Kiki’s first flight- amputee air travel
I’m back home from the west coast and still jet lagged, but plenty thankful for everything I learned as I took my first steps through the TSA line with Kiki, my prosthetic leg.
I want to note that I did not go into this trip blind. I reached out to several well-traveled amputees who provided some excellent tips on how to best navigate the airport, the flight, and my time away from home. Below you will find some of those tips along with a few things I learned on my own.
Packing- Have you ever wondered what happens when an over-packer becomes an amputee? Well, you get a whole lot of stuff and extra baggage fees. Did you know that you can bring an extra bag of "medical supplies" at no extra charge when traveling? Think water leg, running blade, extra liner, socks, medical-grade creams for your residual limb, etc. You might want to consider if you really need those six extra sweaters and four extra pairs of shoes, but this is not the time to be conservative when it comes to your comfort needs as an amputee. Bring what you need for the "what if's"
Airport/TSA- I was most nervous about what airport security would be like. I've heard horror stories of amputees being asked to fully remove their prostheses and hop through the machines. Thankfully, I was informed in advance that I COULD NOT be forced to remove my prosthesis. It was recommended that I should use a wheelchair at the airport to help with all the walking and I am so thankful I did. I was able to give my residual limb and healthy leg a break so I would have the energy I needed when arriving in the city. As I waited in line, I prepared myself to speak up and tell them that Kiki and I would be staying attached via suction no matter what they said. It took enough effort getting dressed in my pants and converse sneakers and we were staying that way. Once it was my turn, I informed the TSA officer that I wear an above-the-knee prosthesis and lifted my pant leg to show him. I set my wheelchair to the side of the metal detector machine and stepped into it holding my breath ( former cancer patient habit from too many MRI scans) when I stepped out, they completed a simple pat-down of my body and prosthesis, and swabbed both of my hands for bomb residue... this was odd, but I had been warned so I was prepared to be looked at as a serious threat. And that was that! I could get back in my wheelchair and proceed to my gate! Be sure you know your rights before getting to airport security, you never know what kind of power trip someone might be on that day.
In-Flight
When purchasing your flight, I highly suggest notating that you are disabled. There will be a section online where you can select accommodations you may require while boarding or deplaning. If you do not find this option, call the airline directly. They should each have a dedicated disability resource department that can offer assistance.
I found that an aisle seat allowed me to get to the bathroom with much more ease, as climbing over a stranger is not the easiest while wearing a prosthesis, and I haven't done gymnastics in years. You may experience some swelling in your residual limb during a long flight. If you do not plan to use a wheelchair or crutches, I recommend you not remove your prosthesis mid-air as you may not be able to get it back on at the end of the flight.
While away from home
Inevitably, no matter how much you prepare and think ahead, you will forget something. Once on a road trip to Asheville, I forgot my prosthetic charger and the leg died three days into a 5-night trip. If this happens to you, try not to panic and let this ruin your experience. Improvise as best you can. If your leg battery dies and you didn't bring an assistive device, stop by a pharmacy and purchase a cane. It will help you carry the added weight of the prosthesis without the microprocessor's help. If your residual limb is irritated or blistered and you can't walk enough to explore the way you want to, get online or ask the hotel concierge where you can get a good meal and nice views all in the same location so you can still get a feel for the city. Don't be ashamed to be a tourist, book a tour where you can be comfortably seated while a guide shows you around.
Traveling can be just as magical as it once was with a few adjustments. Go with the flow, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to ask for accommodations when needed. I can't wait to see what my next trip has in store and share even more tips with you!
Stay tuned for my Accessibility review of San Francisco in the weeks to come!
