2.  A passport is NEEDED to fly into the US.  If you need medical treatment, you NEED a passport to get back to the US for that treatment.  If you have a loved one that is seriously ill or injured, you NEED a passport to fly back into the US to be with them.

3.  A passport for an adult is $98.00 and is good for 10 years..  Most major post offices have the paperwork and many can take your passport photo.  You will need your birth certificate and photo id.  If you are obtaining a passport for a minor, BOTH parents need to be present.

4.  Travel protection allows you to travel without worrying about the bad "what ifs."   Most medical insurance companies do not cover treatment outside the US.

5.  All liquids, in your carry on luggage must be in a 1 qt size zip lock bag per person..  No container can be more than 3.4 oz.  This bag must be taken out of your luggage and placed in a container and scanned.  Liquids packed in your checkd luggage can be any size.  Always a good idea to put them in a zip lock bag.

6.  Shoes must be taken off.

7 .  Most airlines charge for checked luggage.  At this date 5/26/2010, Southwest does not charge for the first two checked bags per person.  Jetblue does not charge for the first checked bag per person.  Durable medical equipment always flies for free.

8.  Cash is not accepted on any airlines.

9.  You may bring food and drink on board the plane.  The drink must be purchased AFTER going through security.

10.  Outerwear like a sweater or sweatshirt needs to be taken off at security.

11. Plan to be at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to a continental flight and 2 hours prior to an international flight.

12.  Make your travel plans early.  The discounted airline seats only go up as the allotted amount sell out.  Always let the airlines know if you have a disability and what you need.  You want to alert them to the need for an aisle chair or if you are traveling with a wheelchair.  Let them know the weight, if it is a power chair.  Whatever you can do to protect your chair, should be done. ( Please see preflight page.)

13.  If you are chosen for a more in depth screening (security), just relax and go with the flow.

14.  Make sure of your flight plans before booking.   Many airlines charge a $100.00 change fee per ticket.

15.  You can fly on most airlines with a concentrator.  If you need oxygen, many airlines have a policy where you must purchase the oxygen from them.  The usual charge is $100 per leg of the flight.

16.  If you have special needs, you will be boarded before anyone else.  There may be a couple of exceptions to this.  Sometimes, first class passengers may be pre boarded or those paying a premium to pre board may board before you. You usually will be the first one on and the last one off.  Travel with dignity.

17.  All inclusive resorts include meals, snacks,  beverages and gratuities.  These are very hard to come by if you need an accessible room.  Many times a charter flight is included.  It is very hard to get a foreign property to "block" an accessible room.

18.  Most of the time it does not cost you to use the services of a travel agent.  (Sometimes, there are some service fees.)  This is your vacation.  Use a professional travel agent.  Ask about their certifications.

19.  Some cruise lines are very accessible others are not.    Do not assume each will be the same.

20  There are many islands in the Caribbean where you can find accessible tours or accessible taxis.  Any travel agent that specializes in the mobility impaired traveler should have this information.