For me...it is all about knowing what my triggers are and trying to avoid those when travelling. I am very sensitive to cold, touch, and air movements.

I personally choose to book a window seat. It is the safest place for me because I won't be bumped into by anyone walking down the aisles.

I always go up to the desk when I get to the gate and request pre-boarding due to my RSD. That way I am less likely to be bumped into or anything while boarding. Then I wait at the end of the flight and am always the last person off the plane for the same reason.

When I go to the airport I make sure I wear clothes that have me completely covered up (regardless of the time of year). Normally I prefer ballet flat shoes...but because I have to take my shoes off going through security I make sure I wear socks so UGG boots are usually my footwear of choice. This is also important for the plane ride because it always feels so cold on the airplane and I need to make sure my RSD foot is protected from the cold.

I also make sure I wear a scarf and lots of layers so that I stay warm on the plane (have RSD in my upper body too). And I travel with my own blanket for the same reason.

Packed in my carry on are heating patches that I put on once I get through security at the airport. When I used to use Lidoderm patches I also put these on after I went through security.

I also have a playlist on my iPod that I use during flare ups that seems to help me with my sensitivity to vibrations and certain sounds (like the sound the plane makes)...so I make sure I have that with me to help.

As a personal choice...when travelling alone...I also never check my luggage. Too much chance of me hurting myself and causing a flare up if I were to try and get it from baggage claim on my own.

I also use a walker (the kind with 4 wheels and a seat). This is key anytime I am out in crowds. It reduces the risk of people bumping into me, makes sure I have a place to sit whenever I need to, and I put my luggage on the walker so that I don't have any additional risks trying to handle that. I know some people are very resistant to using assistive devices...but it allows me to be very independent without causing myself more problems than I already have.

Don't get me wrong...travelling is always rough on me...but these things make it possible and when I get to my destination I am not a wreck and can still function well without going into a full blown flare up. All it takes is for one person to bang me with a suitcase and it doesn't matter what sort of prep I do...I will be in a major flare up...but so far that has only happened once.

Hope at least some of that helps. I know everyone's different with different triggers and different things that help...so you really just have to know what those things are and work around them.