Some people ask whether it's possible to travel when you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our answer is Yes!  You just need to plan ahead and think about what will make RA travel plans easier. Here are some tips to help you get your trip off to a good start:

• Use wheeled luggage so you don't strain yourself carrying heavy bags
• When you do need to lift your luggage, ask for help—even airport security officers will be happy to place your luggage on the X-ray belt
• At the airport, tell a security officer if you need help walking through the metal detector or removing your shoes for inspection
• No matter what the mode of transportation, do not sit still for hours at a time. Make sure you take time to stretch and walk
• Most importantly, if you are having problems, tell somebody. People are usually happy to help if they understand your physical limitations

Car Rental Checklist

As long as you take regular breaks to stretch, driving with rheumatoid arthritis can be a great way to travel. You might want to book a rental car that has some of these convenient features:

• Push-button controls (instead of knobs)
• Adjustable steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Four-door car with lightweight doors
• Easy-to-reach controls

Key Considerations for Making Travel Plans

When planning a trip, it's important to figure out ways to decrease the amount of stress and fatigue you will encounter along the way. Here are some questions to consider in order to make traveling with RA fun and hassle-free:

• Work with a travel agent who understands the needs of someone living with RA
• If you are flying, try to book a non-stop direct flight
• Travel during off-peak times to avoid large lines and crowds—and to get a better choice of seating and accommodations
• Take a pillow or other comfort item with you to make your trip more comfortable
• Ask whether your accommodations offer accessibility and ease, both inside and out
• Research the best options for transfers (for example, from the airport to the hotel)
• Reserve an aisle seat if you are traveling by plane or train so it's easier to stretch
• Contact your airline to make arrangements if you need assistance getting around the airport