Ever wonder, am I strong enough
to make it on a trip out of town?
In traveling nowadays, there are
overcrowded terminals, flight delays,
and security with which we
have to contend. There are ways
to make traveling easier and less
stressful for chronic pain patients.
My first suggestion is to pack
your medications in a carry-on
bag. If your luggage gets lost, you
won’t have to worry about where
or how to get your medications.
As travel terminals are hectic and
people are at a frantic pace, arriving
early so you can go at a slower,
more relaxed pace will make
the hassles of dealing with disabilities
manageable when traveling.
Your goal is to make it to
your destination on time, in a low
pain level and in a good mood.
When you decide to make a trip, it
is best to plan ahead. I use the internet
to get destination information.
I check out the floor plans
of the airports I am coming and
going from, and what types of
foods are available in the terminals.
I also request handicapped
services from the airline, bus depot,
car rental company, and hotel
all ahead of time. Before my
mother passed away a few years
ago, she was on oxygen and has
had a few troubles traveling because
of it. If you are on oxygen,
let the airline know 30 days prior
to travel or as soon as you know
that you will be flying. In-flight
oxygen needs to be prearranged,
and there is typically a charge.
Then call 24-48 hours prior to
your flight to confirm the oxygen
arrangements. At the airport, if
traveling alone, bring tip money.
I try to bring one-dollar bills and
tip a dollar for each bag that I am
assisted with, both when I am departing
and at my destination. I
also pay the person pushing my
wheelchair one to two dollars for
their assistance. I also have a
scooter, so I do not always have to
pay for the wheelchair assistance.
It is not mandatory to pay for
help; however, the person pushing
you often works for tips only or
tips with a low wage. Be sure to
let them know if you want to
make any stops to use the restroom
or purchase food while
they are assisting you. When they
bring you to your gate, ask to be
“parked” at the door or the start of
the line. Make sure that the airline
person sees you. If you sit off to
the side, they may miss you, and
you will not be able to take advantage
of pre-boarding. If you
need extra time and assistance,
you may have a problem.
Typically, the flight attendant or
ground crew comes over to me
and moves me up in the plane if I
have a seat towards the back, and
they ask me if I need any assistance
walking, or if I need an aisle
chair to get to my seat. I do not tip
the attendant who brings me down
the jet way. When I pre-board,
once on the plane, if I need to take
medication or I am nauseated, I
ask for a small glass of water. I
also board with the first group,
when they call for people who
need assistance. If they do give
you a small glass of water, they
must take it back before the plane
takes off; make sure you drink
what you need when they give it
to you.
Let them know while in flight if
you need assistance in using the
restroom or need blankets and pillows
for comfort. When you arrive
at your destination, stay in
your seat until your wheelchair
assistance has arrived. They typically
ask you to wait until the other
passengers unload so that you
do not hold them up or so that
they do not bump against you and
it may cause you further injury.
At baggage claim, if you are
alone, ask for an assistant to get
your luggage and to bring you
outside to meet your party.
Once you are in a place you do
not need assistance, give them
their tip and thank them, so they
may go help other travelers needing
assistance.
Internaonal Pain Foundaon—41