Traveling With Special Circumstances

In the National Lampoon Vacation movies anything thatfor checking your animal. Sometimes it is more difficult
can go wrong to Chevy Chase does. The hotel isn't asfor baggage handlers to get your pet to your
described in the brochure, the car is too small and theconnecting flight. When booking your flight remember
amusement park is closed; the list could go on. Withto give yourself between a one and three hour
the introduction of the Internet into the averagelayover.
American home, planning vacations has become- Air Cargo. Many airlines have cargo services. This is
easier than ever. Incidentally, when vacationing we allfor those shipping pets to friends or family without their
have special circumstances, including children, pets,owner. Rates depend on size and destination of the
disabilities or medical requirements. And sometimesanimal. Check your carrier's website for further details.
your destination makes all the difference.Always include identification tags with your address
These are the answers to a few frequently askedand phone number as well as the address and phone
travel questions, and tips to remember when travelingnumber of the person receiving the animal. Additionally,
with special circumstances.do not put a leash or muzzle on the animal, this may
Flying. Flying has become one of the most commoncause a choking hazard.
forms of travel, but as airlines get bigger they need toDisabilities. All airlines are dedicated to making
accommodate a larger number of people and theireveryone's travel comfortable. Most airlines are
demands.wheelchair accessible and willing to work with people
Flying With Children. Always inform the airline you arewith all kinds of disabilities. Always inform the airline if
traveling with children when you by your tickets.you or a loved one has special needs prior to
Reservations for infants and children under 2 cannotdeparture. This allows the staff to prepare for your
be made on most online travel sites. You must contactaccommodations.
the airline directly.Many airlines can provide Braille safety cards,
- Newborns. Most airlines will not allow a child undercaptioned safety videos, individual safety briefings,
seven-days old to travel on any plane. Often if theonboard wheelchairs and more. Guide dogs are usually
child is that young they will also require a doctor'saccepted as checked baggage and don't require a
permission slip.fee. Many airlines will also accommodate those with
- Small Children. There is usually two options whenfood allergies or related illnesses like diabetes.
traveling with small children, lap or buy a seat. If theHotels and Cars. Always contact your hotel or rental
child is less than 2-years old they can sit in your lap forcompany to make special arrangement regarding
domestic flights. Most airlines do not charge for laplodging and transportation. Most hotels and car
children. However, if you feel more comfortable, youcompanies will try to accommodate you in all ways.
can buy a seat and place the child in an FAAWhen traveling with special circumstances like children,
approved restraint. Buying a ticket for these children ispets or disabilities, always take your hotel and
usually discounted substantially and most car seats areon-ground travel arrangements into account.
approved. Double-check the airline for FAAIf you plan to take the family dog on vacation with you,
requirements. All international flights require children tokeep a few things in mind when booking your lodging.
be in restraints.Although the hotel may accept pets, ask where they
Unaccompanied Minors. It's not uncommon for childrenstay, in the room or in a hotel kennel. Furthermore, find
to fly alone. Many are seasoned travelers bouncingout if the hotel offers walking services. If you are
between parents, friends or relatives. Most airlines willsightseeing all day, you don't want your poor pup stuck
take responsibly of minors for a fee. The cost isin the room needing to visit the grassy knoll across the
usually between $50 and $100 depending on the airline.street.
Additionally, the age requirements may differ. For most,For small children, most hotels can provide a playpen
children between the ages of 5 and 7 are only allowedor crib for them to sleep in. Many car rental companies
on direct flights. Children between 8 and 14 can fly oncan also provide car seats and additional child
connecting flights. The age when children are notrestraints.
required an escort depends on the airline. For example,Cruises. Pets are not aloud on most cruise liners;
Delta requires all children under the age of 14 to havehowever, children are. Most cruises provide several
an escort whereas with United, children over 12 it'sforms of entertainment for children while at sea. If you
optional.decide to cruise with children always look into the liner's
Pets. Many airlines accommodate animals of differentchild services prior to booking a room.
sizes. You can take them as carry-on, checked as- Children and Young Adults. There are usually several
baggage or shipped. Some states require a healthfree, child-friendly activities previously planned by the
certificate. It is suggested to have all veterinary papercruise liner to keep kids and young adults busy.
work available including shots. Always call the airline orActivities include arts and crafts, movies, games and
check their website before booking your ticket. Somechild friendly pools. Sometimes the cruise liner will have
are more restrictive than others.teen dances and teen specialized activities.
Most animals must be 8 to 12-weeks old to fly. The- Children under Two. Children under 2-years old are
American Veterinary Medical Association suggest notnot usually eligible for activities. However, most liners
to sedate cats and dogs. This may effect their naturaloffer babysitting services from about $6 to $10 an
equilibrium and cause injury. Many of these tips andhour.
suggestions are for domestic flights in the 48- Disabilities. Many cruise liners try to accommodate
continental United States. International restrictions andthose with disabilities to the best of their ability. All
fares may vary.floors have elevators and are wheelchair accessible.
- Carry-on. Carry on pets must be small enough to fitThose in wheelchairs, requiring oxygen tanks or health
into a kennel under the seat in front of you. There isrequirements usually board and disembark before the
usually a fee of about $50 to $100 per animal. Mostgeneral public. Those with sight or hearing disabilities
airlines only accept cats and dogs. Delta will alsomay need to make extra special arrangement with the
accept, birds, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs,liner prior to purchasing tickets.
whereas, SouthWest doesn't accept pets of any kind.Traveling in today's day and age can be a tricky
- Checked Baggage. Larger warm-blooded mammalsbusiness. There are so many circumstances to take
and birds are usually checked as baggage. Animalsinto account. Always remember airlines, hotels, car
must be in comfortable kennels and are taken at therentals and cruises are ultimately in the hospitality
check-in counter and retrieved in baggage claim. Theybusiness. They understand there are special
are safely placed under the plane in a pressurized andcircumstances and all are fully trained to
heated compartment. There is usually a $100 chargeaccommodate you and your loved ones.