Traveling with a medically complex loved one can be stressful, with so much to plan and pack. To help, we’ve created a resource filled with real tips and advice from families who’ve done it—covering everything from packing checklists and medication strategies to navigating airports and finding accessible lodging. It also reminds families to go slow, build in extra time, and expect the unexpected. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, this guide is here to ease the worry so you can focus more on making meaningful memories. This guide was created from ideas and suggestions from ASXL families.
Published: April 2025
Prepare for travel with these suggestions and tips from ASXL families:
- Familiarize yourself with Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA) regulations to understand your rights and the responsibilities of airlines
- Research the local pharmacy and hospital where you are staying
- Move furniture around to accommodate for safety in your hotel
- Get creative with places for your loved one to sleep
- Put favorite items on lanyards or baby chains so they can’t be thrown
- Request bed rails ahead of time from the hotel
- Purchase gift cards as a thank you for the flight attendants
- Keep routines the same as much as possible to provide stability
- Slow down, plan for everything to take extra time, temper your expectations
- Bring additional support people to help (nurses, grandparents, aunts/uncles)
- Consider travel in a motor home/RV; lots of extra storage for supplies, diaper changes are easy on the go
Packing suggestions and tips from ASXL families:
- Bring “proof” of disability, handicapped placards help with making travel accommodations without having to have your loved one present
- Consider medication and bathroom needs during long flights/lay overs/long road trips. Keep this accessible and functional. Bring beach towels for diaper changes on the ground when needed
- Carry all cords and chargers for wheelchairs/feeding pumps/etc
- Bring noise canceling headphones
- Pack lots of extras (at least a week’s worth): clothes, diapers, pads, G-tube supplies, formula, medications
- Be sure medications are labeled and be sure liquid meds are sealed in leak proof containers
- Bring emergency meds for behavior
- Bring favorite toys, snacks, comfort items, and electronics
- Consider portable safety devices to keep doors secure
Resources suggested in the guide include:
- TSA Cares program, which provides additional support getting through security in U.S. airports (call to request at least 72 hours before departure)
- Air travel for people with disabilities webinar, hosted by The Arc of Northern Virginia (July 2024), which includes a video of what to expect when navigating an airport
- Requesting a sunflower lanyard, to indicate to others that a traveler has a disability
- Inflatable travel bed
Other disability travel sites that may have additional helpful information include:
- Autism Family Travel Guide
- The World is Accessible, a wheelchair accessibility travel guide
- Curb Free with Cory Lee, a travel site written from a wheelchair user’s perspective
The information presented here is for educational purposes only. This information is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. You should always talk to your or your family member’s health care professionals for diagnosis and treatment, including information regarding which drugs or treatment may be appropriate for you or your family member. We do not represent or warrant that any particular treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you or your family member. In the event of a medical emergency, you should contact your doctor immediately or call your local emergency service.
