✈️ Travel Packing Checklist

Complete Guide for Flying & Traveling with Crutches • Updated November 2025

💡 How to Use This Checklist: Print and check off items as you pack. Start preparations 2-3 days before travel. Contact airline 24-48 hours in advance to request assistance. Arrive at airport 30 minutes earlier than usual.

⚠️ Critical Pre-Flight Actions:

Call airline 24-48 hours before flight to request wheelchair/preboarding
Notify TSA of medical device (crutches) at security checkpoint
Confirm hotel accessibility features before booking
Pack doctor's letter (if international travel or extended trip)

📋 Trip Information (Fill Out Before Packing)

Departure Date: __________________________ Return Date: __________________________
Airline: __________________________ Flight #: __________________________
Airport: __________________________ Departure Time: __________________________
Hotel: __________________________ Hotel Phone: __________________________
Emergency Contact Name: __________________________ Phone: __________________________
Doctor's Phone: __________________________ Insurance #: __________________________

🦽 Essential Crutch Equipment

Crutches (obviously!) - inspect for wear before trip
Extra crutch tips (at least 1 spare pair) - critical!
Handgrip padding or gel covers
Underarm pad covers (if applicable)
Small tool kit (Allen wrench, screwdriver for adjustments)
Crutch bag or strap for carrying belongings
Reflective tape or stickers (for visibility in low light)
Ice grips or all-weather tips (if winter destination)

🔧 Why Extra Tips Matter: Crutch tips can wear out faster on unfamiliar terrain (airport floors, hotel surfaces, outdoor areas). A worn tip mid-trip creates a safety hazard. Extra tips cost $5-10 and provide peace of mind.

🧴 Personal Care & Comfort Items

Pain & Mobility Management:

Prescription pain medications (in original containers)
Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Anti-inflammatory gel or cream
Compression wraps or sleeves
Ice packs (empty, fill at destination) or instant cold packs
Heating pad or heat wraps
Elevation pillow or foam wedge
Compression socks for long flights

Skin Care & Hygiene:

Hand lotion (prevents blisters from handgrips)
Bandages and blister protection (moleskin)
Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer
Deodorant (extra application recommended - more exertion)
Body powder (prevents chafing under arms)
Lip balm (airports and planes are dry)

👕 Clothing & Footwear

Comfortable, supportive shoes with non-slip soles (wear on plane)
Slip-on shoes (easier for security and hotel)
Extra socks (feet may swell on long flights)
Loose, comfortable pants (easier to move in)
Layers (temperature control while on crutches is harder)
Rain jacket or poncho (staying dry prevents slipping)
Hat and sunglasses (sun protection - mobility is slower)
Clothes with pockets (hands-free carrying essential)

⚠️ Footwear Critical: Worn or slippery-soled shoes are the #1 cause of falls while traveling on crutches. Inspect shoe treads before packing. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or dress shoes with smooth soles.

🎒 Bags & Carrying Solutions

Backpack (hands-free carrying - most important item)
Crossbody bag or messenger bag (alternative to backpack)
Small waist pack or belt bag (for airport essentials)
Lanyard or neck wallet (for ID, boarding pass, phone)
Carabiner clips (attach items to crutches or bags)
Packing cubes (easier to organize and access items)
Luggage with 4 spinner wheels (easier to maneuver)
Luggage strap or bungee (secure bags together)

💡 Packing Strategy: Pack heaviest items at bottom of backpack (closer to your back). Keep frequently needed items in easy-access outer pockets. Distribute weight evenly to maintain balance on crutches.

📄 Documents & Identification

Government-issued ID or passport
Boarding pass (mobile and printed backup)
Insurance card (health insurance)
Insurance policy details or summary (for claims)
Doctor's letter explaining mobility limitation (especially for international)
Prescription list or medication labels
Hotel confirmation with accessibility features noted
Rental car confirmation (if applicable - note hand controls needed)
Emergency contact list (laminated card in wallet)
Copy of all documents (stored separately or digitally)

Doctor's Letter Should Include:

Your name and date of birth
Diagnosis and treatment (brief)
Medical necessity of crutches
Expected duration of use
Doctor's signature, date, contact information
Statement: "Patient requires crutches for mobility and should be allowed preboarding and assistance"

📱 Electronics & Entertainment

Phone (fully charged)
Phone charger and backup power bank
Headphones or earbuds
Tablet or e-reader (for long waits and flights)
Laptop (if needed for work)
All charging cables and adapters
International plug adapter (if traveling abroad)
Download entertainment offline (movies, books, podcasts)
Ride-share apps downloaded (Uber, Lyft)
Airline app downloaded and checked in

🍎 Snacks & Hydration

Empty reusable water bottle (fill after security)
Electrolyte powder or tablets (dehydration prevention)
Protein bars or granola bars (6-8 for multi-day trip)
Trail mix or nuts (energy and easy to eat)
Dried fruit or fruit cups
Crackers or pretzels (gentle on stomach)
Gum or mints
Small cooler bag (if bringing perishables)

💧 Hydration is Critical: Using crutches burns 2-3x more energy than walking. Dehydration causes fatigue, dizziness, and slower healing. Aim to drink 8-10 oz water every hour during travel.

