Resources

A Special Needs Pre-Flight checklist: 16 things you need to do before heading to the airport

Planning a trip with a child who has special needs can be a very daunting task. Where do you even start? In part two of the Special Needs Air Travel Series we focus on your pre-flight checklist. Here are 16 things that should be on your to-do list before you head to the airport.

Booking Your Tickets

When booking your tickets there are a number of items you should keep in mind: 1. Stopover or Direct Flight? If you are taking a longer trip you may want to consider bgooking a flight with a stopover. This may be particularly helpful for children who have difficulty sitting for an extended period of time. Many airlines will gate check your items straight through to your final destination,  so if you do decide to stop (especially if you are flying internationally) make sure to inform a gate agent prior to departure that you will need your stroller, wheelchair, medical devices etc. during the layover. (See this FlyerTalk Thread for more info). 2. Best time of day to travel Timing can be very important. Try and book flights when your child is generally the most relaxed and able to handle a change in routine. For a number of children this may be in the morning when they are not tired and overwhelmed from a long day. An additional advantage to morning flights is there are generally less delays. Delays tend to ripple through the system throughout the day leaving backlogged air traffic during the late afternoon and evening. 3. Choose your airline wisely Some airlines are better than others when it comes to accommodating individuals with special needs.  When flying in the U.S all airlines are bound by the Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel Law.  However some airlines do better than others when it comes to accommodating individuals with special needs. No airlines offer crayons and wings anymore but try and find out if there is an airline whose flight attendants are extra accommodating. 4. What seat is best for your child? It may seem trivial but this could be a game changer. Aisles may not be ideal if your child is active. They may be bumped by beverage carts or constantly brushed against by passerby.  On the other hand window seats may have a claustrophobic feel.  You know your child best. Take the time to think about your seating arrangements. Another thing to consider is that not every seat on a plane is equal. Some seats on some planes don’t recline or have limited legroom. While other seats such as bulkhead seats have plenty of room.  Head over to www.seatguru.comwhere they tell you where the best seat on the plane are. Some airlines will charge money for the better seats (Delta charges $9 for emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats) but it may be worth the extra few dollars.

Medical Preparation

1. Travel Prescriptions Ask your pediatrician if there are any natural supplements or medications he or she could prescribe to relax your child and make the flight easier 2. A Letter From A Doctor Ask your doctor for a letter describing your child’s condition especially if your child has an “invisible condition such as Autism or Tourette Syndrome. Additionally a doctor’s letter is a great reinforcer when asking for special accommodations such as an upgrade or change of seats. 3. Medications and Medical Records Gather your child’s medications and a copy of his or her medical records. Make sure you have enough refills for the length of trip.

This above post is part of a nine part series on disability travel. Here are the other posts in this series.

1. 7 Travel Agencies for special needs travel 2. A Special Needs Pre-Flight checklist 3. 32 Vacation Destinations for Individuals with Special Needs 4. Packing For The Plane 5. A Special Needs Guide To Airports 6. Do You Have Your Access Pass Yet? 7. 70+ Tips and Tricks for Special Needs Road Trips 8. Your Rights as an Air Travelers with a Disability 9. Airplane Travel: 5 Books to help prepare your special needs child