Episode 7: Let's go! In a plane.
Plane travel nationally or internationally is a beast, but there are ways to make it MUCH easier! In this episode of Rarely Familiar, co-hosts, Tram, Haley and Jen, discuss the challenges and strategies of traveling by air with children who have rare and special needs. They share personal experiences, tips for packing specific medical supplies, and the importance of planning ahead with services like TSA cares and the Sunflower Program. The conversation highlights the need for detailed preparation and accommodations to ensure safe and stress-free travel, while also emphasizing the importance of creating cherished family memories despite the obstacles. Resources and suggestions for dealing with international travel, using DME services, and finding accessible accommodations are also provided.
Links and Resources mentioned in this episode
ADA Tax Barrier Removal- Business Tax Incentive to do ADA accommodations
TSA Care Request Form- Fill out the form one week in advance; usually call/text 3 hours if they can have someone assigned at airport. Each airport TSA cares support looks like for each airport
Sunflower Hidden Disability Program at Airports Worldwide
Changing Spaces Campaign Map- US national map of places that have adult size changing tables
FAA Reauthorization Bill Passed - Small to large size airports to start adding in adult size changing tables
Medicaid/Medical Assistance Insurance Info - Check on your health insurance policies as medicaid/medicare do not get covered across state lines. Exception is if you have life threatening emergency case and cannot get transported across state lines.
International Travel Insurance Article: When traveling internationally we recommend understanding the various available insurance plans from independent 3rd parties vs the ones the airlines offer when buying tickets. There are aggregator sites to explore if you search for it.
Contacting an agent at Traveler’s Insurance and to discuss your situation is what we recommend. Here’s Travelers site and you can see the coverage and get estimates. We did add a medical evacuation and repatriation bundle since we couldn't buy medical insurance. No sponsor or endorsements by Travelers Insurance we just used them in the past.
Curb Free Cory - Cory is digital creator who is a wheelchair user and has insightful information on accessible travels.
Special thanks to:
Eli Brunelle for Intro and outro Music "New Love" and
Todd Piper Hauswirth at All-Good for logo and brand identity