Traveling with a disability or injury is hard. Simple things like queuing, finding an elevator, or even finding a ramp can leave you frustrated. To make your trip easier, below are some tips on how to travel with an injury or disability.
Check with Your Doctor
Before traveling, ensure that you check in with your doctor so they can tell you if you can travel. This will help ensure that your injury or disability does not flare up and that you do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.
If they approve you for travel, ask them for enough medication to last the whole trip as you might not find the drugs you need at your destination.
Plan Everything Beforehand
When planning for your trip, start by researching any hospitals at your destination that can handle your case in case something goes wrong. Write this information plus any emergency contacts on a card that you carry so you can get help if you need it. This card should also have all the medications you are taking, your doctor’s number, as well as any allergies you might have.
Next, get all your medications together. Use a carryon bag for your medications. Also, carry your prescription bottles in case of lost baggage or any other inconveniences.
At the Airport
You should arrive at the airport early. There will be some delays as you find assistance or even a flight that can accommodate your unique needs. Next, ask the airline to provide the right wheelchair for your specific needs if required. Some airports also arrange for wheelchairs at connection points and your destination so you have no problem moving around.
If you have your own wheelchair with you, it will be checked. This is another reason why you need to get to the airport early. If they take your wheelchair for checks, tell them to provide you with one and request that they give yours back once you are in the waiting area.
At the Departure
At the departure gate, you should tell the agent that you have an injury or are disabled. If you were not on the early boarding class, letting the airline know about your injury or disability will get you into one. This will ensure that our boarding process is less stressful and that you get situated in the plane before other passengers start boarding.
About the Accommodation
You should check that the hotel or apartment you will be staying at is accessible. This is especially important if you have a wheelchair. Most of them have this listed on their websites but if they do not, you could ask at the front desk and they will tell you.
Also, tell them if you need anything else, like an extra pillow or an icepack.
Be Polite
When traveling with a disability or injury, you will likely ask for help from a lot of people. Because of this, you should be polite to them. Studies have shown that being polite increases the chances of people helping you out.
Use a Checklist
If you travel often, it would be a good idea to make a checklist of everything you need as you already have the experience. Also, make note of the amount of time it takes to do certain things like getting through security. Doing this ensures that you have no problem traveling the next time.
Traveling with an injury or disability can be very challenging. That said, with the right arrangements and preparations, it can be done. Just ensure that you do your research on how to make the trip a lot better. Also, check with your doctor, carry your medication, check with the airline and check that the hotel or apartment you will be staying at is wheelchair-accessible.