Information for smooth, stress free traveling.

I have just recently returned from Italy. I was advised on the TSA website to contact them 72 hours before departure. An officer was notified and waiting for me at the airport. I had also arranged for wheelchair assistance. My LVAD manual was translated into Italian, but I wish I had it in Turkish, where I changed planes. I did, however, have the card for my defibrillator which has the translation in every language. My LVAD coordinator obtained the correct cables that work with the Italian electric sockets so I was good to go.

I packed all my equipment, meds, dressing changes into 1 carry on. I was taken to a private room where the TSA agents did the pat down and went through my carry on case. I was treated with the utmost dignity and respect. I was taken to the departure gate via wheelchair and on to the plane where an attendant placed my carry on in the overhead compartment. In Turkey I again was escorted off the plane via wheelchair and through to the disabled lounge to await my transfer plane. When it was time to board I was taken to the departure gate and escorted to the plane.

Upon arrival in Italy I was again met by the wheelchair escort and taken through immigration with no problem. The escort got my checked luggage and took me to the taxi stand where I was placed into a taxi. I have to say I had no problems at all with my trip to Italy and return to the US. If I had not used the wheelchair service I would not have been able make it.