I knew this day was going to come eventually, and I think I’m ready for it.
It’s my first flight since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and I’m going to share my top 3 packing tips when traveling by plane. Before the pandemic, I was flying 3-to 4 times per year. But, I have grown so comfortable with virtual meetings and conferences that I had to prepare myself mentally for this conference. Especially right after the Boat Show Expo.
But I’m ready now.
I will be traveling to Birmingham, Alabama for a Data Collector’s Conference for work. Data collectors from all 14 SCI Model Systems Sites will gather to break down each variable on the interviews we complete, learn techniques related to interviewing research, and have small breakout sessions covering more topics. I’m honored to be leading one of those breakout sessions.
My coworker and I will be posting our experience on our NORSCIS Instagram page (@norscis) as well as on my Instagram page (@megs_hammond) – so make sure to follow along!
When I start packing for a flight, my process is always the same. I start with my packing checklist template (join our community by subscribing to my email list and receive this template for free 🙂 ) and figure out everything that I need to pack. After that’s completed, I make sure everything is taken out of the bags that I am using for my trip. I typically take my work bookbag as my carry-on, so I empty that to make sure I am TSA compliant. This includes emptying all the pouches that I use to keep like items together.
Then, I start laying out everything that I need, checking them off my template as I do. This excludes personal hygiene stuff that I will be using the day of my trip. I always keep a separate list of those items to make sure they get packed the day of. My first packing tip is to always start with a list. That way you know you packed everything and you won’t have to worry about forgetting something essential.
Finally, I start packing everything but my electronics. The night before my flight, I will plug EVERYTHING in to make sure I have a full battery charge and then pack the day of my flight. All my clothes are neatly rolled or folded in groups by outfit.
All of my medical supplies go in their own bag – which is my second tip for packing for a flight. I always have an “extra” carry-on bag with all things medical – and that is free to us as a person with a disability. This bag holds my medications/supplements, bathroom supplies, smart drive charger, cushion pump, and anything else I need that is related to my disability. In case something were to happen to my luggage, I always make sure to have more than enough for a couple of days on me (if not for the entire trip).
I prefer to check my luggage, even if I’m taking my small suitcase for a short trip.
I do this so I don’t have to keep track and lug it around the airport. So, I do this for convenience and ease. Once my luggage is checked, all I have to keep track of is my carry-on book bag and my bag of medical supplies. One goes on the back of my chair and the other on my lap. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
My third tip for packing for a flight is to pack extra. A couple of extra catheters. An extra cushion cover (if you have it) or a bed pad. Some extra clothing items for those unexpected SCI “surprises.” I do identify as an over-packer, but my philosophy is always to be prepared. And prepared I will be!
Traveling by plane after a spinal cord injury is possible and can be a fun experience, even though I am well aware of all the horror stories that happen at airports. The system needs to be improved and air travel NEEDS to be more accessible to those with disabilities. Those stories need to be spoken so this change CAN take place.
If you would like more information on anything I spoke about here, leave me some feedback either here – below this post, e-mail me (thewheellifeblog@gmail.com), or on any of my social media platforms! (IG/TW/TT @megs_hammond). And again, if you sign up for my email list, you can download a Packing List Template for free! I would love to hear from you and what I can do to help. If there is ANYTHING that you want to hear about – please let me know! I can’t do any of this without YOU, so I would love to connect with you!
Let’s keep those happy thoughts, productivity, and self-care going! Until next time, live honestly, passionately, and with kindness! Take care!