🛂 TSA & Airport Security Checklist

Before Security:

Notify TSA officer you have crutches (medical mobility device)
Request wheelchair or cart assistance if needed (no shame!)
Have ID and boarding pass easily accessible
Remove jacket, belt, and items from pockets before your turn
Place small items in backpack to free up hands

At Security Checkpoint:

Inform TSA if you cannot walk through metal detector without crutches
Request visual inspection of crutches (they don't go through X-ray)
Be prepared for possible hand swab of crutch tips (explosive residue test)
Allow extra time - security may take 5-10 minutes longer
Request private screening if needed (for dignity/privacy)

TSA Rules for Crutches:

Item	Carry-On	Checked Bag	Notes
Crutches	✓ Allowed	✓ Allowed	Do not count as carry-on item
Extra crutch tips	✓ Allowed	✓ Allowed	No restrictions
Small tool kit	✗ Not Allowed	✓ Allowed	Tools must be in checked bag
Ice packs (frozen solid)	✓ Allowed	✓ Allowed	Must be completely frozen
Medications (liquid)	✓ Allowed	✓ Allowed	Notify TSA, may inspect

✈️ Airline Assistance & Procedures

When Booking Flight:

Request aisle seat (easier to stretch injured leg)
Request bulkhead or exit row if permitted (more leg room)
Note disability/assistance needed in reservation
Consider paying for seat selection to get ideal spot

24-48 Hours Before Flight:

Call airline to request wheelchair/cart service
Confirm preboarding eligibility (all airlines offer this)
Ask about aircraft type (some have tighter aisles)
Verify connection time if layover (request extra time if needed)

At Airport - Check-In:

Arrive 30 minutes earlier than recommended time
Use airline's disability assistance desk if available
Confirm wheelchair service is arranged
Tag luggage as "Priority" or "Fragile" if it contains medical items
Get gate check tag for crutches if plane is small (you retrieve at jet bridge)

Boarding Process:

Approach gate agent before general boarding to confirm preboarding
Board during preboarding announcement (before Zone 1)
Store crutches in overhead bin or give to flight attendant for closet
Ask flight attendant where crutches are stored (for retrieval upon landing)
Settle in, elevate leg on carry-on bag if possible

During Flight:

Request aisle chair if you need to use lavatory (flight attendant assistance)
Stand and stretch every 60-90 minutes if able (circulation)
Do ankle pumps and leg exercises in seat
Stay hydrated - request water frequently
Use compression socks to prevent swelling

Landing & Deplaning:

Inform flight attendant you'll need crutches before deplaning
Wait for most passengers to deplane (less crowded, safer)
Request wheelchair for trip through airport (conserve energy)
If connecting flight, ensure assistance is waiting

🏨 Hotel Accessibility Checklist

Before Booking - Confirm These Features:

ADA-accessible room available
Roll-in shower or shower chair available
Grab bars in bathroom
Ground floor room or elevator access
Wide doorways (32" minimum for crutches)
Accessible parking near entrance
No steps to enter building
Accessible route to breakfast/amenities

Upon Check-In - Request:

Room near elevator (minimize walking distance)
Extra towels (for floor by shower, cleanup)
Plastic bag for covering cast/boot in shower
Refrigerator for medications/ice packs
Extra pillows for elevation
Luggage cart or bellhop assistance

In Room - Safety Check:

Remove trip hazards (rugs, cords)
Test pathway width from bed to bathroom
Ensure bathroom has adequate grab bars
Place frequently used items within reach of bed
Know emergency exit route
Keep phone charged and nearby at all times

🗺️ Destination Planning

Transportation at Destination:

Research accessible public transportation
Pre-book wheelchair-accessible rental car if needed
Download Uber/Lyft (can request accessible vehicles)
Locate taxi/rideshare pickup areas at airport
Consider airport shuttle with wheelchair lift

Activity Planning:

Research attraction accessibility before visiting
Call ahead to confirm wheelchair availability
Plan rest breaks every 1-2 hours
Avoid peak crowd times (go early/late)
Map out accessible restrooms along route
Have backup indoor plans (weather dependency)
Book ground-level hotel rooms for tours

🚨 Emergency Preparedness

Medical Emergency Contacts:

Primary Care Doctor: __________________________ Phone: __________________________
Orthopedic Surgeon: __________________________ Phone: __________________________
Physical Therapist: __________________________ Phone: __________________________
Pharmacy: __________________________ Phone: __________________________
Insurance Company: __________________________ 24/7 Line: __________________________

Emergency Supplies (Keep in Carry-On):

List of medications and dosages
Allergy information
Blood type (if known)
Emergency contact phone numbers
Copy of insurance card (front and back)
Doctor's contact information
Recent medical records or X-rays (if applicable)
Local hospital/urgent care locations researched

Equipment Backup Plan:

Know location of medical supply stores at destination
Have backup crutch tips packed in checked bag
Take photo of crutch model/brand for replacement if lost
Consider travel insurance that covers medical equipment
Have credit card available for emergency equipment rental

✅ Post-Trip Checklist

Inspect crutches for damage or excessive wear
Replace crutch tips if worn from travel
Clean crutches thoroughly (airport germs!)
Elevate and rest leg for 24-48 hours after travel
Ice swelling if present
Schedule follow-up with doctor if pain increased
Refill medications used during trip
Share accessibility feedback with hotels/airlines (help others!)

📞 Helpful Resources

Resource	Contact	Purpose
TSA Cares	855-787-2227 [email protected]	Assistance for travelers with disabilities (call 72 hrs before)
Airline Accessibility	Varies by airline	Request wheelchair, preboarding, special assistance
ADA Hotline	800-514-0301	Questions about disability rights and accommodations
Hotel Accessibility	Call hotel directly	Confirm ADA rooms, equipment, and accessibility features

💡 Final Tips for Successful Travel:

Accept help when offered - travel with crutches is exhausting
Build in extra time for everything (2x normal travel time)
Stay positive - preparation is 90% of success
Communicate your needs clearly and early
Rest frequently - don't push through pain
Celebrate your independence - you're doing this!

CrutchesGuide.com | Travel Confidently on Crutches

📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.crutchesguide.com

Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only. Always follow your doctor's travel recommendations. TSA and airline policies may change - verify current requirements before travel. Individual needs vary.