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Untitled Document
Stricter rules put squeeze on travellers
Alexandria Berger
- who writes for US disability site iCan - gives her top
tips for people travelling abroad
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Everyone understands the new travel regulations: No knives. No razors.
No box cutters. No gate checks, which translate into long check-in lines
at airline counters. We've got it.
You also need to get this: Because we carry adaptive equipment and medical
supplies, travel for people with disabilities will change beyond these
minor inconveniences, starting now. So, if you're planning to fly, here's
what you should do to get through security with the least amount of hassle.
And, hassle it will be:
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If you have diabetes and carry syringes or catheters, also carry a letter
from your physician clarifying their use. Never carry injectibles without
pharmaceutical labeling. These items can be classified as weapons in the right
hands, especially if a syringe is pre-filled with an unmarked substance such
as morphine.
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Should you need to carry scissors, only carry bandage shears, which have
blunted tips and aren't the size of hedge clippers.
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Err on the side of caution, and don't argue if something like surgical scissors
is confiscated. Buy another when you arrive at your destination.
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Don't think because you use a wheelchair you'll be whisked through security.
You will not. Instead, relax. You may be padded down. Your chair's removable
parts, such as arm and leg rests, may be stripped off, X-rayed, swiped or
scanned. Go with the flow. If your equipment is damaged in the process, report
it to the airport duty supervisor for security and graciously file a claim
under the Air Carrier Access Act.
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Infuriating or unusual behavior is a terrorist profile red flag and you
may be unfairly detained. Remember, the new regulations require additional
security staff. These people have had crash training courses, which means
they will be slow, overly cautious and more than likely, very inflexible.
Smile, but forget the jokes and leave your temper at home.
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Because your luggage will be opened and searched, as it has been for years
in Israel, instead of arriving one to two hours before flight time, get to
the airport at least three to four hours in advance. Be patient and bring
a book.
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To those who wear leg bags, have multiple sclerosis, a spinal cord injury
or any neuromuscular disease, drink less fluid before arriving at the airport,
and increase your fluid intake on board. You could be in line for a long time.
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Before leaving the country, check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
for the latest travel advice (Details are on their website
www.fco.gov.uk/travel/
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Currently, there is a worldwide caution for people traveling abroad.
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Above all, God Speed!
Alexandria Berger
is a widely published travel writer who is writing
an exclusive weekly version of her "The Imperfect Navigator" column
for iCan. Contact her at
imperfectnav@icanonline.net
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