Air travel can be a real pain for someone with a handicap such as multiple sclerosis. Security, aircraft seats and legroom are all becoming increasingly tighter. But, there are things you can do to make air travel a lot easier.
Get there early
Of course, you get there early. How early depends on a lot of variables. But, for U.S. airports, the Transportation Safety Administration has a MyTSA app that can help you judge how crazy the airport might be. It lets you check:
- The approximate wait-times at security checkpoints.
- How historically busy the airport will be on your specific day and time of travel.
- The delays and current weather at airports nationwide.
- Which items you can bring with you through the checkpoint.
Get some wheels
Airports, particularly those handling international flights, can be huge. Even if you can walk you really don’t want to walk from check-in to the plane, or between gates.
I travel with a scooter that’s very light and also can be folded like a 
baby stroller. I drive the scooter right up to the aircraft door. Its battery is taken on board (FAA regulations require that it be stowed in the overhead) and the scooter is stowed with baggage. When we arrive, the scooter is returned to the aircraft door and off I go. Note: This works well with a lightweight scooter. If your scooter is larger and heavier, or if you’re in an electric wheelchair, you’ll need to check it at the gate before flying rather than at the plane door. The airline will use an on-board wheelchair to move you from the gate to your seat, if necessary.
If you’re not traveling with a scooter arrange for a wheelchair, even if you may not think you need one. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. The airline will provide the chair and someone to push it from check-in to the gate and gate-to-baggage claim after you arrive. (There is no charge, though tips are accepted.) Request the chair when you make your reservation either via the airline’s website or with an agent on the phone. If you’re buying your ticket through a travel agent or third-party website, it’s a good idea to phone the airline three days ahead of your flight to be sure that they know you need a chair. This notification also should be done if you’re traveling with a scooter or an electric chair.
There’s more information about scooters on the Cruising page.
Join TSA Pre-Check
Pre-Check is the Transportation Security Administration’s program for speeding passengers through TSA security checks in the U.S. 
Membership in the Pre-Check program requires you to fill out an online application and then appear for a 10-minute interview at a TSA location (usually at an airport), where you’ll be fingerprinted.
A five-year membership is $85. In exchange, you’ll be entitled to use the (usually) faster pre-check security line at the airport and won’t be required to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket. You also won’t need to take your laptop or liquids out of your carry-on bag. (This is true even with the new, stricter rules for electronic items that TSA began using in July, 2017).
Though someone on a scooter or in a wheelchair is usually directed to the Pre-Check line even without Pre-Check membership, if you’re not a member you’ll still need to go through the hassle of removing all of those items. To me, not having to do that is more than worth the cost and effort of signing up for this program.
For international travelers, an additional $15 and a slightly more extensive interview will get you a Global Entry card from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This allows you to use an automated kiosk for customs and immigration clearance at major airports in the U.S. Plus, you have all of the Pre-Check benefits.
If you have concerns or questions involving airport security, the TSA has a special office for help called TSA Cares. The office suggests contacting it three days before traveling at: (855) 787-2227 or TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov
Pre-select your seat before flying
Don’t wait until you get to the airport to select your seat. Most airlines allow you to choose your seat when you buy your ticket. Doing that may allow you to nab an aisle seat or one near a restroom. Many airlines now have two classes of coach seats: regular and premium. Premium, of course, costs a little more but the extra legroom is worth it to me even though I’m only 5 feet 6 inches tall. Those few extra inches allow me to stretch my legs and even to stand. I also can squeeze past others in the row more easily if I wind up in a window seat. And things are a lot less uncomfortable if the passenger in front of me decides to put his or her seat back as far as it can go … usually, right into my lap.
Premium coach seats are at the front of the coach section, which means there can be a downside to sitting in one. These seats are sometimes located far away from coach restrooms, which are only in the rear on some types of aircraft. I’ve found, however, that if I explain to a flight attendant when I first board the plane that I have difficulty walking in the aisle, they’re usually willing to allow me to use the closest restroom, even if it’s up front on the other side of that blue upper-class curtain.
What’s in my carry-on?
Most of what’s in my bag are items that I can’t be without: my medications, my Bioness L300 nerve stimulator (and its charger), a spare Depends “Real-Fit” in case of bladder problems and, sometimes, a spare battery for my scooter. I also carry my iPad, or a book and either a spray hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes.