I have been through so many airports throughout my life and have learned a lot due to trial and error. Today, I want to share my top 3 airport tips that have made my travels much smoother and less stressful. Let’s deep dive into it!
Medical Equipment Flies Free
Did you see the italic word in the heading?! When I first found out that medical equipment flies free, I was so happy and extremely grateful; partly because I travel with so much. Feeding tubes, supplies for said tubes, etc, including things that can’t be carried on the plane.
You can check this medical equipment in as regular luggage at no additional charge. However, it has to have medical equipment only inside. No articles of clothing or anything of that sort can be in the same bag. If it is, one will be charged for it. They may also ask you to open the luggage with the equipment to verify you don’t have anything else in it. When I went to check my equipment in with American Airlines a few weeks ago, they made me unzip the bag and looked in it. So just be prepared for the agents to ask you to do the same.
Ask to Pre-Board
If you are unable to transfer and feel uncomfortable using the isle chair the airlines provide, or if you need extra leg room due to muscle spasms like I do, ask to pre-board! Pre-boarding is for wheelchair users or other individuals who cannot sit in other rows besides the first few in the front of the airplane.
You would board before family, priority and general boarding and the words “pre-board” or something similar will be displayed on your boarding pass. If you need assistance transferring to your seat and there is another person in your travel party (such as your nurse, etc), they can also pre-board.
By utilizing pre-board, a person who needs extra time will be able to get on the plane without the stress of knowing that there is a line of people behind them, also waiting to get on. This has helped me safely transfer so many times and I highly recommend asking for it before your flight!
Write Critical Information Down
This tip is strictly for wheelchair users. Ever since Southwest Airlines severely damaged my wheelchair, I write down all the important information before I get on the plane. Were there any scratches? Scuffs? Other marks? Was anything bent or broken? Did the brakes work? Did it roll correctly before I boarded?
By answering these questions, I am able to distinguish between old and new damage that could’ve been caused by the airline I was flying with, which is incredibly helpful!
Conclusion
I have many more tips that I have learned about and utilized throughout the years. However, these are my top 3 that I wanted to share. They have made my travels so much better and I am looking forward to my next adventure!