Flying alone with TWO children- one with medical needs and autism

Bitsmommy

DIS Veteran

Joined

Nov 20, 2009

• May 25, 2015

• #1

I am flying in alone with both of my boys. One has Autism and medical needs. Of course, all of his medical supplies will need to be screened when we go through security. I am pretty nervous about taking them through security (ALONE) and getting the medical supplies through. Honestly, I am very nervous that my youngest will run off if my attention is diverted by TSA asking me questions about his medical supplies. ANY TIPS?? I have access to his private nurse (who isn't going, but could come all the way to the terminal if that is allowed), but I don't know that it is even an option or who to call to ask. We usually have two parents and two children, but this time it is just me

 

gap2368

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 27, 2015

• May 25, 2015

• #2

I am not sure but you may want to talk to the first TSA person you see and you could ask for a screening in a privet room I think some airport have them

 

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OurBigTrip

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 27, 2013

• May 25, 2015

• #3

Someone posted a number here the other day for TSA...it seems that you can call ahead and have someone from TSA assist you as you go through security if you are dealing with disabilities. I don't have time to look for it right now, but I'll try later.

 

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Wendydagny

Mouseketeer

Joined

Dec 11, 2010

• May 25, 2015

• #4

Call ahead to TSA abd request a customer support specialist. Ask for assistance from the first TSA agent you see. It will be fine. I just traveled alone with dd who is in a wheelchair, on oxygen, and transported about 10 liters of iv fluid and needles in our carry on. They had me thru in less than 5 minutes.

 

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pickles01

Earning My Ears

Joined

May 13, 2012

• May 25, 2015

• #5

Check the website of both the airport you are flying out of and your airline. The airport website should have the number for TSA and info on traveling with different types of disabilities. I also saw something about getting a gate pass for someone, like your nurse, to walk you to the gate but I don't know how you do that. The first time we traveled with my son, who has sensory processing disorder and it was also his first time flying, I wrote up an index card with his diagnosis and asking to please not touch him unless absolutely necessary and please do not separate us. I flashed this to every TSA officer I passed so I didn't have to repeat myself and say everything in front of everyone else in line. This helped a lot. They were all very nice and extra nice to my son. They are very helpful, I think, if they know you are just trying to get through security quickly and with no incident. Good luck.

 

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blondietink

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jun 22, 2008

• May 26, 2015

• #6

Agreed, you need to call the airport you are flying from and ask them what is the best way to handle this situation.

 

Bitsmommy

DIS Veteran

Joined

Nov 20, 2009

• May 26, 2015

• #7

I called the airport. They read a script and really gave me no official information. I guess I can call again and hope I get someone different.

 

O

OurBigTrip

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 27, 2013

• May 26, 2015

• #8

Bitsmommy said:

I called the airport. They read a script and really gave me no official information. I guess I can call again and hope I get someone different.

Click to expand...

I would call TSA directly.

 

Nanajo1

DIS Veteran

Joined

Sep 23, 1999

• May 27, 2015

• #9

When I call SWA to tell them about my PC they put me a special list. I don't have to take my shoes off and the screening process is streamlined. Try calling your airline maybe they can help.
I am sending Pixie dust your way. Will you have help once you arrive?

 

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Betty Rohrer

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 19, 2010

• May 27, 2015

• #10

to OP even if you have help from family or nurse as you leave remember you will have to do it all over on the way home at a strange airport. would talk to TSA directly not airport so you can get help both ways unless you plan on the helper coming with you to also help on return trip

 

Bitsmommy

DIS Veteran

Joined

Nov 20, 2009

• May 27, 2015

• #11

Thanks. I will be on my own with both kiddos for 3 days. We have done waterparks, zoos and amusement parks alone several times. This is our 4th trip to Disney in 7 years. So, I am not as nervous about the parks. Their Dad is meeting us late Friday night and will be coming home with us- he works, we spend his money So, he couldn't come down with us due to a scheduling conflict. The reason we picked this trip with me and the boys alone is that I won't have to touch the luggage (with the exception of his medical supplies) after we gate checked at the airport because of ME, and I could just focus on the boys. My oldest son, can help by pulling the medical supplies in the luggage through the airport. Chase, is taught to stay in his stroller until he is told to get out. MOST of the time, this will keep him from bolting on me. However, he has to get out of his stroller for security purposes and we realized this summer when we were going on a cruise, the whole security process over stimulates him and he can't focus well enough to go back to what he knows. If I am distracted and not on my "A" game, he could run. He is small, FAST, and lives up to his name (don't name your child a verb)!!! I will try to find the TSA number shortly. We don't leave until September, but if I don't start now, it won't happen.