Definitely call the airline and get the wheelchair from curbside to plane AND from plane to curbside on the other end! We have done this a few times with elderly family members who usually used a cane at home but could not stand up for long lines as well as for younger folks with casts on broken legs. The main advantage is that you will not have to stand in line at security. Usually you (and companions) go through much faster, but even if you wait, you are seated. That kind of standing in line can just destroy you…or use up all the strength you need for the rest of the trip. The only downside is that it sometimes feels awkward once you get to the gate, because the attendant stays with you…so if you are used to hobbling around with cane or crutches, you might feel kind of confined. Also sometimes there is a bit of a delay when you get to the airport. We have had occasions when we had to get someone to go find out where the wheelchair was. But you should be allowing plenty of extra time anyway.
Definitely get the compression socks. Call the airline and see if you can get a good seat. I would bring a package of antiseptic wipes for all the surfaces. That doesn’t have to fit in your bag of liquids and it’s easier for wiping off the seat armrests, buttons, etc. I would also bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
If it is not too personal a question, what meds will you get 2 days prior? My spouse has just started on a monoclonal antibody, which apparently will be given by IV in two doses, 15 days apart, every six months. I am curious about how it will affect our travel plans. (As well as the rest of our life!) The first effect is pretty clear–we have had to cancel a trip we should be starting on now because he is quite ill, but I’m hoping we can reschedule.
@orangepurple I use abatacept which is a biologic every 4 weeks. I also get weekly iron infusions but I’m not worried about those.
I’m a cocktail of other drugs including plaquenil (but hey, I’m protected against malaria! :-bd lol)
I know mAbs have been used for RA and there were some trials for SLE (lupus). I’m not sure if it’s being used as a treatment or not.
We can also provide suggestions on surefire winning strategies in the casino.
@sorghum I’m all ears 
lol. The last time I went to Vegas, I was 16 or 17. I like playing blackjack but that’s about the extent of my gambling.
Fun fact: the last time I went on a plane was to go on a cruise after graduating from undergrad. I played blackjack one night and won back my airfare from a $20 starting one. Only time I gambled there and as soon as I hit my airfare, I walked away.
Thank you everyone. I am going to try these over the next few weeks before I get on the plane to make sure they’re not going to make me sore the next day :). And thank you for all the other tips! I am going to call the airline today.
“Don’t drink the plane’s provided water, or ice, or coffee. If the flight attendants are pouring bottled water from a large bottle, pass. Stick with your own water!”
Bottled water is OK… most importantly, avoid the airplane ice. That is the #1 source of well-preserved bacteria ready to be defrosted.
Well that’s gross.
So… any tips on where I should fill up my bottle beforehand?
Normally on planes I just take a can of pop with a cup and no ice. Not a germ thing- I just don’t like super cold drinks.
I recommend buying a big bottle after you pass security. I know, it is overpriced, but overpaying $3 to minimize your bug exposure is worth it, IMO.
Romani, I haven’t had time to read all the responses, but if you’re flying on Delta, you might be able to get one of the seats with handicapped priority. More roomy, first coach row. And if you can pm me your flight, date info and booking class, I can see if I can get an upgrade for at least you, that would help your comfort a lot.
Juggling emergencies right now, but I can check on it by Sunday!
BB, I’ll definitely pay that for peace of mind
I usually end up snacking in the airport anyway so I’m already going to buy some over-priced food lol.
@busdriver11 unfortunately we’re flying Spirit 
Hope everything is ok!
“Bottled water is OK… most importantly, avoid the airplane ice. That is the #1 source of well-preserved bacteria ready to be defrosted.”
If it’s a fresh, unopened bottle, yes it’s ok. If it’s a large 1L bottle and they’re pouring water from it to multiple passengers, it’s possible the flight attendants refilled it from the plane’s tap when they ran out of actual bottled water.
Typically, such refill happens on longer flights.
Since romani is flying Spirit (yikes!), I doubt in flight refreshments will be a problem… since there might not be any.
Yeah I didn’t think it quite through but considering I had to unexpectedly buy 4 round trip tickets… which was not part of our budget!.. decisions had to be made
Apparently I did pick a seat for one of the tickets- in the middle exit row with extra leg room.
Spirit charges separately for seat selection (and everything else), right? Better check whether you have or can get an aisle seat.
Spirit. Oh no!!! Sorry, I have no miles there. I guess it’s possible they will cancel your flight, so maybe that’s a good thing?
Spirit was the upper limit of what I could afford- and even that’s been a stretch.
This will probably be the last time we’re able to see these family members so I’ll suck it up and deal. I’ve been in worse spots before
Luckily my job requires me to sit at home (or wherever) and read. Just read. So I’ll have plenty of time to recover once we get back
Ya do what you gotta do, unfortunately. Maybe I’ll eat some “cookies” beforehand 
Luckily I do have enough pain meds that in a pinch (literally!), they can come through and work. They just don’t work if I take them constantly so I save them for the really bad times.
Ok I just went back through and checked my reservation. I changed the wheelchair thing from “I have my own wheelchair” to requesting one of theirs to/from the gate.
I also requested disability seating with a movable armrest. Having that would be a tremendous help as it would let me move around easier.
We’ll see.
If you would be more comfortable using your own wheelchair, it is very easy to do so. You just need to get it tagged to claim it at the gate before you board. That way it will be waiting for you at the door of the plane when you arrive.
At most airports there is a special security line for wheelchairs. Look for a sign or ask the TSA folks at the screening area. When I have traveled with my mom when she was in a chair, I was also allowed to accompany her through the expedited security.
At the Las Vegas airport, there are drinking fountains which have spigots for refilling water bottles located past the security screening points.
Have a great time in Las Vegas!
Have a great trip!