Aa
Travel tips
Some of us have just finished holiday travel, and one of our members was heading off for 50 days of world travel last May and uses the nickname "Milesy"! So perhaps this would be a good time to pool our collective wisdom about travel tips for those with MS or in LimboLand.
What worked well for you? What would you do differently next time? Do you tip airport wheelchair pushers? Any tips specific to particular airlines or modes of travel (train, plane, bus, taxi, cruise ship)?
Milesy already started a thread about traveling with Copaxone (and keeping it cool): http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/530785. Let's keep this thread about other travel issues.
What worked well for you? What would you do differently next time? Do you tip airport wheelchair pushers? Any tips specific to particular airlines or modes of travel (train, plane, bus, taxi, cruise ship)?
Milesy already started a thread about traveling with Copaxone (and keeping it cool): http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/530785. Let's keep this thread about other travel issues.
a couple things that may help.
since i have been in m y w/c (manual)i have travel unacompanied twice and i can not self propell but a few yards.
Who ever has taken me to my airport can ask for a visisting pass through the security.
I also get an extra temporay parking placard(the DMV usually veyr accomdtaed when i explaing the situation) and then I sent in the mail to my sister so when she gets to the airport she can park close. With luggage then it is close to make trips to the car.
She also was able to get a visitor pass for security to meet me at the gate.
I have been placed in the front row whenever i have travellled(with ir without companion). SOmetimtes the lavatories for coach are at the back.
The flight attendants are always very accomadating and using whatever one open.
I have sometimes even told them of my inconnntientcne and they are always so kind, and hold the line and hhelp he to the lavatory.
Being the fisrt on, last off has it's bonus... no stress and relaxing watching all the others in a mad dash!
amo
since i have been in m y w/c (manual)i have travel unacompanied twice and i can not self propell but a few yards.
Who ever has taken me to my airport can ask for a visisting pass through the security.
I also get an extra temporay parking placard(the DMV usually veyr accomdtaed when i explaing the situation) and then I sent in the mail to my sister so when she gets to the airport she can park close. With luggage then it is close to make trips to the car.
She also was able to get a visitor pass for security to meet me at the gate.
I have been placed in the front row whenever i have travellled(with ir without companion). SOmetimtes the lavatories for coach are at the back.
The flight attendants are always very accomadating and using whatever one open.
I have sometimes even told them of my inconnntientcne and they are always so kind, and hold the line and hhelp he to the lavatory.
Being the fisrt on, last off has it's bonus... no stress and relaxing watching all the others in a mad dash!
amo
Thanks so much for this post. You've provided lots of very valuable suggestions.
I agree---Why waste energy walking through airports if this is an issue for you. That's what the special services are for, after all. And tipping does have to be figured into this, it's just a fact of life.
I have some comments regarding the extra stress we have when traveling. It's just too hard for me to hoist a carry-on bag up into the overhead compartments on planes. There's always some young and healthy-looking man nearby, thank heavens, so I have to rely on the courtesy of others. Once I admitted that to myself I felt more free to do things.
Also, I have to combine my handbag and carry-on bag. That just makes things easier to manage when I also have a heavy, wheeled suitcase to deal with. Otherwise I just get too tired and worn out before I even get where I'm going.
As one who has taken two trips to Europe alone in the past couple of years,, I've had to recognize that I can't just schlepp myself and my stuff quickly anymore. I can't walk through long subway interchanges, and I can't keep going hour after hour. The net net of trying to function as I used to was that when I got home I was totally exhausted for at least 2 weeks. It didn't help that my sleep issues were at an all time high, either. I'm mourning my past independence, since I know I can't try that again.
Things are so expensive that I'm not tempted to try at this point, so it's not an issue now. If that changes, though, I'll have to make it a cruise or a package tour where I don't have to deal with luggage so much, and where the logistics are all taken care of. I'll just have to figure in lots of money for cabs and tips and so on. If money is short, which it sure is right now, then I'll have to stay put. At least I have traveled a huge amount in my life, to many countries, and I can make myself content with that.
ess
I agree---Why waste energy walking through airports if this is an issue for you. That's what the special services are for, after all. And tipping does have to be figured into this, it's just a fact of life.
I have some comments regarding the extra stress we have when traveling. It's just too hard for me to hoist a carry-on bag up into the overhead compartments on planes. There's always some young and healthy-looking man nearby, thank heavens, so I have to rely on the courtesy of others. Once I admitted that to myself I felt more free to do things.
Also, I have to combine my handbag and carry-on bag. That just makes things easier to manage when I also have a heavy, wheeled suitcase to deal with. Otherwise I just get too tired and worn out before I even get where I'm going.
As one who has taken two trips to Europe alone in the past couple of years,, I've had to recognize that I can't just schlepp myself and my stuff quickly anymore. I can't walk through long subway interchanges, and I can't keep going hour after hour. The net net of trying to function as I used to was that when I got home I was totally exhausted for at least 2 weeks. It didn't help that my sleep issues were at an all time high, either. I'm mourning my past independence, since I know I can't try that again.
