04/10/2025
TRAVELLING ABROAD WITH AUTUMN
Have you been thinking about taking your child abroad, but worried because of their disability/spina bifida? That's exactly where we've been for a while. But now we've flown abroad, so we have quite a few tips for you.
First off, we booked the trip. We decided to go all inclusive, just to make life a little easier. We did our research and checked out the distance from the nearest hospital, and we also had a doctor based at the resort.
I'd prepared by getting a letter from the neurosurgeons in London stating a long list of Autumn's medication and catheters she needed to fly with, as well as wipes and nappies. I'd also filled them all into a little suitcase and attached a luggage label that had our details one side and a sign that reads "medication inside, handle with care". This suitcase couldn't leave our sight. We had it as carry on, because if was lost, we were screwed. We also had a letter from the physio explaining we needed to take her walker. It also had a bit of information about her medical needs. These letters were then close to hand in with the medication. I'm not gonna lie, I thought we were really prepared and had thought of everything. So we got to the airport, were checking in and the lady asked what medication she had in the case, once I had reeled off the long list, she asked if Autumn was fit to fly. Of course, I said. She then turned to a colleague and between then, discussed whether she could go on the plane. We were all quite dumbfounded and shocked. We had two letters and they were still discussing it. They even checked with the cabine crew to see if they were happy for Autumn to fly with them. After a few minutes, we were asked to sign a document listing medical conditions and saying it is not the airlines responsibility if something happens. We signed it and were on our way. If you decide to fly with your little one, I would suggest, not only having a list of medication, but also asking the health care professionals to write the words 'fit to fly' on it. Have the medication all together and ensure you have spares. When you go through security, open the case so they can see it all. Hope that helps with the technical side of the airport. But most of all, enjoy the holiday. We've had an absolute blast this week. We've even had a 'fit to fly' letter email sent emailed to us, so we can fly home.....even though we would love to stay here in this beautiful weather.
Insurance is also a must have. Make sure it's a reputable company and put in detail about little ones diagnosis and needs.
Flying home was a lot easier. We actually packed the small suitcase with the medication inside a bigger suitcase. Because if we didnt get it back immediately- I know I have spares at home of everything. We didn't mention anything other than the walker, which again, was taken off us at the plan and put in the hold with the pushchair. We had the fit to fly letter at hand if needed, but because we didnt have a suitcase of medication, they weren't fussed. They could see she had medical needs on the system.
When Autumn hits 2 years of age, she has her own seat on the plane, but as she is still 1 (she's 2 years old a week today) she was sitting on our laps.
Well, after a long journey back, we are now home from sunny Turkey and Autumn absolutely loved it. Albeit she's exhausted as we didn't get home until 1am and we spent 12 hours in total travelling back.
Photos to follow
