Flying with RA

DandyLad

Hi there
I am due to fly out from London to Los Angeles and the thought of it is filling me with fear. I have severe RA in nearly every joint and it is going into my spine, can anyone offer advise, hints, tips etc on how to make this long flight bearable.
Thank you

stickywicket

Hello DandyLad and welcome to the forum.

I, too, have RA in most joints (several replaced) though my spine's pretty good. I'm also soon going to fly to L.A. again as I do every year. (We have family there.)

I never have a problem with the flight itself. I just ensure I walk round a lot and stay well-hydrated - water and fruit juice are good: alcohol, sadly :roll: , isn't. The water and fruit juice do ensure you keep walking to the loo regularly

A direct flight is quicker (and more expensive) but breaking your journey in one of the eastern states will give you time to stretch your legs a bit. However, it makes the final leg very tiring.

There is plenty of help available at airports. Contact your airline in advance and ask for wheelchair assistance. Also before you embark for home, do so again just to make sure they haven't forgotten. If you explain at check-in that you have mobility problems, they'll try to fit you in a seat with a bit extra legroom though families with small children get priority with the bulkhead seats.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with and enjoy the trip

barbara12

Hello Dandylad and a warm welcome from me..
SW has given you some good advice there....make sure you book the assistance at the airport...I found it a big help....you enjoy.

frogmorton

Oh Dear Dandylad

A plane journey when already in pain

Make sure you get assistnace at the airport and try for a seat with extra legroom if you can. If not get an aisle seat so you can move about if you need to. Downside of that is that folks might need to climb over YOU to get to the loo :shock:

Finally make sure you don't forget your medication with you and keep hydrated.

Oh sorry WELCOME to our forums

Love

Toni xxx

crookedlobster

Reading the title, I thought RA gave you the power of flight...


Alas.





CL (tried flapping his arms)

stickywicket

crookedlobster wrote:

Reading the title, I thought RA gave you the power of flight...


Alas.





CL (tried flapping his arms)

Nah, silly.

R.A. is the creaky sister airline of B.A.