My Airline Travel Tips

I just went on a trip and had to fly. Those of use with bad backs know this can be torture. I wanted to share what I've learned this past year.

• Pack light. Really light. Don't even attempt to bring a big rolling carry-on onto the plane. Everyone's doing that to try to save the $15 fee. Don't try it. Just check your bag(s), your back will thank you for it. You don't want to hurt your back right out of the gate, you have a long day ahead of you. As far as the carry-on, I have a big bag that I put my purse and camera and magazines in. I used to pack this full of stuff that didn't fit in my suitcase, or that might break. Over the years, I've brought coconuts back in this thing, glass jars filled with food, even a DVD player. Talk about heavy! Take my advice and don't try that. Keep it light. If you use a carry-on (or purse), try to carry it by handles and not over your shoulder.
  
• Use curb-side check in, if available (some airports seem to be cutting this out). Again, it's worth the nominal fee. Usually you can just get out of your car or taxi, roll your suitcase up to the curb, check in and leave the suitcase (this past time they had me roll it to security, though). Another reason this is good is that when I've checked in at the desk, some airlines have you lift your suitcase up onto a scale, then back off, then roll it over to security. This is hard for those of us with hurt backs. The past few times, I explained to the people behind the desk that I was about to/just had/etc. back surgery and was surprised that they lifted it up for me. I expected to get chewed out (especially these days -- flying is so brutal!) but they did help two different times, so ask for it if you need it.
• Take a pillow for lumbar support. I gotta be honest, I haven't quite figured this one out. I have tried taking pillows but no matter how small they look, they feel too big in the airline seat. What I have done in the interim is to throw the pillow I brought under my seat and wad up my jacket and shove it behind my back. It helps.
• Try to schedule time between connecting flights. Trust me, trying to run across the airport is not easy when you have a bad back. Take your time. Maybe even hitch a ride on the little cart things if you can.
  
• Take heat packs in your carry-on. They have ones that are specifically for your back. I admit I didn't have to use these this time. But last year every time I flew I brought these along. Now I am personally a bigger fan of icing my back, but when you can't use ice, these help. They relaxed my back (but also made me sweat in summer!) but it was a welcome relief.
• Have any meds you need in your carry-on. You don't want to be caught without your meds when you might need them. My Flexaril was by my side last year while traveling.
• Wear good shoes. I wear big white aerobic tennis shoes. It makes a difference.