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Any Tips For Travelers With Parkinson's?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
St Peters, MO

We are going to Belize next March (courtesy of our youngest son) and I am already stressing over how I'm going to manage the airports! Any travelers out there, especially those with tremors or PD mobility issues? So far I don't use any aids such as a cane or walker, but walking is difficult, especially negotiating the distances between gates when changing planes. Thanks in advance.

September 29, 2016
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Up to the present I have managed to stay fairly independent when travelling (diagnosed 2001). On the last leg back home from the US. I was standing at the rear of the plane (I prefer standing most of the time) and mentioned to the stewardess I had PD. From that moment on the staff could not do enough for me. We waited until other passengers had disembarked and then a motorised cart whisked us through the airport and customs in less than 10 minutes. Keeping fit and exercising is essential for PD to keep one's mobility. ( I also go gold prospecting in WA. Hard work physically, however rewarding.)

November 13, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I recently went on a cruise. I can't walk for more than 4-5 minutes and I can't stand for long. My sister insisted on renting a wheel chair to travel with us. At first I was resistant but it was a god send. With one airline, it was checked as baggage and I was escorted to the plane in one of their chairs. With the other airline, I kept my chair up to the plane, then it was stored and waiting for me upon landing. Using a wheel chair, whether your own, a rental or the airline's is a god send because you do not have to wait in line, you get priority service and assistance. The chair we rented, I also used as a walker because it had brakes on the handles. My family was kind enough to push it when we went touring about. Sometimes I walked pushing the chair when I felt able to walk and when I became too tired they pushed.

November 13, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member Thanks Susan. I am really looking forward to it. I used a wheelchair several years ago when flying to Oregon for my son's wedding and they (the airline personnel) were just wonderful! I was a bit more crippled up then, but even so, I have pretty much decided to go that route for this vacation also, at least in the airports. I'll save my strength and coordination for excursions and exploring Belize! Thanks again!

October 1, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Wonderful advice and thanks to all

November 13, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi carol, my scooter folds and then goes in the hold (the place they put carry on bags that don't fit on the plane). Then they wheel it right up to the place where everyone is waiting for their carry ons. I take the battery with me to cut down on the weight.

October 24, 2016

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