Traveling with MS can be an enjoyable and trouble-free experience, but it does require more planning than for the average traveler.

Booking Hotel Accommodations

When making a hotel reservation, don’t bother to ask the central reservations agent of a hotel chain about room accessibility. They do not in general have this information. Instead, ask for the number of the hotel you are reserving a room in, and call them directly to ask which rooms are accessible.

The person answering the phone at the front desk may not be the best person to talk to about the rooms. Oftentimes they have not even seen all of the rooms in the hotel. You will probably be better off talking to the head of housekeeping, head of maintenance, or the general manager.

Be as specific as possible about your needs, instead of simply confirming that the room is accessible by the hotel’s definition. Also ask about the accessibility of areas of the hotel other than your room, including the restaurant, pool and lounges.

Ask to be booked on the lowest floor possible. Ask the hotel personnel who will be assisting you (if necessary) if a fire breaks out in the hotel (the elevators are usually shut off if there is a fire).

If your medication needs to be refrigerated, ask the hotel to make sure there is a mini fridge in the room.

Consider using a travel agent. Their services are free to you, and they usually have experience in booking hotels and transportation for people with disabilities.

Air Travel

When booking your flight, be sure to leave extra time between connections if you are going to be requiring assistance from the airline. As a special assistance passenger, you will be the first to board and the last to deplane. Notify the reservations person if you are going to be traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter.

If you are using a wheelchair, ask for a bulkhead seat when booking your flight, as they have more legroom. If these seats are booked when you make your reservations, try arriving early at the gate and requesting the seat on the basis of your disability.

Call the airline at least 48 hours in advance of your flight to notify them that you will need special arrangements. If you are using a folding wheelchair, notify the airline so that space in the closet will be reserved for you. Your wheelchair takes priority over other items in the closet.

If you have made your requests far in advance, call the airline 48 hours prior to departure to confirm that they have a record of your requests.

If you are using an electric wheelchair, outfit it with dry cel batteries, and remind the airline that they do not need to remove these batteries (they only need to remove wet cell batteries to comply with regulations).

If you use an injection medicine such as interferon or Copaxone, carry it in an insulated lunch bag to keep it cool on the trip. Bring a letter from your doctor certifying that you use injectable medication to prevent problems at security checks.

Try to use the restroom in the airport before boarding; they are much more comfortable and accessible than the ones on the airplane.

Before landing, remind the flight attendant that you will need your equipment brought to the gate, so the attendant can radio ahead. Do not deplane until you see that your assisting or mobility equipment is waiting for you.

If you encounter any problems that are not being easily resolved, ask to speak to the Complaint Resolution Officer (CRO), who is trained in dealing with problems that travelers with disabilities might encounter. Each air carrier is required to have this person available at all times.

Rest every chance you get during the day of your trip. One day of traveling can exhaust you enough to make you fatigued for days.

Automobile Travel

During peak travel seasons, reserve a rental car well in advance if you need a hand-controlled car. Most agencies can equip a car within 72 hours, but a week is recommended.

Research your destination in advance to find out which taxi companies have accessible cabs.

Bring your handicapped parking tag with you to use in rental cars. Federal law requires states to honor tags from other states.