When booking a ticket to Melbourne
2 months ago I considered the amount of work I would have at the time, assignments I had to do and various social commitments that may get in the way of my trip. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would also be dealing with the complication of a broken back.
Dreading the car trips, plane rides and airport security, I arrived at the airport on Saturday afternoon less than excited to say the least. To feel nervous before a flight was a foreign feeling to me and not one I want to experience again. I felt anxious, unsure and slightly bewildered as we approached Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport. A few deep breaths and a big hug from dad were necessary!
To my amazement, I had no need to worry. The staff at Jetstar, Australia’s fast growing domestic and international low-cost carrier, were fantastic. I was given the seat I asked for, allowed priority boarding and given advice on how to talk to Security. Things were looking up!
The next big hurdle was to be the customs checkpoint. Wearing a full body back brace is not conducive to x-ray and security machines and I was not looking forward to the thorough pat down. However, a simple mention to one of the guards about my situation and all was well. I was concerned I would have to take the brace off and there would be a big scene and pictured red alerts going off and private rooms. But no! I was told ever so kindly by one guard ” Don’t worry, you can keep your clothes on. You don’t have to strip here.” Why thank you sir, not a phrase I hear everyday thankfully, but rather welcome at this point in time. I was able to walk through the machines as normal and to my great surprise, the metal on my frame did not set off the detector. The bionic woman is apparenly made of plastic and aluminium. Who knew!
I was helped with my bags, assisted with my check in and given priority seating. I was even upgraded to Star Class for the landing as it would be more comfortable for landing. A big thank you to the crew at both airports and the Jetstar team. For a budget airline the service was great!
All in all, a good experience. Travelling with a back brace, not so bad!
So this traveller is giving some advice: Next time you go on a trip and are feeling a little unloved, why not don a back brace and watch the service levels soar!
Lovelly Travels 
Fascinating post. Thanks for posting
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Thanks so much for your comment Blake.
Was quite the ordeal at the time – but an experience all the same.
Cheers
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I am flying to Philadelphia to Hawaii and I also have to wear a back brace. I have been searching the Internet to look for advice. Can you please tell me if it was hard to sit on the plane. Im not sure if I should cancel,but I really want to go.I mildly fractued a. Bone. I would love to hear from you. Thankyou.!
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Dear Marie
Thanks so much for getting in touch. I’m sorry to hear of your accident and I wish you a speedy recovery.
I found flying with the brace not a problem. I was, as you are, very nervous at the start but I took all the precautions and was given a lot of support. I never lifted my bags and always asked for assistance, I called ahead to ask for assistance from the airlines and was escorted through the airports, onto the planes, and even twice moved into business class.
Don’t be afraid to ask people to help and to make others aware of your situation. You will be fine.
All the best and let me know how it goes!
Emma
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Dear Marie
Thanks so much for getting in touch. I’m sorry to hear of your accident and I wish you a speedy recovery.
I found flying with the brace not a problem. I was, as you are, very nervous at the start but I took all the precautions and was given a lot of support. I never lifted my bags and always asked for assistance, I called ahead to ask for assistance from the airlines and was escorted through the airports, onto the planes, and even twice moved into business class.
Don’t be afraid to ask people to help and to make others aware of your situation. You will be fine.
All the best and let me know how it goes!
Emma
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Dear Marie
Thank you so much for your comments and my deepest sympathies for your back injury. I have literally felt your pain.
In regard to flying, I think you should be ok. I flew twice with my back brace, once domestically and another time in a 15 hour flight. I suggest you phone ahead and tell the airline about your condition and request as much assistance as possible. I was escorted through airports, helped onto the plane and given priority seating. Also people helped me with my bags and I was really taken care of.
As long as you make people aware of the brace, you will be fine.
Please do let me know how you get on.
All the best.
Emma
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Dear Marie
have you taken your flight yet?
hope you are healing well.
Emma
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Reblogged this on Adventures of the Traveller Em and commented:
This was one of my first blogs almost 3 years ago when I broke my back. It’s funny, it’s one of my most searched blogs for the term “Plastic back brace” and “travel with a broken back”. Broken backs are extremely common and you know what … they’re not life ending! I’m still snowboarding, mountain climbing and fitter than I think I ever was. I’m just more aware of my body and fragility.
What’s your so called “weakness”?
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Reblogged this on Now Rip This and commented:
We all dread it, but apparently there’s a little bit of good in breaking your back. Thanks Em for this article.
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Thanks for sharing Tamie.
It’s funny, I actually say that breaking my back was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Taught me how fragile we can be and how we’ve gotta make the most of life.
Proud to say I’m
Still snowboarding and lovin life 🙂
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Than you Tamie. Not an experience I’m going to rush to repeat but any lessons learned and some great blog content came of it.
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