When you're traveling with your disabled or elderly loved ones, the key is to plan ahead--and not just the day before you fly. There are several logistical and emergency back-up plans that are best researched in advance, outlined below:

• Do your homework. Check out which types of airplanes you will be taking. Some planes (especially small ones that don’t use a jetway and may not have a lift) don’t have easy access for wheelchair passengers. Most airlines and online travel websites only book an hour-long layover for connections. Make sure to book a flight that has at least 1.5 to 2 hours between connections, since you are often the last to get off the plane and may need extra transit time within the airport when you're traveling with an elderly or disabled person. Check airport websites prior to traveling for the layout of the gates, as some require you to take buses between terminals. Stairs may also be difficult for your loved ones, so double check during your flight by having a flight attendant communicate ahead to ground support regarding any assistance you may need once you land.


• In-flight care. For medical assistance onboard the plane, you may want to contact the airline regarding the medical equipment they carry (apart from just the standard first aid kit). Some airlines now have medical diagnostic services that can be transmitted from a patient down to an expert on the ground, or may have an external defibrillator for emergencies.

• Providing for cuddly caretakers. If you are traveling with a guide dog (or “service dog”), make sure to have copies of their medical or health certificates from a veterinarian on the day of the flight. Airlines are not allowed to put restrictions on the number of service dogs in any given flight, but most do require a copy of vaccination records, etc.


• Hiring additional help. If you are not comfortable attending to your loved ones' needs for a long flight, you may want to consider bringing along an expert medical attendant. Some airlines may even require it, depending on the severity of your loved ones' medical condition. Be sure to check with the airline prior to booking your flight

For more tips and helpful resources, check out:

• flying-with-disability.org
• MarketWatch.com article on In-Air Health Care
• Federal Aviation Association pet page.

Cheers,

Sheila