Even under the best circumstances, getting through an airport is stressful. The lines can get long, the logistics dizzying and the packing and security guidelines puzzling. Now add fatigue, neuropathy, an ostomy, or any of the dozens of physical realities that can come with treatment and survivorship, and a process that's already a lot for anyone becomes something else entirely. For someone traveling for work after receiving a cancer diagnosis, these stresses or anxieties can interfere with their job. Thankfully, there are protocols in place specifically designed to support travelers navigating exactly this.

There's more built-in support at the airport than most patients realize exists, and most people never think to ask for them. A recent Instagram post from @healing.journeys.travel highlights those protocols. 

• The Air Carrier Access Act: Requires airlines to provide wheelchair assistance, seating accommodation, and help with medical devices from boarding through deplaning. 
• TSA Cares: Lets you request a Passenger Support Specialist trained to screen ports, ostomies, and PICC lines with privacy and dignity. 

These resources are free and should be utilized if needed, but they are not the only things you can do to make travel just a bit easier. A little extra planning can go a long way. For example, if you have any flexibility, try to schedule travel around your treatment schedule. This means, if possible, flying on your best days, not your hardest ones, and building in buffer time on either end in case fatigue or side effects hit harder than expected. And if you are planning to travel with any devices and/or medications that may be flagged by security, bring a letter from your oncologist or care team describing your diagnosis, medications, and any devices you're traveling with (and have everything clearly labeled!). 

Advocating for ourselves can be hard, but there are systems in place to make things like travel and working after a diagnosis possible. Want to learn more about requesting accommodations at work? Check out the Legal and Financial section of our website.