By Sheri Coil
Reservations:
When making your reservations, explain about your
situation and EB and ask to reserve the bulkhead seats where there is
more room.
Pre or Early
Boarding:
Most all airlines
provide for early boarding for the elderly, babies and the handicapped,
but not all do this automatically. With some airlines you have to
ask for them to let you pre-board. So ask while you are checking
in.
Soft
Stuff:
Take a sheepskin or fuzzy
blanket (especially handy in case of turbulence), cuddly lovies, stuffed
toys.
Snacks:
Be sure to take food and drink that your child can
and does eat. Things like pediasure, juice in small travel
containers, finger foods. The airline offerings are often
less than perfect for our EB kids to eat.
Busy
Things:
Pack appropriate things
that will keep your child entertained on long trips or if you may have
long layovers or waits in airport lounges. Things like coloring
books and markers or crayons, books to read or be read out of, hand held
games (that are silent or have a sound off button) are good to
take. Another idea is to bring some new small toys they have never
seen.
Carry
On:
It is a good idea to carry
on two bandage changes and at least one change of clothes for your
little person. Also, be sure to have at least several days worth
of any medications. Lost luggage is a fact of life with the
airlines today. Be prepared for it by carrying what is most
important, like medical supplies for a couple days. If you are
going to be staying somewhere for any amount of time, send excess
supplies of bandaging and a few favorite toys ahead
Mobility:
Make sure your wheelchair or stroller is designated
gatechecked at the ticket counter. You will be able to take it
right into the door to the plane, get out and then they will stow it for
you, to be returned upon landing at the door of the plane again.
Not So
Nice:
Unfortunately not everyone
is kind and open-minded or understanding. In fact some airlines
have been known to be downright nasty and suspicious of people with
EB. They have been refused boarding because someone takes it upon
themselves to decide that the innocent is guilty of having some sort of
contagious pox disease until proven innocent. Thus, it is
advisable to carry literature on EB and a Drs clearance that your child
is not communicable and has a genetic condition. As much as it
does not seem right to have to do this sort of thing, it could save a
lot of heartache at the gate.
