Sid76

Not sure if this is the right forum or not. This is my first post, but I've read & benefited a great deal from this site.

I broke my ankle a couple of weeks ago. I hope to travel to Germany for my sister's wedding in three weeks. I'll still be in a leg cast to just below my knee. Of course I'll check with my MD, but does anyone have any experience or advice? I wouldn't be so concerned on a short flight, but I'm worried about swelling, DVT, etc. on the long haul leg.

Worktowander

Other may have better advice, drawn from experience, but I'd do everything in my power to upgrade to business or secure a bulkhead seat.

Best of luck.

JamesA

Do speak with your MD, we all enjoy giving advice but in such cases you really should speak and listen to what your MD says !! They have the facts.
Make sure you advise the airline in advance so they can have a wheelchair available, even if you don't think you will necessarily need one do get one, it will speed you thru processing and you'll be glad of it !
I would also call the airline to ensure you get an aisle seat. Have a think about whether you would prefer having the leg which is in the cast 'facing outwards onto the aisle' or not ( I hope that makes sense ), easier to stretch your leg out if it's on the aisle but balance that with the chance of someone banging it(!).

If you can tell us which airline and type of aircraft it will help others to give more advice on specific seat numbers.

Sid76

Thanks for the quick replies.

James - I'm on an AA 767-300. Travelling midweek so hoping it won't be too full. My luck tells me that won't be the case!

Carrybean

Do you have miles enough for an upgrade? Biz class will make a world of difference. I agree about notifying American about your situation. Good luck.

BeachBoi

Sounds like Sid76 is on the ORD FRA flight, 84.....Unless he is travelling tonight, tomorrow, Aug 2 Aug 7 or Aug 13, the mileage upgrade will not happen.They are few and far between on all of AA's flights this summer.

Carrybean

True, Beachboi but last June my boss managed to get a mileage upgrade a week before a flight to London for his wife but maybe that was just a fluke.
Hope Sid can.

KESinMN

I know I've seen seats that are split. Half of the back could somehow be removed. It appeared that the person then sitting in the row behind could then elevate either leg. I have no idea how long ago that was. But I would imagine that the airline would somehow be able to accommodate you. The question is probably will they??

Call the airline, see how and IF they are able to accommodate you. It maybe that your MD would have to write that it is medically necassary for your leg to be elevated.

petlover

I think a note from the Dr. requesting you keep you leg elevated is your best bet. Hopefully you can get in the bulkhead with no one next to you.

BeachBoi

Carrybean...I am shocked.....I thought YOU were THE BOSS!!! ...

gail

I do not think MD letters carry much weight these days - anyone could get a letter about anything from an MD if they shopped around enough.

I would be more concerned about getting around with the leg cast than the actual flight - will you have a walking or removable cast by then; if you are on crutches do you have really good upper body strength to use them.

If you are traveling alone, consider how you will manage the luggage - may want to reserve a wheelchair or those airport mootorcart things, especially if airport is large.

nevermind

I recently traveled with a full leg brace that had my leg totally straight. It was difficult, but I managed. Try to get a bulkhead seat and be sure you are near the bathroom for a long flight (I <i>think</i> bulkhead seats are near the bathroom). Moving around when you are immobilized is really difficult - even when the flight is smooth.

Be sure to request a wheelchair. It makes a difficult situation manageable.

As gail mentioned, luggage is a huge issue. You will need someone to manage it all for you. I had my husband with me, but if you are traveling alone, I'd try to arrange for a porter, along with the wheelchair, to manage the luggage.

And, of course, get your doctor's permission and advice!

Good luck to you.

Carrybean

<i>I thought YOU were THE BOSS!!!</i>

I am of 4 of his stores, but he owns the company.

mrwunrfl

Get a seat in the center section on the aisle. That way if there is a person in the middle seat they can get out to the other aisle without requiring you to get up.

JamesA

I agree, on a 767 with 2x3x2 if you get an aisle seat in the middle section you also often add to the chances of that center seats not being filled if the flight isn't packed.

Sid76

Thanks for all the replies. Aisle, middle section bulkhead, by the lavatory is the plan. Hopefully middle seat won't be taken. AA CSR says it shouldn't be a problem since ulkhead seats are under airport control.

Unfortunately, I don't have the miles for the upgrade. I just emptied my account for a big trip last May.

Wheelchair is in the record, so it shouldn't be a problem either. I'm actually triding the train down to where my sister lvies from FRA. Luggage plan is the backpack that I use for camping &amp; hiking. It's big enoug to pack, yet stable enough on my back not to be too much problem with crutches. i've packed it &amp; practiced a few times. We'll see how it goes!

Thanks again for the replies!