Flying question

[pbbaby]

I have been given the wonderful opportunity to take a profoundly MR friend to WDW. It is kind of a promise I made to myself, I think everyone should get to go at least once. My question and need for your great input is.. while I know I can handle the physical aspects of going-w/c, transfers, etc., I have no idea how she will react flying. I plan on ear-planz for her ears, as she will not swallow on command. I guess basically I'm afraid she will cry the entire trip or worse yell. Does anyone have any thoughts. She has had a pre-sedate for the dentist before, fights through the exam, then falls asleep as soon as she is home. Any thoughts on the doc giving her something to take the edge off?? I know she will probably sence me being uptight, so probably I need something to take the edge off, LOL
Any help you could impart would be greatly appreciated, oh it's about a three hour flight

 

[Windjammermay]

I don't know what MR is but personally I am so excited about WDW that I am going to take an anti-anxioty medicine I got from my doctor. Plus I plan on bring my iPod for music. Music is calming.

I wanted to go on Jet Blue because they have tv's on the back of each seat. Instead I am going Delta, for a 3 hour trip. I am going with the meds and wake me when I get there. Orlando next stop

 

[peemagg]

Does she handle drinking things well or sucking on candies? If she does then give her one or the others on the ascent and descent. It will help with ear problems. You can get drinks for you both after you get threw security.

For relaxing music or a movie always does it for me. Airtran has complimentary Sirius radio or you could bring a small laptop or dvd player and let her watch a movie. The more you research how things are the more relaxed you will be. I know I personally don't relax until after I am threw security and sitting at the gate. Benedryl might help too!

 

[bookwormde]

If it helps you can get a pass to preboard the aircraft and get settled (this is true also for any physical disabilities).

If medications are being considered, do an on the “ground test” to make sure that there are not adverse reactions either physical or emotional.

Pre briefing (either descriptive or video) of all aspects of the flight experience (arriving and moving through security, boarding, takeoff etc.) can also be helpful to reduce anxiety. You have already been given ideas for the impact of cabin pressure change.

There is a FAA regulation (title 14 part 382), which outlines your friend’s rights when it comes to commercial air travel, it is available as a link on some airlines web sites, you should be familiar with it before you fly (it will help remove some of your “what if” concerns).

bookwormde