5 Tips For Planning to Fly With Special Needs:

1. Bring a letter from your physician (dated within 10 days of travel) stating your medical needs. Although these needs may seem obvious to you, a medical certificate from your physician helps validate requests and is actually required by the airlines for needs such as medical oxygen.
2. If you have a communicable or infectious disease, the letter from the physician must state any necessary precautions to prevent transmission of the infection/disease. It also must state that the disease/infection is not communicable to others on the same flight. Confirm with your airline the exact requirements.
3. Arrange seat assignments according to your needs. Do you need to be near a restroom? Do you need extra room for your legs? Some seats do not have armrests that can be raised. Check out www.seatguru.com to get information about your specific aircraft. However, keep in mind that aircraft can be changed at the last minute. Learn to be flexible, calm, and how to communicate your needs best.
4. If the tiny lavatories on airplanes will not work with your situation, consult with your physician about the possibility of an indwelling catheter. Try not to eat too much directly before the flight, and avoid eating or drinking items that have a diuretic effect (coffee, alcohol, watermelon, etc.).
5. Arrange special meals if needed/preferred at least 48 hours in advance- although this is many times possible, do not rely on this. If the food doesn't make it on the plane, always be self-sufficient and have healthy snacks/food for the duration of the flight.