Hello everyone,
I will be traveling for the very first time overseas; it has been 18 months since my stroke so I am hoping I can get some guidance from others that have done it.
My doctor gave me the clearance letter but I am after advice re: carrying a wheelchair with a powerpack battery, medications for 2 months (carry on or, checking luggage?), and everything else that is a must during a long overhaul trip.
Thanks guys.
Nigel
Hi @Nigel1228
I guess your gains in ability have been ongoing? I expect I’m not alone to wonder how you met the challenges of your first floor flat? If you’ve some lessons to share I’m sure there are those here who would benefit
There have been a few posts on travelling. You’re best off using the magnifying glass above. The common-est advice is to ask for assistance at the time of booking your travel. Others report very helpful services as a result.
I think the bulk of others experience is that meds in hand luggage is a must although if you’re going for protracted duration maybe half and half would be more sensible. You’ll definitely have to ask the carriers about batteries because if they’re lithium based there will be restrictions potentially a ban and then you’d want to arrange hire of some/ a chair? at the destination.
Have a great trip
Caio
Simon
SIG
Hi Nigel We have travelled abroad several times since my stroke and I would definitely recommend booking Special Assistance, whuch we have found to be very helpful. I travel with a mobility scooter and the Lithium battery has to be placed in our hand luggage as you board the plane and does not go into the hold.
We always spilt my medication between our case and hand luggage.
The appropriate travel insurance is also a must and we usually use a price comparison website and that way you can adapt your policy to suit your needs, at a price you can afford.
Have a great holiday.
Regards Sue
@Nigel1228 hope your trip abroad goes well.
Medication should go in your hand luggage in original packaging and i would advise taking a copy of your prescription too. If you put it in your case and it goes walkabouts youll have no meds & loads of added stress trying to sort it out.
Definitely use assistance which you can book with your holiday company or direct with airport. You’ll also need to let them know about your wheelchair & power pack. Assistance will help with avoiding long queues etc.
Some people wear compression stockings when flying but check with your GP about these as they’re not suitable for everyone. 8 was advised to keep my feet & legs moving, get up and move if you can.
The right travel insurance is a must but above all have a great time.
Ann
Hi, Nigel
went 2 Kos for 14 days 2 yrs after stroke. Had insurance. Checked in one set of meds / took 1 backup set in hand luggage ; just in case they lost our bag. They didn’t & we had everything we needed (a lot)
g.luck, Roland
Like previous replies, I always carry my meds in my hand luggage. I decant them into daily units rather than the original packaging, as it takes up less space (I always include a list of medication).
If you have a smart phone, keep everything you need for travel (boarding pass, Travel insurance, airport app, wheelchair/battery details etc) in a folder on your home screen for easy access.
Special Assistance at the airport needs to be requested in advance with the airline.
I have always been asked to provide my mobility scooter details in advance as well, but usually get the ‘third degree’ when I get to the airport too. Keep details of your chair/battery with you so they can get all information from you. The battery goes onto the plane with you in your hand luggage.
Some countries are very ‘sniffy’ about Lithium batteries on transfer buses at the airport. Check local rules and be prepared to get a taxi.
Have a lovely time!!