Things are so expensive that I'm not tempted to try at this point, so it's not an issue now. If that changes, though, I'll have to make it a cruise or a package tour where I don't have to deal with luggage so much, and where the logistics are all taken care of. I'll just have to figure in lots of money for cabs and tips and so on. If money is short, which it sure is right now, then I'll have to stay put. At least I have traveled a huge amount in my life, to many countries, and I can make myself content with that.
ess
I recently traveled to Mexico and am so happy that I decided to bring my cane just as were walking out the door. In a moment of vanity I decided to leave it in the car after we parked at the airport and when my husband realized I didn't have it, he insisted that we get back on the shuttle and go all the way back to the car to get it. Moral of the story, take your cane even if you don't think you'll need or want it - Take it.
Traveling in different countries you'll see that the people and government have a different set of priorities for people with health issues or physical disabilities. For example, when we went on a group tour that included a long bus ride, there are no reserved seats. When we got on, the people sitting in the front seats wouldn't budge or even offer at least one of the seats for me to sit in. I ended up having to sit with the tour guide. Suggestion, make seating arrangements when you schedule your excursions.
Wheelchairs - Again, I didn't want to look like a weakling when we went on this tour, and the guide did ask if I would need a wheelchair when we went to visit the site, but no said. I could walk. Big mistake. I only got to the second stop on the walking tour and I was done. I missed so much because I didn't want to be in the "chair". Take the wheelchair like Octane said.
This is my 2 cent worth. I look forward to seeing what others come up with too.
Julie
Traveling in different countries you'll see that the people and government have a different set of priorities for people with health issues or physical disabilities. For example, when we went on a group tour that included a long bus ride, there are no reserved seats. When we got on, the people sitting in the front seats wouldn't budge or even offer at least one of the seats for me to sit in. I ended up having to sit with the tour guide. Suggestion, make seating arrangements when you schedule your excursions.
Wheelchairs - Again, I didn't want to look like a weakling when we went on this tour, and the guide did ask if I would need a wheelchair when we went to visit the site, but no said. I could walk. Big mistake. I only got to the second stop on the walking tour and I was done. I missed so much because I didn't want to be in the "chair". Take the wheelchair like Octane said.
This is my 2 cent worth. I look forward to seeing what others come up with too.
Julie
My round trip involved two full days in airports and on planes. Each way took 8 hours of air travel with one layover. This was my first trip since my positive MRI and other validation of my status in LimboLand, and my wonderful therapist recommended that I request wheelchair accommodations from the airline. I felt sheepish about it but was really glad I followed her advice for reasons listed below. First, the details of how it's done.
Being in the USA, I requested accommodations when I purchased the airline tickets. I missed that part of the online purchase, but phoned the airline and they set it up kindly. Then the boarding pass had the code "WCH" for "wheelchair", which arrived either at curbside or at the check-in desk.
The wheelchair assistant is an employee of the airport, not the airline, and gets paid less than other employees because a tip is expected. Other wheelchair travelers told me that a standard tip is $10. The tip happens when they leave you at the gate. I feel like kicking myself because I didn't know this and didn't tip the first assistant!
The first big advantage is bypassing the security queue. The assistant handles the bins for the X-ray machine, and you'll be asked if you can walk through the metal detector. You can use the guard's arm for support, but not the sides of the metal detector.
Transportation Security Admin (TSA) regulations are very accommodating for disabled travelers. In addition to the quart-sized Ziploc bag of liquid and gel toiletries every passenger can take, you can also take the following:
-- prescription or over-the-counter liquid or gel medications such as for dry mouth, up to 4 ounces each, in quart-sized Ziploc bags (no limit on number of bags). YOU MUST DECLARE THIS. (You can take larger volumes of these in your checked luggage.)
-- daily dose containers of your prescriptions. If they are solid (pills, capsules), they can stay in your carry-on bags. In other words, you don't need to declare these or bring the entire prescription bottles unless they are liquids. (For liquids, TSA wants to see the prescription labels and match the patient name to your boarding pass.)
-- assistive devices, such as canes or walkers. These don't count against you as a carry-on item. (You can still have your bag and one other personal item.)
Once past security, you'll be taken to the gate and put in the "Priority Boarding" location. Ask if you also need a special sleeve for your boarding pass. Southwest Airlines, for example, uses a blue plastic sleeve for priority boarding. Even if you don't use the wheelchair, you can request that blue sleeve for priority boarding.
Once boarding begins, you'll be among the first to go aboard, and a flight attendant will help you put things overhead if you want.
After landing, you may be asked to wait until others have left the plane, so that the wheelchair in the boarding ramp doesn't slow everyone down. The assistant will check for your connecting flight (if any) and get you to that gate. Time for another tip!
Why use these services if you don't normally use a wheelchair?
I currently walk fine, though after about ten minutes one leg starts to have electrical storms and gets clumsy. And on dizzy days I use a cane. I felt as if using the wheelchair would be malingering, but my therapist set me straight.
