Advice please for flying

[Louisepenygraig]

On Tuesday we're flying off to visit our daughter and grandson in Jersey City. Last time we went was a Christmas just over 2 years ago and my husband and I flew separately. He likes to get the cheapest ticket, I like to go the shortest route, we both enjoy travelling solo and it saves arguing over who gets the window seat 😀

This time is so different though. I'm really apprehensive about it even though I won't be by myself. I had found that the worry about the journey was slowly giving way to the excitement of seeing my daughter and a feeling that, although I'd get tired, I'd cope. Yesterday though I was out visiting friends for an hour or so then had to call in at the chemist for my prescription on the way home. I was doing fine as I parked in Conwy but when I got to the chemist it was quite busy and after waiting a while I found the prescription hadn't been made up. Took a short walk to a shop to buy something and didn't have to wait too long when I got back. But they only had half the stuff I needed ☹

Luckily there's another pharmacy in town so I went up there and they did have the rest but I had to wait another half hour. By now it's 5.30 and I am exhausted! When I got home I went straight to bed and stayed there! This has reignited my worries about travelling.

On Monday we're getting the train to Manchester Airport (2 hours) and staying overnight in an airport hotel

Tuesday morning we're getting an 8.00 am flight to Dublin. Once there we've got about 4 hours before a 7 hour flight to Newark. I'm hoping I'll be able to get a reasonable rest in Dublin at least. I've booked wheelchair assistance - I hate the idea, I'm so used to travelling light and feeling free and easy and being in control. When I'm tired sitting down isn't enough. I need to put my feet up and lie back which, of course just isn't possible on a plane.

Once I'm there, of course, I'll be able to rest as much as I like

Does any one have any good tips for making the journey more bearable?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You seem to have done the main stuff that is possible - wheelchair assistance and not travelling to the airport immediately before the flight. I can only wish you all the best - because my personal dread would be a flight with a 4 hour stopover!!! At least the wheelchair assistance does at least guarantee you a seat - which is a good start.

[Louisepenygraig in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I always prefer to fly direct if I can but since United took over Continental the number of direct Manchester to Newark flights has plummeted. At least Dublin is in the right direction! Newark is only 20 minutes by car from my daughter's house so it's not too bad once we get there and I can go straight to bed!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As you’ve said you’ve got airport assistance - good! I felt like you first time, a bit of a fraud, but now it’s a given - due to arthritic knees! It really does make a difference especially if you’re going solo!

You can also get assistance on the trains as well, I know hubby will be with you, but it still takes the stress off YOU.

Just make sure you’ve got everything sorted - medication etc in hand luggage and a few extra Pred to take if you need a boost. Travelling is stressful enough for the able-bodied, throw in an illness and it’s a real drag!

No harm in asking if there’s any chance of an upgrade when you get to airport - nothing ventured, nothing gained! Seven hours is a long time!

But most of all, enjoy yourself when you get there.

[Louisepenygraig in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. You and PMRpro are stars! I know in my heart of hearts there's not much that anyone can do but it helps just to share worries with people who understand. When I talk to my husband he just tells me I'll be fine - I know he means this to be encouraging really but it doesn't feel like It! I might look into an upgrade for coming home when it will be overnight.

[Hidden]

Hi

My friend gets assistance on trains now & it’s amazing, so add that to your journey.

I always take some extra Pred when flying especially to the States where they are behind us time wise, just so you cover yourself for the longer day.

I had Wheelchair Assistance for a couple of years, it’s not much fun but it helps & you do get on the plane first.

Try not to stress yourself & look forward to seeing your daughter.

Best Wishes

Mrs N 💅🏼

PS I will only do a direct flight now, even if it means travelling down to Heathrow & staying the night before, which is what we did this time.

[Louisepenygraig in reply to Hidden]

I hadn't thought of taking extra pred to cope with time difference. I'm on 13 now having gone down to 11 and found it a step too far. Since they're 5 hours beind I'm wondering if it would be helpful to take a bit extra somewhere in the middle while my body adjusts maybe? I might consider Heathrow next time, if i still have PMR then, as there is a much better choice of flights. That's a good suggestion

[Hidden in reply to Louisepenygraig]

It’s well worth doing, increasing the Pred & Heathrow!

It’ll give you an extra boost to get through Security & having assistance makes it much quicker & once you’re in that departure lounge you can relax! Take Care & Enjoy x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Louisepenygraig]

That's probably what most of us do for the long day way. Sometimes I take proportionally more in the morning and sometimes I take the extra bit after about 20 hours. Then I continue taking my pred as the usual time - not as some people suggest for medications at UK time.

OTOH - Heathrow airport assistance is said by many to be pants... I'm biased - I detest HR!I'd probably suggest to OH the overnight was at Dublin.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Compared to Singapore, Malaga, Christchurch & Auckland, Manchester and Southampton- LHR IS pants!

I could say it’s the attitude of British workforce, but that’s not the case, perhaps it’s the attitude of the British bosses! Or maybe just London!

