ASK THE COACH: Plane Talk

By “Coach” Scott Chesney

‘Tis the season to do some traveling, and based on the numerous e-mails that I continue to receive on this subject, there is no time like the present. I hope you are all enjoying your summer and getting out there.

Now I know that finances are a major issue, causing many people to modify their vacation plans; still, try to give yourself a break from your daily routine. Variety is one of our basic human needs and some type of getaway, even if it is for just one night, can be very rejuvenating and recharge your battery.

So many people with whom I talk tell me that they just can’t afford that seven-day cruise, time-share in Florida, shore house rental, Disney vacation, you name it. My response to them: “Then don’t do it!” Review your finances, check out what is affordable, keep looking for deals, and create a vacation that works for you and your wallet.

Many of the e-mails I received dealt with airline travel, so hopefully this letter from Adam will be helpful to many of you:

“Scott, my family and I are planning our first vacation together since I became paralyzed almost three years ago. I know that I have adjusted well, but the thought of getting on and off an airplane scares the hell out of me. It looks like many people with SCI, including yourself, continue to do a lot of traveling, so I thought you could help me prepare for this.”

The first time for anything is usually a little scary for all of us and I appreciate your honesty. Whenever fear arises, allow yourself to feel the fear, but also keep reminding yourself that it is simply a movie full of drama that your mind is playing out. Then, remind yourself of other firsts, especially since you have been paralyzed, and how you persevered and made the most out of those opportunities.

Now, enough with the Dr. Phil talk. Here is some concrete advice. First, minimize your fear by getting answers. Call the airline you’re thinking of flying and let them know that you have a disability and can’t walk. I am assuming you can’t walk, but be as open and specific with the airline representative as you can. If you can’t walk, you will need to transfer onto an aisle chair, a small chair that fits right between the aisle of an airplane since regular wheelchairs are too wide to go down an aisle. If you can do the transfer yourself, let them know; if you cannot and you require assistance, let them know. Communication is imperative to having your needs met.

It sounds like you are traveling with your family, so either they can physically help you or at the very least, communicate to the airline reps what your specific needs are. Once you are on the aisle chair and are pushed to your seat, another transfer will be necessary to get into your seat. Airline representatives will be there to assist you, but as they do not know your specific needs, you need to talk to them as you would talk to anyone who possibly assists you with transfers in your daily life.

Once you are in your seat, you are ready to go. If you have a long flight and know you will need to use the restroom on the flight, be sure to ask in advance when making your reservation. Find out with the airline if the airplane you will be taking has an aisle chair on board. It is usually a different type of aisle chair than what you came on board with, but it will serve its purpose. If they do not have an aisle chair on board, I do not want you to think that you can’t fly.

But let’s get real and honest: having traveled to 38 countries, probably only about 10% of those flights had an aisle chair on board. Now what do you do? If you are traveling with someone and can manage to go to the bathroom yourself, you have your travel companion hold up a blanket, coat, etc., for privacy. If your companion needs to help you to go to the bathroom or even if you are traveling by yourself, ask someone next to you if they can hold up a blanket. What are they going to say, “No?” I highly doubt that. Hey, when nature calls, you gotta go and you do what you gotta do! You can ask the flight attendants for empty water bottles to assist in the process if needed.

As I have stressed in all my columns, preparation and communication are the keys to so much of what we want to create in life. For people with SCI, it is imperative.

For more information on accessible travel, please visit my friends at www.abletotravel.org.

Happy and safe travels!

Scott Chesney, paralyzed 22 years ago as the result of a rare stroke, is a popular international motivational speaker and life coach. You can reach him via e-mail at schesney@unitedspinal.org.

This column is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as offering medical advice. If you have a medical condition requiring attention, please seek the help of qualifi ed medical professionals.