42 msfocusmagazine.org Holiday travel can be hard for everyone. Busy airports, long lines, and jam-packed flights all make staying at home look like an appealing option. And that’s before you add the potential extra complications for travelers with disabilities. While travel will never be the highlight of a Thanksgiving trip, with a little forward planning and strategizing, it needn’t be the low point either. 1. Let the Airline Know of Any Extra Needs When You Book Any modern day Pilgrim should give the airline a heads up of anyspecial orextra needs when you book, and check they understand whatyouneed.Giveasmanydetailsaspossible and don’t underplay any help or assistance you need. To make sure your requests don’t get lost in the shuffle, contact the airline 24-48 hours before departure to review any requests and to verify they have been processed. Get any guarantees of help or special treatment in writing. Don’t forget to print it out and keep it handy throughout your journey. Should anything go wrong or promised help not be on hand, make sure you try to resolve any issues or complaints while you are still at the airport. Every airline has to appoint a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO) at every airport who must deal with any problems or errors. 2. Put Your Comfort First For most travelers with disabilities, there are plenty of ways to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Check the airline's pre-boarding policy to find out if you can board before the rest of the passengers. This will allow you to transfer without feeling the pressure of holding up the boarding process and without hundreds of eyes watching you! Once on board, discuss the best way to exit the plane with the flight crew; this is important if you have a tight connection. While space is at a premium on all flights these days, booking the bulkhead seat will giveyou a little extra room and make transfers from awheelchairtoyourseat a little bit easier. You might have to pay extra for this privilege, but if it’s in your budget, it’s worth it. Anotherpremiumthatmaybeworthpaying for is a direct flight, which minimizes the boardingandtransferringhassle.Theexception is if you know using the bathroom on board will be difficult. In that case, a connecting flight might be worth the double trouble of boarding and disembarking twice. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to get from one flight to the next. Life With MS 6 Thanksgiving 6 Thanksgiving Travel Tips Travel Tips By Danielle Max, on behalf of accessiblego.com.