If you have RA, some things you can do to make flying more comfortable are breaking up sitting, bringing backup medication, and bringing healthy snacks.

Extended periods of sitting on long flights can worsen joint stiffness and pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Other factors, such as stress and poor sleep, can make you more prone to flare-ups.

Long flights can be challenging, but a little planning can help minimize your discomfort. Keep reading for tips that can help you manage your RA symptoms during long flights and while traveling.

Challenges of flying with RA

  • Extended sitting. Long periods of inactivity can cause stiffness in your affected joints.
  • Increased stress. Stress from traveling can potentially trigger a flare-up.
  • Poor sleep. Long flights often mean poor sleep quality, which is a risk factor for flare-ups.
  • Physical exertion. Increased walking, pulling heavy luggage, and carrying bags can lead to overexerting yourself, another risk factor for flare-ups.
  • Pressure changes. Temperature and pressure changes while flying and traveling can aggravate some people’s joints.
  • Medication problems. Losing medications, forgetting to bring your medication, or improperly storing sensitive medications can all make managing your condition more difficult.

Some of these challenges, such as forgetting or losing medication, can be averted with the proper preparation. Others may not be entirely avoidable.

Sitting for a long time can cause your joints to stiffen and become painful. Getting up to walk around every couple of hours, or more frequently, may help alleviate these symptoms.

Getting up frequently can also help prevent a blood clot in your legs called deep vein thrombosis. People with RA may be at a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis compared to the general population.

Booking an aisle seat makes it easier to get out of your seat frequently since you don’t have to ask the people around you to move.

Alternatively, most airlines give you the option of booking a seat with extra legroom for a fee.

It’s a good idea to bring your medications in your carry-on luggage. This allows you easy access to them.

It’s also possible that temperature and pressure changes in the luggage compartment of the plane could damage sensitive medications like biologics.

Keeping pain relievers, like Advil, Tylenol, or prescription medications, with you can help if you develop joint pain.

Make sure your medications are clearly labeled and in their original prescription bottles. If it’s not possible to carry them in their original containers, it’s a good idea to carry your medication with a doctor’s note.

Splitting your medications between multiple bags can help make sure you have a supply on hand in case you lose one of your bags.

You may consider asking your doctor for an extra written prescription to take with you as a failsafe.

Showing up at the airport early can help make your flight less stressful, especially if lines are longer than expected. Showing up early also gives you more time to let the airline know if you have any particular accessibility needs.

Some types of biologics need to be kept cool. You can bring a cooler to store them in your carry-on. Alternatively, you can bring a small sealable bag that you can fill with ice on the plane.

Airlines are required to offer services to help passengers who ask for assistance. It’s best to book special assistance when you buy your ticket. You can request a wheelchair and may be able to use special transport at the airport.

It’s a good idea to arrive at least an hour earlier than the suggested time if you require special assistance.

Nutritious food can be hard to find or very expensive at airports. Carrying nutritious snacks can help you minimize the amount of irritating or inflammatory foods you eat while traveling.

Applying heat or ice to your affected joints may provide some relief while flying. You can bring a hand warmer that contains carbon, charcoal, or iron compounds on a plane as a heat source. You can also bring resealable bags for ice.

It’s important to let your doctor know before you go on a long trip. They can help you make sure you have enough medication for your trip and give you specific tips on how to ease your symptoms while flying.

You may need a doctor’s note to get certain injectable medications through security.

Doing some light stretching or easy exercises before flying may help reduce stiffness while you’re sitting on the plane.

It’s best to stick to exercises you’re familiar with. You should talk with your doctor before trying any new workout regimen.

Booking a direct flight can save you the stress and additional walking of having to change planes. If you have to book a flight with a layover, make sure you have plenty of time to get between gates.

Here are some more tips that may help make traveling more comfortable.

Before leaving

  • Work with your doctor to manage your symptoms.
  • Pack a copy of your doctor’s contact information.
  • Pack a copy of your prescription.
  • Check to see if any vaccines you need interfere with your medications.
  • Make sure to pack any medical devices or assistive items you may need.
  • Pack a copy of your medical history in case of emergency.
  • Be sure to bring your insurance information.

Vacation choices

  • Look for destinations, such as all-inclusive resorts, that give you easy access to everything you need.
  • Choose places with good local transportation options.
  • Choose foods that are not known triggers for flare-ups.
  • Make sure you know where the closest hospital and pharmacy are located.
  • Consider the climate of where you’re traveling and how it will affect you.
  • Consider booking your trip during non-peak times to avoid crowds.

While traveling

  • Consider going to supermarkets to buy nutritious food.
  • Some RA medications can cause sun sensitivity, so make sure you wear sunscreen and avoid too much time in direct sunlight.
  • Stay hydrated to help support your joints and reduce fatigue.
  • Travel with luggage on wheels and with a handle that makes it easy to move.
  • Keep track of time zones and make sure you’re taking your medications at the right times.

Hotels

  • If you have medications that need to be kept cool, look for a room with a fridge or call ahead to see if the hotel has a fridge you can leave your medication in.
  • Request a room close to the elevator and on a lower level.
  • Consider booking a hotel with a spa, pool, or exercise area to help you keep your joints loose.

Flying with RA can be difficult, but taking steps to prepare can make your trip easier.

Getting out of your seat regularly to walk around can help alleviate joint stiffness, and making sure you have your medication handy can help you minimize pain.

It’s a good idea to let your doctor know ahead of time when you’re planning a long trip. They can make sure you have all the medications you need and give you specific advice on how to reduce your symptoms while traveling.