Travel Tips for Amputees Near Edgewood, KY and Lawrenceburg, IN

Plan Ahead

When you use a prosthesis, it’s crucial to plan out as many details of your trip as possible. If you are visiting an area for the first time, call ahead to your hotel and learn about the facility’s accessibility, as some hotels and tourist destinations are more accommodating than others. Requesting a room close to the lobby or on the first floor is a way to make your trip more enjoyable. Taking a few minutes for this preparation can save you from unnecessary frustration during your trip.

Prepare For Any Situation

Good planning doesn’t end after calling ahead to ask about accessibility. It’s important to plan for every possible scenario, including the worst-case ones. Check your prosthetic device thoroughly for any signs of wear or damage. If you find any, get them repaired before your departure. Traveling can be stressful enough without worrying about your prosthesis malfunctioning while you’re away from home.

Pack Extra Essentials

Duct tape and superglue are always handy additions to an emergency kit in a pinch, but we suggest you pack extra essential items. Remember that airports can lose luggage, so make space in your carry-on for any of these things that you use regularly:

• Prosthetic socks
• Extra socket liner
• Shrinkers
• Sealing sleeves
• Extra screws
• Plenty of batteries and a charger, if needed

You’ll also want to be ready for any weather situation. If your destination is hot and humid, pack antiperspirant and powder to prevent friction sores. Cold areas require cleats or rubber-soled shoes to help you navigate tricky terrain. If you have multiple devices and some additional space in your luggage, consider bringing along a secondary option in case your primary device has any issues.

Tips For Airport Security

Getting through security is one of the most disliked parts of travel. Get to the airport as early as possible to avoid missing your flight. It’s better to have extra time than to reschedule a flight at the last minute. Let the TSA agent know you’re wearing a prosthetic device. You may need to be checked as a part of the process, and you can request a private screening area if it is more comfortable for you.

Make Your Comfort a Priority

Traveling, especially through large airports, is exhausting for everyone - including people with disabilities and those with prosthetics. Don’t be afraid to request wheelchair assistance or transportation on an electric cart to stay as comfortable as possible during travel. Sitting for several hours can cause your extremities to swell, so getting up every few hours to walk up and down the aisle is helpful. If you remove your prosthesis during a long flight, wear a shrinker to keep swelling to a minimum.

Alternate forms of transportation, such as buses or trains, can often be more comfortable if you wear a prosthetic device. Contact any long-distance bus or train company near you to ask about available accommodations. You’ll have to plan around the extra time, but you’ll likely make up the savings in cost.

More Travel Tips from Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics

The most important tip to remember on your trip is to remember to have fun and enjoy the locale and people around you. Contact our friendly team if you have questions about traveling with your prosthesis. We have two convenient locations in Edgewood, KY, and Lawrenceburg, IN, and are happy to serve the surrounding areas.