Holiday travel with special needs

Travelling can be fun and with a little planning ahead it can be less stressful too.  Here are a few tips that can help you along the way.

Consult with a physician.   Ask for what items you may need in case of an emergency. You may include things like:
    Prescriptions
    Emergency numbers
    Physicians phone numbers
    List of physicians in the area you are traveling to who specializes in type of special need
    Insurance cards/phone numbers of insurance company

Check for delays online. You can Google your flight status. Type your airline name and flight number into the search bar, and the site will fetch the latest flight-status information.

Decide which airport security line is best for you. This year, the TSA began allowing travelers to sort themselves into lanes. As of November 20, every airport will have a beginner lane for families and travelers needing special assistance. Plus, at 48 airports, you can choose from three different lanes. Besides the family lane, there's an expert lane if you're familiar with the travel rules or are traveling light. There's also an intermediate lane.

Leave your gifts unwrapped. Airport security reserve the right to open any package. Wait until you reach your destination and then wrap your presents. You can bring foods, such as cakes and pies, but these too will be subject to inspection.

Avoid baggage fees. Since last year's winter holidays, most U.S. airlines have upped fees. Overweight bags can be as high as Delta's $175 per bag each way, on domestic flights. Pack bags no heavier than 40 pounds.  This is the current limit for most domestic airlines. If you're worried that you might exceed the weight limit, include a backpack that you can pull out and fill at the check-in counter. Fees for checking bags and other services are always changing, so check your airline's website for the latest. Before packing go to the TSA’s web site www.tsa.gov and read the latest list of what you can and cannot bring on an airplane. Right now you can only bring 3oz of fluids on the plane; however, this does not apply to medications or formula, go to www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm for the TSA’s policies related to children with disabilities

Check accommodations.  Choose destinations that can accommodate your child's needs. For assistance check out the Accessibility Checklist at: http://familyfun.go.com/family-travel/road-trips/feature/dony107access/dony1 07access3.html

Happy travels!