Flying with your Special Needs Child

There's not much that's more intimidating to a parent than the thought of a flight with children. Being trapped on an aircraft for hours with a screaming, inconsolable child is the definition of hell to me. It's not just the screaming. It's not just the hours. It's not just being trapped in a tiny seat with no legroom somewhere about the earth. Honestly, it's the eyes of the fellow passengers... annoyed, judging. The exasperated sighs. The silent, or not-so-silent, censure. 

For a special needs mom, the fear of judgment for poor behavior is compounded by fear of a medical episode so far from help. 

So, what is one to do? This mommy loves to travel at every opportunity and my child has the soul of an adventurer. Wanderlust is in our veins... if only our bank account could keep up! Here are my tips for air travel with a special needs child. As I've said before and will again, every child with every ability is different. I look forward to hearing your tips as well. 

1. Plan for the Airport

The airport is a place for you, as a special needs parent, to practice good manners and gentle advocacy. I truly feel that thoughtful interaction and a calm, friendly demeanor is key here (as it is so many places!). 

Your airport experience should begin before you ever arrive with a call to TSA Cares (1-855-787-2227). This office of TSA can smooth your journey in so many ways! They can arrange many things which might be helpful, such as an airport tour for a frightened child or an escort through security. Call about a week ahead with your flight details and discuss accommodations that might make your airport security experience more manageable. This is not a time to issue demands, but a time to describe your worries and your child's special needs. 

Once you are at the gate, it's important to introduce yourself to the gate attendant as soon as he/she arrives at the podium. I usually introduce myself and my child with a smile, tell them I'd like to gate check our wheelchair, and ask what I can do to help the boarding process and flight go smoothly. I've never had less than impeccable customer service, most times every associate goes above and beyond. Typically my daughter gains a crew of new buddies in this way. We are always asked to board first which is a standard courtesy on airlines. Try to connect with your flight attendants during early boarding too, even with just a smile and a sincere greeting. 

2. Pack for the Immediate

Your carry-on luggage can make or break your trip in so many ways. You'll want to pack lightly but thoroughly, which is no easy task. I recommend packing all of your medications, one change of clothes for adults, at least one change of clothes for children, diapers, wipes, formula or special foods, snacks, lovies/comfort items, entertainment items (electronics and small toys). 

I pack my carry-on luggage just like a theme park day-bag, so for more tips check here. 

3. Special Considerations

Prescription Copies

I recommend bringing printed copies of your prescriptions (if you have them). Pharmacies aren't able to refill drugs across state lines without an actual paper prescription. This shouldn't be an issue if you make sure you have adequate medicine on hand. I usually travel with several extra days in supply, just in case we are delayed. 

Medical Binder

If you have a medical binder or electronic medical records, I recommend traveling with those. Should your child need medical care far from home, you will want hospital staff to have as much relevant information as possible. I suggest typing up a one-page sheet of the most pertinent information, a summary of diagnoses, medications, list of doctors with phone numbers, prior surgeries, etc. Print one copy for the front of your medical binder. Print a few extra copies for your purse, stroller bag, wherever makes sense. 

Emergency Info

Get an extra set of luggage tags for your wheelchair and for your carseat and label the tag EMERGENCY INFO. Inside, you should print the essentials: your child's name, age, primary diagnoses, blood type, meds primary physician and phone number, and emergency contact phone numbers (include people other than yourself, spouse, and fellow travelers). 

Documents

Let's take the time here to briefly mention those pesky life and death documents. If you do not have a will (including special needs trust, living will, and power of attorney), get to a lawyer's office and get this done! I travel with copies of the living will and power of attorney. 

Hospital Locations​

When my daughter was younger and so much more fragile, I would find the name, address, and number for the nearest children's hospital, as well as the nearest emergency room to our destination. As she has gotten older and more stable, I merely look up the closest ER and the nearest fairly large hospital. When in a large metropolitan area (like our recent trip to D.C.), I just confirm the closest emergency room to our AirBNB or hotel and assume we will find good care in the city. 

In order to recall this information in a hurry, save the hospital info in your contacts under favorites and print a copy for the front of your medical binder. 

What are your tips for air travel? What have been some of your best (or worst) travel experiences?