Air Travel Survival Kit

Years ago when my kids were toddlers, we had a great experience flying over Kansas. One of the kids spiked a high fever -out of the clear blue sky- and here we were at 35,000 feet and the Tylenol three feet below us--- packed away in our luggage. Needless to say, it was a knucklehead move on my part.

Everyone talks about NOT packing prescription medications in luggage, in case that luggage would make an unscheduled stop in Sheboygan while you're heading to New York. But what about over-the-counter drugs, one you might need while you're zipping through the sky?

I always pack a number of essentials (which Ive never needed, but the day I dont carry them on is the day I will)

Ibuprofen or Tylenol

Tums or similar

Artificial tears (eye drops) to counter the low humidity of an airplane cabin

a decongestant, like Sudafed, in case I get a stopped-up angry head

Immodium (funny, but not funny. Have never needed but will the day I don't bring)

Water, water, and more water. Don't believe me, try a flight drinking sips of water, then one flight without, and compare your post flight energy levels.

All in all, it sounds like I'm a flying pharmacy. But I'm a big believer in preventive medicine. Just bringing the medicine prevents the need for taking it.

Happy flying.

- by Dr. Dave Hnida