Traveling Tips

Air travel consists of two parts: the airport and the airplane. Different rules apply to each part of flying with epilepsy. The ADA applies while you are in the airport. However, once you board on the airplane, the Air Carrier Access Act applies (ACAA).
Important Considerations:

• You can never be forced to travel with a companion just because you are a person with epilepsy. You also don't have to disclose that you have epilepsy. The rules for what type of service dogs will be allowed onboard the plane can be found on the United States Department of Transportation website. Bringing a service dog along with you on a flight will require advanced planning.

If you are a person who uses medical marijuana to help control seizures, there are a few things to consider when traveling by airplane. Marijuana is still a Schedule I drug. You should give careful consideration about traveling with it. You may live in a state where medical marijuana is legal but be traveling to a state where it is not legal. In addition, when you are on an airplane, you are flying in space governed by the Federal government. While TSA are not law enforcement officers with the power of arrest, they do have the power to detain you and call local law enforcement. Traveling to a foreign country with medical marijuana should be approached with great care and you should research the consequences of that. You can find more information from TSA about traveling with medical marijuana, and what is considered legal on their website. 

When considering air travel, talk to your healthcare provider first. The Aerospace Medical Association recommends that people who are still having seizures travel with a companion, but by law you do not have to travel with a companion. Wearing a medical bracelet, necklace, or other form of identifications for your epilepsy is also advised in this setting. Other items to think about when traveling by plane include:

• Consider the impact of changing time zones, sleep deprivation, and long delays or travel times on your seizures and whether air travel is recommended.
• Identify a pharmacy that is close to your destination. In case you lose your medication or do not have enough medication with you, this can ensure that you do not miss a medication dose.
• Travel with a companion – this is especially important for people with frequent seizures or seizures with a change in your awareness or behavior, or for those who are traveling long distances.
• Bring a letter from your doctor describing your ability to travel by airplane and carry a completed Seizure Action Plan outlining what to do should a seizure occur.
• Talk to the airline in advance – ask for special seating arrangements so you are closer to the front where you can get help if needed. If possible, ask for an empty seat next to you so you can lie down if a seizure occurs.
• Carry a supply of medicines with you (in properly labeled bottles) so it is available if you need it during the flight.
• If you (or your child) have clusters of seizures and use "as needed" or rescue medicine, talk to the doctor in advance about how to manage these.
• For general information on medical issues and flying, take a look at the Aerospace Medical Association's Medical Considerations for Airline Travel and Health Tips for Airline Travel.
• Most importantly, remember to prioritize your wellness when traveling. Anxiety and stress are common feelings when traveling somewhere outside of your normal routine. However, mood changes can be a trigger for seizures. We recommend practicing techniques to reduce your anxiety before a trip so that you can have a fun time with your family and friends and keep your seizures controlled.