She pointed out that travel is stressful for everyone, and that with MS, stress can worsen symptoms the following day or two. Why spend a couple of days recovering from the travel when you could be enjoying the people and places you're traveling to see? That made sense to me.
What specific stresses can you avoid this way?
1. Standing in line for security.
2. Lifting the X-ray bins from the pile to the conveyor belt.
3. Walking a long way to the gate.
4. Carrying your bags from the gate waiting area to the rest room, and don't we visit that rest room a lot? The wheelchair serves as a walker and bag carrier if you're traveling alone and can't leave your bags at the gate.
5. Waiting in line to board.
6. Waiting on board for a seat.
7. Rushing from one gate or concourse to another to catch a connecting flight.
Plus, I got to meet some very nice people and had great conversations when normally I prefer to keep to myself in airports. The wheelchair was a good ice-breaker, though when I wanted to get lost in my book, people let me. There was no pity party and I didn't notice any staring. One woman even approached me and another wheeler and said she was getting some coffee and would we like her to pick some up for us too? I didn't want any, but thanked her very much and found her quiet offer incredibly generous and thoughtful. I hope I get a chance to offer it to someone else sometime.
And one man seemed to be trying to fix me up with his son! (He asked if I was married and, when I said yes, stopped asking me so many questions.) So I guess the chair isn't necessarily a liability for dating. :-)
Being in the USA, I requested accommodations when I purchased the airline tickets. I missed that part of the online purchase, but phoned the airline and they set it up kindly. Then the boarding pass had the code "WCH" for "wheelchair", which arrived either at curbside or at the check-in desk.
The wheelchair assistant is an employee of the airport, not the airline, and gets paid less than other employees because a tip is expected. Other wheelchair travelers told me that a standard tip is $10. The tip happens when they leave you at the gate. I feel like kicking myself because I didn't know this and didn't tip the first assistant!
The first big advantage is bypassing the security queue. The assistant handles the bins for the X-ray machine, and you'll be asked if you can walk through the metal detector. You can use the guard's arm for support, but not the sides of the metal detector.
Transportation Security Admin (TSA) regulations are very accommodating for disabled travelers. In addition to the quart-sized Ziploc bag of liquid and gel toiletries every passenger can take, you can also take the following:
-- prescription or over-the-counter liquid or gel medications such as for dry mouth, up to 4 ounces each, in quart-sized Ziploc bags (no limit on number of bags). YOU MUST DECLARE THIS. (You can take larger volumes of these in your checked luggage.)
-- daily dose containers of your prescriptions. If they are solid (pills, capsules), they can stay in your carry-on bags. In other words, you don't need to declare these or bring the entire prescription bottles unless they are liquids. (For liquids, TSA wants to see the prescription labels and match the patient name to your boarding pass.)
-- assistive devices, such as canes or walkers. These don't count against you as a carry-on item. (You can still have your bag and one other personal item.)
Once past security, you'll be taken to the gate and put in the "Priority Boarding" location. Ask if you also need a special sleeve for your boarding pass. Southwest Airlines, for example, uses a blue plastic sleeve for priority boarding. Even if you don't use the wheelchair, you can request that blue sleeve for priority boarding.
Once boarding begins, you'll be among the first to go aboard, and a flight attendant will help you put things overhead if you want.
After landing, you may be asked to wait until others have left the plane, so that the wheelchair in the boarding ramp doesn't slow everyone down. The assistant will check for your connecting flight (if any) and get you to that gate. Time for another tip!
Why use these services if you don't normally use a wheelchair?
I currently walk fine, though after about ten minutes one leg starts to have electrical storms and gets clumsy. And on dizzy days I use a cane. I felt as if using the wheelchair would be malingering, but my therapist set me straight.
She pointed out that travel is stressful for everyone, and that with MS, stress can worsen symptoms the following day or two. Why spend a couple of days recovering from the travel when you could be enjoying the people and places you're traveling to see? That made sense to me.
What specific stresses can you avoid this way?
1. Standing in line for security.
2. Lifting the X-ray bins from the pile to the conveyor belt.
3. Walking a long way to the gate.
4. Carrying your bags from the gate waiting area to the rest room, and don't we visit that rest room a lot? The wheelchair serves as a walker and bag carrier if you're traveling alone and can't leave your bags at the gate.
5. Waiting in line to board.
6. Waiting on board for a seat.
7. Rushing from one gate or concourse to another to catch a connecting flight.
Plus, I got to meet some very nice people and had great conversations when normally I prefer to keep to myself in airports. The wheelchair was a good ice-breaker, though when I wanted to get lost in my book, people let me. There was no pity party and I didn't notice any staring. One woman even approached me and another wheeler and said she was getting some coffee and would we like her to pick some up for us too? I didn't want any, but thanked her very much and found her quiet offer incredibly generous and thoughtful. I hope I get a chance to offer it to someone else sometime.
And one man seemed to be trying to fix me up with his son! (He asked if I was married and, when I said yes, stopped asking me so many questions.) So I guess the chair isn't necessarily a liability for dating. :-)
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community
Top Neurology Answerers
Australia
ON
Queensland, Australia
Queen Creek, AZ
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
