Common Sense Travel Tips

Common Sense Travel Tips
Word Count:
499
Summary:
Flying is a routine activity for millions of Americans, and raises no health considerations for the great majority of them. However, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible.

Keywords:
travel, air plane, airfare, reservation, ticket, ticketing, booking, airline, agent, TSA, tips

Article Body:
Changes in pressure can temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing your ears to 'pop' or to experience a sensation of fullness. To equalize the pressure, swallow frequently; chewing gum sometimes helps. Yawning is also effective. Avoid sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often enough to keep ahead of the pressure change. If yawning or swallowing doesn't help, use the 'valsalva maneuver':
    * Pinch your nostrils shut, then breathe in a mouthful of air.
    * Using only your cheek and throat muscles, force air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and finger off your nostrils.
    * Be very gentle and blow in short successive attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in your ears, you have succeeded. Never force air from your lungs or abdomen (diaphragm); this can create pressures that are too intense.
Babies are especially troubled by these pressure changes during descent. Having them feed from a bottle or suck on a pacifier will often provide relief. Avoid flying if you have recently had abdominal, eye or oral surgery, including a root canal. The pressure changes that occur during climb and descent can result in discomfort.
If you have an upper respiratory or sinus infection, you may also experience discomfort resulting from pressure changes. Postpone your trip if possible. (Check to see if your fare has cancellation or change penalties.) A final tip on pressure changes: they cause your feet to swell. Try not to wear new or tight shoes while flying.
Alcohol and coffee both have a drying effect on the body. Airliner cabin air is relatively dry to begin with, and the combination can increase your chances of contracting a respiratory infection. If you wear contact lenses, the low cabin humidity and/or consumption of alcohol or coffee can reduce your tear volume, leading to discomfort if you don't blink often enough. Lens wearers should clean their lenses thoroughly before the flight, use lubricating eye drops during the flight, read in intervals, and take the lenses out if they nap.
If you are permitted to buy bottled water and bring it on the plane (check before your fly), get the biggest bottle you can carry.  Some countries don’t allow you to carry a bottle of water through the security checkpoint – but you can purchase one in the terminal (at ridiculously higher prices).  Even if you can buy the water at the terminal, doesn’t mean you can carry it onboard.  Check, check and re-check.
If you take prescription medications, bring enough to last through your trip. Take along a copy of the prescription, or your doctor's name and telephone number, in case the medication is lost or stolen. The medicine should be in the original prescription bottle in order to avoid questions at security or Customs inspections. Carry it in a pocket or a carry-on bag; don't pack it in a checked bag, in case the bag is lost.  Check with TSA on latest rules and regulations.

Are You Traveling With A Disability Or A Medical Condition?

Are You Traveling With A Disability Or A Medical Condition?
Word Count:
503
Summary:
The airlines are prepared to assist people with disabilities or medical conditions, but you have to do your part to help them help you.

Keywords:
security, airline, medical, medications, screening, doctor, gate, inspection, security officer, device, oxygen, tsa

Article Body:
Traveling with a disability or a medical condition will be easier if you plan ahead of time.
    * Provide advance notice to your airline or travel agent if you require assistance at the airport. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can only assist you with the screening process. Your airline will assist you through the airport facility and the screening queue line.
    * If you require a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, speak with your airline representative about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before entering the security checkpoint.
    * The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase, or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, and mobility aids, and/or assistive devices carried by and/or used by a person with a disability.
    * Pack your medications in a separate pouch/bag to facilitate the inspection process. Ensure that containers holding medications are not too densely filled, and that all medication is clearly identified. It is recommended that passengers refrain from packing any medications in their checked baggage that they do not want exposed to X-rays. Instead, send larger quantities of medications to your destination by mail or any other way preferred.
    * If you have medical documentation regarding your medical condition or disability, you can present this information to the Security Officer to help inform him of your situation. This documentation is not required and will not exempt you from the security screening process.
    * Make sure all your carry-on items; equipment, mobility aids, and devices have an identification tag attached.
    * TSA recommends that you bring all the necessary tools and/or appliances that you require to put on or take off your prosthetic device (e.g. wrenches, pull sleeves, etc.) should you need to remove your prosthetic device for any reason. TSA allows these tools to be carried through the security checkpoint once they have been screened.
    * If you have a medical device (on the interior or exterior of your body) check with your doctor prior to traveling to determine if it is safe for you to go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded. If your Doctor indicates that you should not go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded, or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for a pat-down inspection instead.
    * Your personal supplemental Oxygen will need to undergo screening. Check with your Doctor prior to coming to the checkpoint to ensure disconnection can be done safely.
    * If your Doctor has indicated that you cannot be disconnected or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for an alternate inspection process while you remain connected to your oxygen source.
    * If you need an Oxygen Supplier to meet you at the gate, check with your airline well in advance of your departure about their procedures for allowing suppliers to meet you at the arrival’s gate since these procedures vary from airline to airline.
A little prior planning can make your trip easier for you and for the security personnel.