets lost which includes but is not limited to medicine, toothbrush, and a change of underwear. I have not had any problems. Good luck.
Thank you MSbeGone !! I'm more excited now than nervous, after getting that sorted! I had not thought about keeping other things like that on me as well... I am keeping important paperwork and such, of course. And taking two extra battery chargers for my phone, I know they have places to charge your phone, but you never know! Now to find a smaller wire to go from my backpack to my phone so it can charge while I'm carrying it, lol, all the cords I have are too long!
Was there anything you took with you in your carry on that you found super helpful?
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