Preparing for flying can be difficult anyway and trying to think about what you might need if you are delayed makes it even more complicated. Then if you have a medical condition that you have to think about as well, this can make things even more complicated. It is therefore really important to make sure that you plan well in advance and even if you have no indication that they may be a delay, that you prepare for it just in case.
Medication
If you are taking any medication regularly or take it from time to time, then you will need to make sure that you have enough with you. This is not only to get you through the flight and journey to and from the airport but also in case of any delay. It is hard to predict whether there will be a delay or how long it is likely to be.
It might be worth contacting the airline to see if they can help with this and help you to know how to plan. Otherwise you will need to make sure that you have a good supply in your hand luggage. You will also need to speak to your doctor about when to take medication if you are going through a significant time zone change as the time of day that you take it could be important.
Exercise
Sitting around at the airport for a long time is not good for any of us. If you have a condition where you need to keep moving, then it can be a good idea to get up often and have a walk around. For all of us, we should be moving around every hour, but for anyone that is prone to getting stiff from sitting or prone to DVT then it is a good idea to get up even more regularly.
If you have physiotherapy exercises that you should be doing then see whether there is something that you can do at the airport that is similar or the same, depending on the activities, Your physiotherapist might be able to help you with some ideas.
Food and drink
Eating well is important for everyone and particularly so if we have a medical disorder. It could be that we have to eat a certain times or are sensitive to certain foods. It could be wise to pack some food so that you know that there will be something suitable for you to eat.
If you have to buy food, perhaps if you are delayed so long that you get compensation in the way of food vouchers, then make sure that you choose carefully and ask lots of questions to make sure that the food is suitable for you to eat. Make careful choices and ask about ingredients in sauces and things like that, which might be hiding things that you are allergic to or do not suit you.
Sleep
Certain medical problems will be better if you get plenty of sleep. In fact all of us benefit from getting the right amount of sleep. It can be important for you to try to get some sleep while you are waiting for your flight or on the plane. Therefore think about what might help you to sleep. It may be that you will need a pillow, blanket, something to listen to and block out other noise or something else.
Make sure that you have everything that you need with you. If the delay is a really long one, then it may be worth considering checking into a hotel. You may find that the airline will pay for it as compensation for the delay, particularly if your medical condition means that you really need a good rest. It is worth asking to find out.
Relaxation
Relaxation can be really important, particular if you have problems with heart or blood pressure. Relaxation can be helpful to everyone though and so you should have think about what you can do in order to make sure that you can relax while your flight is delayed. Listening to some music can be helpful to some, others might prefer to read a book or to meditate. For some exercise is the answer so a brisk walk around the airport might work.
There are a lot of possibilities, but you will need to be prepared before you get to the airport so that you have everything that you need. If you are not sure what helps you to relax, then just think about your daily life and when you feel relaxed and when you do not.
Then you might be able to replicate the situation while you are at the airport. Maybe take a meditation app on your mobile device or download a comedy to watch, take a favourite puzzle book to do or find something else which you can do quietly that will help you to stay calm and relaxed.
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