Travel: Travel Overview

Flying

Flying causes dehydration and can worsen symptoms.

• Drink more fluid than normal before and during flying. You can take an empty drinks bottle through security; If you explain that your medical condition requires high fluid intake, the flight attendants will fill it for you during the flight.
• Avoid alcohol
• Wear compression stockings.
• Elevate your feet where possible
• Avoid staying stationary for too long; get up and walk around or exercise your legs and feet when seated if possible
• Take snacks with you and eat regularly

Requesting Assistance

• If you need additional assistance at the airport on a flight, you may need to contact your travel agent or airline. Most airlines have information about this on their website.
• Some airlines will request a fitness to fly letter, or request that your healthcare professional complete a form. Try to arrange this as early as possible as it may take some time to arrange a letter or completed form and you may not be able to board without this. Your healthcare professional is entitled to charge you a fee for this work.
• Sunflower lanyards help airport staff identify people with hidden disabilities. These can be obtained at the airport assistance desk. https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com
• There is further information here, including on traveling with an assistance dog or equipment:  https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/prm/arranging-special-assistance/

Travelling abroad – EU Entry-Exit System

Please be aware of a new EU Entry-Exit System (EES) planned for 2025.

What you need to know:

• The European Union will be introducing a new digital border system to strengthen the security of their external borders called the Entry Exit System.
• When the system is introduced, travellers will be required to register at the EU border, including at juxtaposed ports in the UK – Dover, the Eurotunnel and St Pancras.
• This may lead to significantly longer queue times at the border for people travelling to Europe.
• We suggest people with PoTS plan ahead and take this in to consideration when planning your journey. Think about what impact these delays may have and consider taking portable stools, extra medication, food and fluids (where permitted). It may also be useful to use the sunflower lanyard as described above.

Keep up to date with the latest information here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en

Driving

By law you need to tell the DVLA about any health condition that may affect your ability to drive. Failure to do so could lead to prosecution and invalidate your insurance.

Problems that you should consider reporting include tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness. It does not always mean that you will be stopped from driving. If you are uncertain if you need to report your condition to the DVLA, discuss this with your doctor or nurse. There is further information on the DVLA website here. https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

Thank you to Ruby Usiskin for producing the image. Subject to copyright by PoTS UK.