Flying with Copaxone

[Beula88]

Hello!  I am traveling/flying for the first time since Dxed.  Any advice on getting Copaxone through security or dealing with AFOs and heavy duty knee braces?  Is is difficult to get the airline to have a shuttle to get you from gate to gate?  THANKS!  ANY travel advice would be greatly appreciated!  :O)

[debgen]

I just got back from a flight. I have taken several flights with ,y Copaxone and I have even taken it aboar a week long cruise. I have never had any problems. I always keep it in my carry on bag along with all my meds. This was my first time going through TSA with a walkAid on my leg. I called TSA before my flight and they said that it would not be a problem. They were wrong :( Luckily I arrived at the airport very early. I chose to use a wheelchair to get around the airport. That was a great idea because It didn't drain my energy or slow us down! However, when I arrived at the gate, they had never seen anything like the WalkAid so the pulled me aside, scanned the WalkAid and gave me a full pat down. Just like Mary it was done by a female but she was rather disrespectful. The flight home went much better. The Orlando airport also gave me a quick pat down and just looked at the WalkAid. I also paid extra for front row seats so I didn't have to walk down the isle in the plane (not to mention extra leg room for my 6'3 hubby!) the flights went very well as did my vaca at Disney World, which by the way is VERY handicapped accessible!
I hope you have a great trip!
Hugs,
Deb

[twopack]

Be careful what you ask for, eh?  

How could I have left out something you asked about?
If you need extra room for you legs (and in COBOB's case, his service dog) get your seat assignment as early as possible and request a bulkhead seat.  They generally have more leg room.

Emergency exit row seating also has more leg room but you must be physically able to operate and open those doors in case of emergency.  If you can't do that (or you don't look like you can) your seating will be reassigned after you board.

Good luck.
Mary

[twopack]

Here are some tips I learned from my 2011 air travel experiences.
(copied and edited from an earlier sharing)

1.  Pace yourself before, during and after you return from your trip.  Frequent short rest periods and holding stress to a minimum will take you further than doing everything you possibly can before total collapse.  Get good sleep whenever possible.

2.  Take all your medications (including injectables) in a carry-on bag and KEEP THEM IN THE PLANE CABIN with you.  I carried the Copaxone Rx with me since I only needed to take a few doses and didn't have the fully labeled box.  It all went right through every security check with no questions asked.  Shared Solutions has a travel case for Copaxone.  Give them a call to get one.  It is very convenient now that the pre-filled syringes can be out of refrigeration for up to 30 days.

3.  Be prepared for sharps disposal.  Amazon sells small, handy needle cutters that cut and store the needle in a single step after injection.  They make syringe disposal easier and safer no matter where you are.  Airports often have sharps disposal containers in bathrooms.  Some hotels do as well.  You can always make one of your own by using a heavy plastic drink bottle (so it isn't easily pierced).  I carried one in my checked luggage to dispose of at home only because I hadn't checked on disposal requirements outside my home state.

4.  If possible, wear shoes you can slip on and off easily at security check points.  Be mentally prepared for the possibility of a physical pat-down.  (I always have them because I have a knee replacement and pacemaker.  The procedure has always been done by a female, fully explained before starting, professionally handled, and finished quickly.  They offer a privacy screen but I don't waste the extra time.  I allow my fellow travelers see how safe I am!)

5.  Set up help (shuttle, wheelchair, etc) to get between gates and to/from terminals.  The walkways can be long and difficult to maneuver, especially if you try to carry very much in hand.  Arrival/departure schedules are fluid so you have to expect delays.  That means it is best to set up special assistance arrangements beforehand.  I flew Delta.  They set this up when I purchased the ticket.  I checked on them constantly because of past failures when flying another carrier.  They were EXCELLENT - even through the busy, busy Atlanta hub.  You will want to have a few dollars ready to TIP these wonderful private escorts.  They earn it!  (In my opinion at least.)

6.  Wear layered clothing for temperature control.  It can get very warm walking to a gate or sitting in a grounded plane but chilly in the air.  I'm thinking about carrying a personal mini fan if I fly again.  You can stop the spinning plastic blades with your finger so they aren't much of a weapon.  I'm just not sure it’s an item they will allow through security.

7.  Put just enough money in your pocket to get a snack and bottled drink once you are through security.  You can't take bottled liquid through security and freebies on board are near non-existent these days.  I ALWAYS want water on hand.  I am also usually running late.  The goal here is easy access for me with the least risk of losing a bunch of cash to anyone else who is tempted to access my easy money.  

8.  You are allowed to use a cane beyond security.  If you need a walker or wheelchair at your destination but aren't taking it with you, set up for a loan or rental ahead of time.

9.  Be aware that some airports don't have jetways for convenient boarding and departing between the plane and gate.  Several times I had to maneuver small, steep steps from plane to tarmac.  I've heard wheelchair access in some non-US destinations is less than accessible.  Check on as many of these details as possible before you purchase tickets.

10. Good luck and have FUN!

Mary

[tjlmoo]

Hello, I don't have any experiences with this but I do want to wish you a fun and blessed time with family. I will keep you in prayer. I hope your visit will be relaxing and give you renewed strength for when you all return.
Have a blessed and Happy Easter and please take care of yourself.
Hugs and blessings,
Tammy:)

[JaneK1975]

I flew with Copaxone just last week. Remember to keep it in your carry on. When I went through security, they didn't say a single word to me about it. It was super easy.

Regarding a gate-to-gate shuttle, I do not have experience with that, but I hear if you call ahead, the airline will accommodate.  Have fun on your trip!

Best wishes,
Jane

[Guitar_grrrl]

Your meds and assistive devices should have no trouble going through security.  You can even phone the airline ahead of time and let them know what your situation is, and they can give you any additional tips for going through security.

I've flown with Rebif in the past with no trouble at all.  And think of all the diabetics out there who fly, too.  We're eveywhere.

I hope your trip is for fun things!  Have a great time.