Travel advisory for the Post-September 11th World: the motto is unchanged: go, but go prepared! Some of the preparations have changed, however

ONE WEEK after the September 11th attacks on New York and Washington, Zoe Koplowitz, renowned last-place marathon "runner" of New York City, flew to Boston. She had an open bottle of diet raspberry Snapple in her carry-on as she went through a security check at Newark Airport.

"The guards asked me what it was, and then they wanted me to drink it before getting on the plane," she said. They also ran her trademark fuchsia crutches through the scanner--not once, but twice, to be absolutely certain she wasn't concealing anything inside them.

What disturbed Koplowitz, though, was that the security guards did not seem to pay attention to the needles she was carrying. (They are for insulin injections. She does not take one of the disease-modifying drugs for her MS.)

She didn't know that needles are exempt from airline prohibitions against carrying anything sharp. But passengers must have a printed label that identifies the medical office, pharmacy, or manufacturer of the medication.

Heightened security has become routine since the September 11th attacks. It does entail more preparation, so don't count on security guards not asking about your needles. Instead, be prepared to have your bag opened and inspected. Carry a letter from your physician on official letterhead stating that you need the needles for your injectable medication.

Call your airline a day or two before you travel. Tell them you have a disability, even if you never did so before, and give them advance notice of any special needs you might have. For example, inform the airline if you need help to ascend or descend stairs. Call your airline again on the day you travel to check up on any last-minute changes or added restrictions.

You should expect your wheelchair, walker, cane, crutches, or any other assistive device to be inspected. You will have a wand waved over your body if you can't walk through the metal detector. You should also expect to be asked for your photo identification more often than in the past. Plan to carry your I.D. in a holder that is easy to reach and easy to open. A zippered tummy pack is one example.

If you have fatigue problems, ask for an airport wheelchair. There is no charge, and you'll have something to sit in while you're in line for baggage screening. (Once in a wheelchair, you may be bumped to the head of the line!) Ask to be boarded early if you have fatigue or mobility problems, even if you don't use a wheelchair.

In general, only ticketed passengers are allowed past the security checkpoints, so passengers who find busy airports overwhelming should ask the airline--in advance--for help. This will probably mean using an airport wheelchair, but it will be worth it.

If you do bring someone to the airport to help you board, ask for a "pass" at check-in. The person must have adequate I.D.

While tightened security takes longer and makes travel a little more difficult, look on the bright side: We're being treated like everyone else! Like everyone else, we should become canny travelers:

* Carry a cell phone.

* Leave your itinerary with someone at home.

* Pack reading and writing materials, and perhaps a radio with headphones.

* Wear loose, comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes.

* Carry your medications with you in a carry-on bag, because checked baggage can be delayed.

* Carry a sweater and neck pillow for naps.

* Eliminate unnecessary belongings in your carry-on.

* Bring along a nutrition bar or two, some dried fruit, and a water bottle so you don't have to struggle through crowds at food counters if there should be a delay.

* Ask your airline if it serves meals. Some have discontinued the practice.

Tightened security means:

* Arrive early. Really early. The time you need will vary, but in crowded airports, passengers have waited more than three hours for baggage screening on domestic flights. Call for information, but remember that the 800-number operators are often far away from the terminal.

* If you have an e-ticket, you will need a computer print-out of the receipt.

* Be patient. Security measures have been implemented to protect all of us.

Tamar Asedo Sherman is a New York-based reporter who wrote about vocational rehabilitation for the Fall 2001 issue of InsideMS.

COPYRIGHT 2002 National Multiple Sclerosis Society
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group