Hi friends! This week we’re talking about catching those airplanes and flying the friendly skies. While I have one other flight I have to take this year, this one will mostly focus on my International flight. That being said, most of these things will apply to every flight I take. I’ll share my experience, some tips and tricks, things I wish I did, and the process of flying with my portable oxygen concentrator (POC).
So, an international flight…How’d that treat you?
Thanks for asking…it was a 50/50 split. The flights to Japan were rough. Granted, part of my problem started before I even got to the airport in Minneapolis. Let me set the scene…
Home to Minneapolis and Seattle
I have been fasting for like 12 hours and very specific about what I ate for a week beforehand to reduce inflammation as much as I could. Only thing in my system was water. That night, I didn’t take my night time medications because I was following a protocol that helps with jetlag and it was time to stay up.
Since I was leaving my house at 2 am for an 8 am departure, I took a shuttle instead of driving myself or getting a ride. The shuttle was a little jerky and within 20 minutes I was feeling motion sick. Now, motion sickness happens rarely for me, so I didn’t have anything with me. I just moved to the middle of the bench seat and looked through the windshield.
Fast forward to MSP…I got through quickly with no issues (thank you TSA Precheck). While we were waiting to board, basically everyone in my part of the plane has to check their carry-ons. Fine with me since I don’t have to carry it. Guess who didn’t grab any of her meds though…this girl. Normally, it wouldn’t have been too much of a problem, but I hadn’t taken my Nexium since the morning before. If you’ve been on Prednisone long term, you know the havoc it wreaks on your stomach. It makes eating almost impossible without horrible acid reflux.
More on that later…Sleeping did not happen on this flight. I tried to do the light suggestions in the jet lag app, but couldn’t sleep. I was also in a middle seat that was hurting my back and next to a man (who was a little bigger than me) who thought the best position for the arm rest was digging into me.
Seattle to Seoul and Osaka
Despite all of that, I got to Seattle in one piece. I was still feeling off, pretty sure it was a combo of eating some (safe) food, motion sickness, and a pinched nerve in my neck. I had a neck pillow, one that was supposed to be good. It wasn’t the best option, but the ones at the airport were worse. While here, I tried to get some work done with minimal success. The airport was so busy and I felt like crap, so grace granted. This next leg is where it all goes downhill.
The flight from Seattle to Seoul took 13 hours and thanks to turbulence, the plane bounced almost the entire time. Motion sickness worse. Food acting even more fool. Tums gone. Drinking water off the table. Even breathing made things worse. I was so sick I ended up putting my oxygen on to see if it would help because my gums were even a different color. I don’t think it did. Definitely didn’t hurt. I was also in the middle here and both people ended up sleeping. Walking around and bathroom breaks were far between.
Made it to right before landing before I got super sick. First and hopefully last time that happened. The people around me were nice about it, but super embarrassing. I got myself together in the Seoul airport. Meds and new sweatshirt acquired. Thank goodness for airport pharmacies. Med like motion sickness, antacids, and anti-diarrheal are not available over the counter like they are in America. Good to know.
The flight to Osaka went better. It was mostly empty, so I got a row to myself and the meds kicked in. I did not eat on this flight. Thankfully, it was shorter and less bouncy. I was so excited to land and swore to never go on a plane sleep deprived and without my meds again. By the time I was at the hotel I had been up for 38 hours (matched my previous record).
Was the way back better?
So much! It was the same order and airlines on the way back, but I wasn’t as sleep deprived or sick before I got to the airport. The kind man at Kansai International Airport let me choose an aisle seat on both of my Korean Airlines flights.
Once I got to Seattle, I had no choice and was stuck in the middle. It was squishy, but I was just glad I was on my way home. I was super close to missing my connecting flight to MSP because of a 10 minute flight delay and Customs. The shuttle home was so much better. He drove smoothly and got us there ahead of schedule by like 10 minutes. I had a little motion sickness, but I was able to eat, drink, and breath normally.
You said you had some tips, tricks, and suggestions…
Boy do I ever. Especially for my first long haul flight since 2019. I wish I would have had this knowledge back then too….
- Get an aisle seat. Even if it cost a little extra. Future you will thank you. I know they can get a bad wrap but you will be able to get up without disturbing anyone when you have to use the bathroom, need to walk around, etc. I got stuck in the middle on all three of my flights out there and never again.
- Get TSA Precheck or Global Entry. It’s worth every penny. I have TSA Precheck due to my job and I never want to travel without it again. Actually, I wish I had Global Entry on the way back because a flight delay and a long ass Customs line had me running for my connecting flight to MSP. Running is right up there with stairs…bane of my existence.
- Compression Socks. This was the first time I flew using compression socks and I think it made a big difference. My feet still swelled, however, my shoes still fit and didn’t hurt my feet. Plus, no one has time for blood clots.
- Bring snacks. I know I said fasting before your flight is good for those of us with gut problems, but so is eating food that is safe and won’t cause extra bloating.
- Take your meds, especially if it’s an overnight flight where you’re supposed to sleep (time zone thing). Along with that, MOTION SICKNESS MEDS! I had to buy the Korean version of that and Imodium at the airport pharmacy in Korea. It would have saved me a lot of pain and other feelings if I would have had it on me.
Traveling with POCs
- Remember to register it with your airline. For my flight, Delta required me to have 150% battery life, which is like three double batteries. I had one double and refused to buy more since they are like $300 each. That being said, I knew I wasn’t going to need it on the flight because I don’t desaturate on planes like that. If you do, make sure to have what you need.
- If you want to check it, you have to separate the battery from the machine. I had this conversation with the bag checking agent. She confirmed it with, who I assume was, her higher up.
- You will have to stop at each security check so they can swab your POC. They have to make sure it isn’t a bomb. They’re just doing their jobs, so don’t be grumpy with them. I was asked every time what it was and if it was okay to swab it.
- It is NOT considered a carry-on or personal item. Don’t let anyone tell you it counts. I looked it up. Your POC is an extension of yourself and you are allowed to have it on you even if they’re limiting baggage. One gate agent tried to stop me, but another had my back.
Comments? Questions? Concerns? Post them below!
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Unfortunately, Cardybear did not come on the Japan adventures. I wanted to bring him, but he takes up my whole backpack. He was definitely there in spirit though.
Be safe out there and remember your passport! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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