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Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
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I have a major international trip coming up that I've been planning for over a year. I recently had a minor injury to my shoulder area that is nearly healed. I just need to be careful of putting weight on my shoulder. Any suggestions regarding luggage? I only have a large piece and a smaller carryon piece with the four wheels. I normally check the larger piece and have the carryon inside the plane with me as it contains items that will carry me in the event the larger piece gets lost in transit. I may just opt to check both pieces and just take a smaller bag on the plane to keep me entertained (long haul flight).
Any suggestions from those that have experience traveling with a disability and the strategies you have used for luggage? What types of luggage should I purchase? Which types are less likely to fall over when full? Thank you.
Last edited by Chatteress; 12-21-2019 at 02:25 PM..
I would avoid any carryons that are so large that they have to go in the overhead compartment. Flight attendants often will not put bags in the overhead for you. So you're basically at the mercy of the kindness of fellow passengers. I find that's easier when exiting the plane than when boarding. You're better off finding a small underseat spinner. The smaller, the better ... with things like charging points, there's competition for underseat real estate.
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
39,031 posts, read 23,023,210 times
Reputation: 36027
Quote:
Originally Posted by hertfordshire
I would avoid any carryons that are so large that they have to go in the overhead compartment. Flight attendants often will not put bags in the overhead for you. So you're basically at the mercy of the kindness of fellow passengers. I find that's easier when exiting the plane than when boarding. You're better off finding a small underseat spinner. The smaller, the better ... with things like charging points, there's competition for underseat real estate.
Yeah ... I may just need to bring a tote on the plane and just check a second bag (souvenirs and to better distribute the weight between the two cases). It'll be unrealistic for me to only bring the big luggage and a tote bag as this will be a three week trip.
Yeah ... I may just need to bring a tote on the plane and just check a second bag (souvenirs and to better distribute the weight between the two cases). It'll be unrealistic for me to only bring the big luggage and a tote bag as this will be a three week trip.
You can carry enough clothes for a 3 week trip in a small bag, most people bring to many clothes. Pack as light as you can, becasue even lifting the bags from the baggage claim onto your trolley, can be hard on the shoulders.
We traveled in Europe for a month with only a carry on. I paid for laundry to be done about half way through, & most nights I washed out my undies & other light articles, in the sink. If you put them on a radiator, they will be dry by the morning. Pack only clothes than can be interchanged & mix & match.
I agree with evening sun 100%. We have gone on multiple trips for 3-4 weeks with only one carryon each. There are drop off same day laundered all over the world.
WHATEVER you decide to do, there are certain things that you should never, never, ever check.
Prescription meds and (if you're going overseas) any OTC you feel you might need. (DH got a cold once and finding a ORC med that was okay with his high BP wasn't easy.)
Camera, phone, tablet, kindle, jewelry, GPS and other targets for theft. I bring all the plugs, too.
Any toiletries you cannot do without - that's usually a pretty short list. For me, it's bar soap and makeup remover type stuff (allergies).
Travel with your arm in a sling, as a signal of your disability. At the airport, request priority boarding. Without exception, airport/airline staff will rush to accommodate you, no questions asked. Please don't abuse the privilege, use it only if you need to.
Many airlines will transport you around the airport in a wheelchair, if you ask. It’s a complimentary service.
I had a torn ligament years ago and was at Montreal Airport, catching a flight back to San Francisco. The staff at Air Canada saw me hobbling around on crutches and insisted on putting me in a wheelchair. I cleared customs & immigration first and had plenty of time, so I went into the lounge for drinks!
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
39,031 posts, read 23,023,210 times
Reputation: 36027
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I just returned from my trip. Although I had to use my big luggage, I was able to get assistance at the airports, etc. My shoulder is doing much better now.
Depending on where you are going, you might consider mailing a small package to the hotel where you’re staying. If it’s just toiletries, you can toss what’s not used and go to the next destination.
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