Travel tips

TRAVEL TIPS
How to plan for disabilities
In preparation for the holiday travel season, SATH, the U.S. Department of State and the Air Transport Association, offers the following travel tips:
Check with your doctor before traveling, especially if you've had recent surgery, illness or have developed a chronic medical condition.
Confirm and reconfirm special arrangements such as assistance getting to and from the gate, the use of wheelchairs, special seating, oxygen or ventilators before you leave home and when you reach the airport.
Keep glasses, identification, travel and medical documents with you; don't pack them in checked baggage. Refill prescriptions before you go so you won't be caught short. Carry medications in labeled containers and don't mix medicines into one bottle. Sorting out pills can be confusing and some chemicals can interact adversely.
Gather as much information as you can before you set out. Find a travel agent who specializes in accessible travel. SATH has a list on its Web site.
Check out the U.S. State Department's publication, "Tips for Travelers With Disabilities." The publication, which costs $1, is available by calling (888) 878-3256. Request item 345L and have your credit card handy or send $1 to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept 345L, Pueblo, CO 81009. You can also download the brochure at www.pueblo.gsa.gov.