Travel Prep-Amputee Style

My wanderlust has shaped me into someone who takes a full 3-5 business days to prep for any travel so that I can get the most out of my experience, and that includes getting the outfits right. Since losing my right leg, I've had to step up my prep game even more. Here are my tips and tricks for the ultimate trip.

Booking Flights- Read the fine print; We all know that Google Flights hack - enter in your dates and destination - and you can compare prices across most airlines and even set up price drop alerts. But when you travel with limb loss, you need to consider a few things beyond the cost of the flight. Does the airline offer free checked luggage or have an option to check medical supplies at no cost? If you are in a wheelchair or walking with a prosthesis, carting your luggage all the way to the gate will be a challenge. Southwest Airlines offers two free checked bags, while other airlines may allow you to check a bag with medical supplies at no cost. You will want to read the fine print to make sure your personal belongings can also be packed along with any supplies. Extra legroom (insert amputee joke here) and pre-boarding policies are also important to look into with each airline to ensure you are taking advantage of any accommodations available. This will make for a more comfortable flight overall and alleviate some of the stress associated with traveling with a disability.

Planning- Hotels and activities
Accessible hotel rooms are not all created equal. If you require one, make sure you read the features of the room you've selected, as some may have a roll-in shower, while others will have a tub with handlebars. I've had to get super creative over the years. Like when my friends almost had to peel me off the shower floor naked in Sonoma because I forgot to ask for a room with a tub. No matter how crafty and flexible you are, it's always better to contact your hotel if you need clarification on accessibility. I love to plan activities in advance. Now that I have to consider things like water, long-distance walks, and if any climbing is involved, I do a ton of research before booking anything. Yes, I read the reviews! I email the tour company and ask how much walking is involved, and I tell them I wear a prosthesis to make sure that won't be an issue. I love a good pub or ghost tour, so I like to read up as much as I can to make sure I've picked the one that works best for my needs. Maybe that's not your thing, but I promise that there is an activity out there that will work for you. You just need to get online and search.

Packing- Don't forget your leg charger
My Mom traveled every few weeks for work when I was growing up, and she taught me how to fit two weeks of winter clothes into a carry-on, so I may have an advantage here. Still, I put a lot of energy into meticulously packing my suitcase so I remember all of the essentials. Leg charger, phone charger, rash cream for my residual limb, extra valves for my socket, alcohol spray bottle, check! Instead of throwing a bunch of random tops and bottoms in my bag, I try on full outfits. My body has changed so much in the last few years, and I always end up less frustrated on my trip when I pack things I know work well together and are comfortable for me.

Day of travel- Airport
I carry on a backpack with the most important supplies. Think worst-case scenario: your luggage gets lost. At least you have your leg charger, toiletries, laptop, etc., on you!
Did you know you can request wheelchair transport from the entrance counter at your airport to the gate? This can be requested at booking or in person when you arrive. Drop your checked luggage and rest your leg while they get you through the airport scaries (security). Speaking of airport security, you are going to get felt up. There is no way around it. But if you know what to expect, it's a little less jarring. Yes, you can tell TSA  it's too difficult to take off your shoes with a prosthesis while 70 people are shoving each other in line behind you. I've luckily been able to avoid them pushing me on this and always keep my shoes on. After walking through the machine, an agent will need to check you and your prosthesis with a pat down and also a swab (please don't attach any explosives to your prosthesis). Then, you will be all set to proceed to your gate.

If you loved traveling before limb loss, there is no reason you can't continue to do so with a few extra planning steps and supplies. Show that prosthesis the world as a thank you for all its hard work keeping you moving. It's the least we can do, considering Haley Arceneaux took hers to outer space!