An Airplane Trip With Your Special Needs Child?
An Airplane Trip With Your Special Needs Child?
By Shalleen Nelson
I did it, and so can you! I am a proud mom to 5-year-old Sebastian, a longtime Gillette patient, who was born with Down syndrome and neurological issues. I’m also mother to Francesco, Sebastian’s typically-developing twin brother.
Sebastian loves to discover new places! Fortunately for our family, travel has become a smooth process with practice and preparation. Have a question for me? Please leave it in the “Comments” section below! I’ll continue to share advice on vacationing, from camping trips to hotel stays, in the months to come. I’ll begin by sharing my “Top Tips” on fun, and safe, airplane travel.
Before Boarding
- Check-in online and print your boarding passes from home.
- Request to change your seating arrangements if necessary. You can do this before security at the check-in counter, or by speaking with an agent at the gate.
- Alert the gate agent of your special needs, and ask to be boarded first.
- Take direct flights (no layovers!) if possible, and aim for 3 hours maximum air time.
At Security
- There is always a handicap security line – just ask!
- Did you know children can leave their shoes on when going through security?
- Children in wheelchairs can often remain in their chair, so be sure to ask.
- You may bring more than the allotted carry-on fluid if it’s clearly labeled as a liquid medication for your child. Consider a physician’s note, in case of questions.
In the Air
- Keep drinks and snacks handy to help with cabin pressure changes during take-off and landing. Swallowing and chewing will help ease eardrum pain.
- Bring several options for entertainment – books, music, or a portable DVD with headphones – to keep your child busy.
Above all, remember to RELAX, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you’re in no rush. You’ll be at your destination before you know it!
Awesome blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
Needed to put you one bit of observation to be able to give many thanks over again regarding the marvelous ideas you’ve provided at this time. It was certainly surprisingly open-handed with you to give unhampered all that a few individuals could have distributed for an ebook to end up making some profit for their own end, most importantly considering that you could possibly have done it if you desired. Those thoughts as well served like the easy way to fully grasp that most people have the identical eagerness really like my very own to know the truth great deal more in respect of this problem. I am certain there are many more pleasant opportunities ahead for people who look over your website.
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
Im grateful for the article. Really Great.
Really informative blog article.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Enjoyed every bit of your post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
I loved your post.Thanks Again. Will read on…
I value the blog.Really thank you! Fantastic.
I truly appreciate this article.Thanks Again. Great.
Thanks so much for the blog. Great.
Major thanks for the article.Much thanks again. Cool.
Great, thanks for sharing this article.Thanks Again. Will read on…
Spot on with this write-up, I actually suppose this website wants far more consideration. I’ll probably be again to learn way more, thanks for that info.
I really enjoy the blog.Thanks Again.
Really appreciate you sharing this article post.Thanks Again. Will read on…
I am so grateful for your article.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Im obliged for the article post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
U56BWX Great, thanks for sharing this blog.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Major thankies for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
A big thank you for your blog.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
Looking forward to reading more. Great article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Hey, thanks for the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
Im thankful for the blog post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Muchos Gracias for your article.Really thank you! Awesome.