Best airlines for chronic back pain sufferer
 

Hi, I was in an accident and left me with chronic spinal pain. I want to go to Europe
but the long plane ride would be a real killer since I need to constantly be stretching. I am from LA so I am looking at 8-10 hours in the air.
Do any of you have suggestions that would make the ride liveable? I cannot afford to pay for business class but I do need the space. My doctor would write a note saying I neeed as much room as possible. I am not sure if that would work for me. Which airlines has the most space?

Thanks,
Larry

You can try for bulkhead seating so there's no one in front of you. Also, exit rows can offer more space, but some have seats that don't recline - verify before you select your seat. Another option is an aisle seat so you could get up and stretch without having to crawl over people. Suggest you go ahead and get the doctor note and mention it when making your reservation. The airline agent can note your record that a medical condition requires such-and-such. If you buy your ticket other than through the airline - online or through a travel agent - still call the airline directly after purchase. Most airlines will tell you there are no guarantees on seating beyond "on the plane going to the place you bought a ticket for", but most agents will do what they can. It would also help to be sure you get to the airport and check in early.

I would nix the idea of an exit row seat.ANY kind of "medical condition" will eliminate you....even if you are assigned it,the gate agent upon further inspection can change it.If you are in an exit row,you have a responsibility in the unlikely event of an actual emergency.Also, I wouldnt mention to anyone.The gate agent or flight attendant may want to move you so they could "monitor" your condition.And usually when they do that,and yes it is done,the seat is less than desirable.Everybody wants you to have a good seat and be as comfortable as possible.But this year,flights from anywhere to anywhere are going to be packed sardine style.

Maybe you can arrange a flight with a stopover, say in NYC or Boston or something. Splits the time you need to be stuck in a seat almost in even halves, believe you can be on the ground 23.5 hours before the ticket gets priced differently.

Thanks for the info, I had hoped for an easier solution. The reality is that I am going to have to stick it out and be prepared for a long arduous flight.

Of course I could choose not to go, I promised myself this trip when I was down and out. After the accident and years in a board and care facility. The doctors have determined I am permanent and stationary. I am still relatively young and have the hunger for traveling. These boards are great!

Larry

You might consider a back brace. I know someone in a similar situation. This person takes two different styles of back brace. When one become anoying you can switch. Lumbar support can help. Stand up as much as you can and hope there is little turbulance. Airline personal will generally do what they can to help but there are limits.

You could consider trying a less ambitions trip first to see how it goes.

Good luck.

Larryjay, if just sitting in a plane is going to be a challenge, how do you plan on getting around Europe in minimal discomfort? Do you require a special orthopedic mattress? You might get lucky and get a pity upgrade to biz class if seats are available and your're traveling alone but don't bank on it. Make sure you bring plenty of analgesic meds.

Hi Thorazina, the worst part of my problem is not being able to sit for any length of time. When I am walking I can always slow down or stop and rest. Once I am there the worst is over and I can go back to my pace. Of course the ride back is also a concern.
What are the chances of the airlines
boosting me up to upper class where the seats are more comfortable? I know I just can't ask them onboard. If they have openings in upper class would they suggest I move up?

I am sorry for your accident - back pain can be quite intrusive into ones life. I also support your attempts to remain/regain as much activity and travel as you can. Still, I also have to wonder why you would subject yourself, at this time, to such a grueling flight combination. There are lots of places many of us want to go and can't for a variety of reasons - and instead we defer it until later. That may have to be the case with you and Europe.

With most back inuuries it is, in fact, sitting that is the problem - many people are fine standing, walking, lying. So your attempt to get a bigger seat in first class where you would still be sitting seems to be of limited usefulness. And if an MD letter was all one would need for an upgrade, think of all the people who would try that scheme to get a free upgrade.

Only you can decide if the pain is worth seeing Europe - but I do not think getting a free upgrade from the airlines is the way to do it.

Larryjay you may want to request an aisle seat in the very back row of the plane. The restrooms and galley are usually there so there is some space to stand and walk a bit. After the dinner meal has been served and most passengers have fallen asleep, the aisles should be mostly clear for you to walk up and down. Also by sitting in the back, you can be the last to exit the plane and not get caught in the cattle rush of everyone trying to deplane. Hope this helps O:)

I would probably try to fly American Airlines. The extra few inches of leg room really makes a difference. If they do not give you bulkhead seats, request the aisle seat in the center section at the back of the plane. The middle seats at the back of the plane are only filled if the plane is really full since nobody requests a middle seat. There is then a chance that you will next to an empty seat which will give you additional room to stretch. And since you'll be on the aisle, you can get up frequently to walk.

I flew American Airlines from Texas to Frankfurt and was very lucky to get an aisle seat on the first row right next to the bathroom. There was plenty of room to get up and stretch around and it was great to talk to people as they got up to stretch too. You can look at the seating arrangements of all AA planes on their website, to make sure you get a good seat. I had no problems, except that maybe when I wanted to sleep there were people wanting to be chatty in the bathroom line. AA definitely has the most space for your money!

Last month American Airlines announced that, after two-years of roomier seating in economy, it will be reinstalling seats to reduce their seat pitch back to the industry standard and increase capacity. So don't expect any more legroom on American than elsewhere.

But only on a small percentage of flights that operate to leisure destinations such as the Caribbean from what I understand. Transatlantic service should remain the same.

I think Patty is right. They are changing 757's, not the 767's and 777's. So American would be the roomiest Transatlantic.

I stand corrected. Sorry.

Larry, I think it would be good to talk to a travel agent to see if they had any ideas. And seriously consider splitting up the trip with a stopover (overnight) in NY so you're not on the plan as long. Build up FFlyer miles for an upgrade. Otherwise, yes, aisle seat in the back for easy stretching. I doubt very much that you will be upgraded but the note may help so you don't get someone sitting next to you if you pick a flight that tends not to be packed. Good luck.

I had back surgery several years ago. I travel often and have minimal discomfort on the road or in the air. I first used a seat insert that was molded to conform to my back. I stopped using that-it was too cumbersome. I now have a self inflatable pillow that I got at "The Back Store". It's called "relax the back". When deflated it can be compressed to a tight roll and stashed in carry-on bag. I can carry a light backpack. I'm careful about the shoes I wear, climbing steps, hills etc. I generally take Motrin at night to get a decent rest. My husband keeps a close eye on me so I don't do anything too risky. Two years ago I took a bad fall while in Europe when I lost my footing on cobblestones.Fortunately no damage ! As a result of my back surgery I have permanent nerve damage in my foot and that is my biggest issue.

Forgot to mention I try for an aisle seat toward the rear of the plane. I take frequesnt strolls around the cabin.