Apologies to all Londoners on here!

[Louisepenygraig in reply to PMRpro]

Last time we went I flew direct to Newark while my husband went via Shannon and stayed overnight because it was a lot cheaper that way and he likes saving money. He reckoned it worked really well. Somehow we managed so we both needed to be at Manchester at the same time going and arrived back about the same time too, I just got an extra day at each end!

[HeronNS in reply to Louisepenygraig]

Have you read The Meaning of Liff by Douglas Adams? It's a book where definitions are given to place names. Heathrow is described as a place under an ancient curse. It used to be possible to fly to Glasgow (from Halifax, Nova Scotia), and I always preferred that, so much more relaxing. We used to get on a train and snooze on our way to the relatives so that helped too.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Louise

Another thought crossed my mind, if you go via Dublin again have you thought of taking the Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, (l noted you live in Conwy) staying overnight at the airport then starting your flight fresh the following day.

Also did you know you can clear US Customs & Immigration in Dublin? Link below, we’re planning to do that next year when going to visit friends.

dublinairport.com/at-the-ai...

Good Luck 🍀

Angela x

[Louisepenygraig in reply to Hidden]

My husband flew via Shannon once and used Ryanair to get there from Manchester but I hadn't thought of the ferry. My first thought was that it might be expensive but there are often special deals for train plus ferry. The other possible downside would be the risk of it being cancelled in bad weather. I'll definitely look into it for next time. It would be lovely to start with a sea trip.

[venezia1]

In my experience airpkrt assistance is brilliant - once you get over yourself for needing it, it makes you feel like a queen!

I would rather walk and swim than go anywhere via Heathrow, but good luck anyway - it'll all be forgotten once you're there with your family. My son lives in New Jersey having moved from Brooklyn, so I'm assuming it will be a slightly longer flight when I go in Sept/Oct.

[Louisepenygraig in reply to venezia1]

The difference between flying to JFK or Newark is minimal but I suppose it depends where abouts in New Jersey he lives

[Hidden]

I would be travelling with double the amount of pred just in case. I am ultra cautious with my meds and always travel with enough to cover emergencies and an extra few days (i take insulin too so have to be vigilant).

Compression socks and a pillow of some kind. I would also be popping a sleeping pill for the flight but that's just me. I Don't care about the drooling and snoring.

The main thing is...have a lovely time!✈✈✈

[Leilagirl]

Try not to worry to much. Have fun with your daughter. Rest when you can. Safe travels!

[Sandy1947]

Rest, relax, listen to the experts and welcome from a Jersey girl!

[Telian]

Seems you've got it all worked out and with the advice already given you're left with the anxiety of the journey, all of which is heightened when on Pred - try not to let the thinking time ruin your trip - keep thinking nice thoughts and you're nearly there. Have a great time with your daughter...

[yogabonnie]

too late for this now.. but a tip to all .. Icelandic Air. the 3 hour hop to Iceland (wonderful small terminal) usually an hour layover .. and a 5-6 hour hop to USA.. It was what we are doing to Sweden. And works out beautifully every time. And catch cat naps if you can on the plane. It always seems uneasy sleep but it is a bit of sleep. Good luck.! and When you land and get into bed to sleep sleep sleep think of me taking off to go the other way on Wed!

[Rosedail in reply to yogabonnie]

Just a little aside: That’s good to know! I fly that way to Norway and back from Sweden in May.

[Louisepenygraig]

That's another good idea. I've never been to Iceland and I will think of you

[yogabonnie]

and a MUST to compression socks. Think of them as wearing a seat belt for blood clots. YOU don't need an unnecessary blood clot!

[Rosedail]

Couple thoughts: Be sure to ask your daughter to park the car in short term parking and come in to meet you at the luggage trolley to help you with luggage. A “drive by” sidewalk pick up at airports is the new norm in the USA and I find it a bit nerve wracking even when I’m able bodied. Consider wearing pressure socks or the flight from Dublin to Newark. Travel as lightly as possible...but I suspect Europeans do that as a matter of course relative to those of us in the USA. On the trip home consider mailing anything heavy or bulky...just to avoid hassle with customs. And of course treat yourself to good lightweight book😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosedail]

Airport assistance takes you to the pickup area...

[Louisepenygraig]

Hi Thanks every one for all your advice. Today is the day we set off for the airport. There was a thin sprinkling of snow when we woke up but it's all gone now. I'm looking forward to the journey now. Once I've actually started I think I tend to go into to a sort of switched off automatic, go with the flow sort of mode as there's nothing one can do anyway! Once I'd actually accepted that asking for airport assistance was a good idea that was ok and I'm looking forward to that - I can use a self image of being treated like a queen (as someone mentioned for that) which is OK. The biggest problem was having to let go of my self image of someone much younger with a 'have back pack, will travel' attitude!! I do enjoy the sense of freedom I feel travelling by myself.

I'll let you know how I get on.