Traveling with Myasthenia Gravis: Real Tips from Real MG Warriors

Planning a trip when you live with Myasthenia Gravis can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it is possible to travel safely, confidently, and comfortably. Whether you're headed across the country or just taking a weekend getaway, these practical travel tips and firsthand insights come straight from others living with MG who have been there.

From packing smart to protecting your energy, this guide is broken into helpful sections to help you get the most out of your journey, without overexertion.

Packing Essentials

Packing well is about more than saving space, it’s about anticipating your needs, keeping medications accessible, and making the experience as easy on your body as possible. These packing strategies help MG travelers reduce stress and stay safe on the go.

"Great to pack ice packs that are activated by squeezing them. They are TSA approved because they are not liquid. These are great to have on hand!" -Kim Eldridge

"Do you have an injection or shot to take during your travels? Get a cold tube with a freezable ice pack and thermometer inside. So long as it is frozen, the ice pack meets TSA rules." -Kim Eldridge

"Cooling vest and UV shirts. These are lightweight and made to allow sweat to dissipate to cool. The UV shirts block harmful UV rays too." -Kim Eldridge

"Pack light! Lightweight suitcases are available, as well as small bags. Try not to overpack." -Kim Eldridge

"Check your bags! That keeps you from having to lug them through the airport." -Kim Eldridge

"Utilize airline wheelchair services! Don’t wear yourself out walking and rushing between gates at the airport. Most or all airlines have a wheelchair service. This also ensures you make your flight." -Kim Eldridge

"Remember your cpap/bipap are medical equipment and do NOT count against your carry-on count. Order a medical equipment name tag for this." -Kim Eldridge

"Many of us take multiple medications throughout the day. You can find small travel pill boxes that easily fit in a purse or small bag to take with you on outings and through airports. These aren’t the same as the weekly pill boxes but designed for day usage." -Kim Eldridge

"ALWAYS pack your medications in your carry-on bag and keep them with you." -Kim Eldridge

"Always pack extra of your most critical medications in case you should encounter delays." -Kim Eldridge

"Take enough medication with you to account for delays and overstays." -Bryan Bosch

"Bring your list of medications you can and CAN'T take." -Linda Edwards

Managing Energy & fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most difficult MG symptoms to manage while traveling. These tips help you pace yourself, stay nourished, and protect your energy for the things that matter most.

"Going to the beach? The zoo? Go early in the morning before the heat of the day and often before the crowds show up. This can actually apply to many outdoor activities. Can’t go early? Go later in the evening when the temps have begun to drop." -Kim Eldridge

"Wheelchair service again is a great energy & fatigue saver." -Kim Eldridge

"For airport travel, I like to pack snacks or protein bars and always bring my reusable water bottle that I can refill after going through the TSA security check." -Sarah Bolton

Planning & Preparation

The more you plan ahead, the smoother your trip will go. From medication timing to destination research, these ideas help make your travel MG-smart before you ever leave the house.

"On mestinon? Plan your activities around your doses. Head out just after you’ve taken mestinon to insure you get the most out of your doses. Also remember that mestinon does not hold up well if humid and hot. Be sure to keep the desiccants in the bottles and try to avoid the heat." -Kim Eldridge

"Not on mestinon? Prior to your trip, pay attention to when you feel your best. Try to plan outings or travel during your prime time." -Kim Eldridge

"Plan rest breaks and downtime. Don’t leave it to chance. Do some research on your destinations. Are there places to get out of the heat and sun? Carry a water bottle with you and snacks, especially if you need to take medications while out and about." -Kim Eldridge

"Just like the actual travel, pack as light as possible for outings." -Kim Eldridge

"Driving to your destination? Plan your driving when your symptoms are usually the best. Take plenty of breaks and be prepared to stop early if needed. Break long drives into shorter chunks when possible." -Kim Eldridge

"Research the Medical Facilities of your destination and stops in between and their knowledge and capabilities of handling issues concerning MG." -Bryan Bosch

Accessibility & mobility

Mobility aids, wheelchair access, and transportation services are not just conveniences, they’re essential tools for many with MG. Here's how to make sure your destination, airline, or outing supports your mobility needs.

"Plan ahead! Check out your destination and any places you plan to go. Makes sure they are accessible for walkers or wheelchairs. Check for scooter rentals if needed. Many places that require a lot of walking also rent scooters." -Kim Eldridge

"Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for a handicapped parking placard. If you have one, take it with you when you travel. They are recognized across the US no matter the state it was issued by. It can be a good idea to keep a second one specifically for travel. Keep it in something like your cpap/bipap bag so you know you always have it. Don’t forget to get it out of the rental car at the end of your trip." -Kim Eldridge

"Occasionally use a cane? Take a foldable cane with you. If you don’t have one, you can take a regular cane on the airplane, and they will put it in an overhead bin for you. Same with a walker or wheelchair." -Kim Eldridge

"If you use any kind of mobility aid, take advantage of the early boarding for those that “need more time”. You can leave the walker or wheelchair at the end of the jetway, and they will have them out for you at your destination." -Kim Eldridge

"It can be difficult or uncomfortable to use mobility aids, such as airline wheelchairs, when you can walk onto the plane. Remember that these services are there for a reason. Not overexerting yourself is a valid reason. Trying to make your next plane in a 30-minute layover can take too much out of you. I’ve gotten dirty looks and had things said to me by other passengers. Chin up. Remind them, kindly, that not all disabilities are visible." -Kim Eldridge

"I always use the disabled Wheelchair & Transporter option whenever I fly. I am not a daily wheelchair user, but due to MG, cannot manage standing in lines and walking a whole airport (and with dragging luggage). So, I always call the airline in advance, once my flights are booked, and arrange for Wheelchair and Transporter at all airports. It makes the impossible, possible." -Aimee M Zehner

Staying Comfortable & Safe

It’s easy to feel pressure to push through while traveling, but your health comes first. These honest tips offer reminders that rest is not only okay, but also necessary and that open communication with your travel companions can go a long way.

"Careful planning of your trip, whether by plane or car, will help insure you enjoy yourself. Plan plenty of downtime and rest. You don’t have to “do it all”. And it’s ok to cancel plans when traveling. Don’t feel like you have to do everything planned." -Kim Eldridge

"Have a friend with MG or other disease? Travel together! I frequently travel with my best friend, who also has MG. It makes it easy for both of us to say, “hey I need to rest”. If you are traveling with those without health issues, be sure to warn them ahead of time that you will need to rest and you may not know when until it happens. Speak up if you need to take some time out of the schedule. Let them know it's ok to go out without you if needed." -Kim Eldridge

Traveling with Myasthenia Gravis isn’t always easy, but it is possible with planning, self-awareness, and the right support. Whether you're managing fatigue, navigating accessibility, or adjusting to new environments, remember that your needs are not a burden to others and taking care of yourself is the most important destination of all. Each tip shared here comes from someone who’s walked the path, proof that the MG community is strong, resourceful, and full of insight.

If you have your own travel tips or stories to share, we’d love to hear them! Email us at info@mgakc.org, and we may feature you in an upcoming post or social media spotlight.

Thank you to all that shared their tips and tricks! Safe travels and take things at your pace.