Can You Travel with Crohn’s Disease?
- Can You Travel With Crohn’s Disease?
- Intro
- First Part
- Can you travel with Crohn’s Disease? If you listened to the last episode, the answer is clearly a resounding yes. But if you’re not in remission, this answer is a little more complicated. In May 2022, it was my first time traveling abroad with my disease, and I was alone. I had only been on a biologic for five months and didn’t have the confirmation that I have now, that my intestines are doing well and healed from any ulcerations. I also was still having a few sporadic episodes of cramping.
- Just a first note of empowerment: you are not your disease and it shouldn’t stop you from exploring the world and new cultures. That being said, this disease and flares can ebb and flow and it’s important to honor your body. I have a few tips I want to share with you to make travel easier and more enjoyable, and that ultimately took a lot of the fear out of solo travel with Crohn’s.
- First, the Sunflower program is such an amazing endeavor to empower those with disabilities to travel abroad. I got my Sunflower lanyard back in 2020 from Heathrow airport. I will say that some airports in Europe, Asia and the Middle East don’t offer this program, and if they do, most don’t list Crohn’s as a disability. Which is heartbreaking and something we need to work on changing!
- Individual airlines can also honor the program. When traveling to Germany, while the Berlin airport and my airline, Icelandair, didn’t have information on the Sunflower program or assistance traveling with Crohn’s, when I went for check in, I walked up to the baggage check and told the person I had Crohn’s, had a letter from my doctor if he needed proof, and that an aisle seat by myself would be wonderful if there were any available as I’m immunocompromised and may need the bathroom more than most. He was very kind about it and while didn’t completely understand my situation, immediately gave me an aisle seat in one of the premium rows with more legroom…all by myself because the flight was mostly empty. It can never hurt to just ask!
- If you’re not feeling as well, I would definitely pay the extra money for peace of mind and book an aisle seat in advance.
- Opt 3: Listener Support
- Second Part
- When Mike and I had to cancel our very lengthy road trip through the UK, we had to cancel a lot of non-refundable Airbnbs and flights. On Airbnb, they have a clause that says if you get diagnosed with an extreme illness that causes you to cancel, you can be refunded in full in most instances. This worked wonders for us. There was one Airbnb that it didn’t apply to, but when we reached out, the couple managing the property graciously gave us a full refund anyways.
- Even if you don’t have a disability, getting a credit card with travel insurance that covers lost luggage, canceled and delayed flights, and so on, is so important. Because my grandfather was in the Air Force, I have a USAA credit card that has no fees and covers a lot when it comes to travel. Just be sure to book all flights and accommodations with the card, otherwise you can’t cash in on those benefits.
- Assignment
- If you have Crohn’s, your assignment is to look into the Sunflower lanyard program if you haven’t already and sign up. If you don’t, how can you support someone with a hidden disability? Ask if you can advocate for them and relieve the burden of having to “prove their disease” to airport personnel in order to receive assistance. Keep a copy of their diagnosis from their doctor on you at all times.
- Outro
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