What airport do we fly into? Back to top
There are two airports in the Houston area: "Hobby" and "Intercontinental". What airport you fly into will most probably be defined by what airline you use. Hobby is slightly closer to the Texas Medical Center but it makes only a small difference in travel time because of traffic patterns at different times of the day.
How can we get free or discounted airfare? Back to top
The Flight Assistance Page lists the many air carriers and organizations that may be available to help you get free or discounted flights. Airline carriers use unused frequent flyer miles for these flights. Occasionally they will tell you that they have "run out" of these miles and may temporarily shut down their medical flight program. This is why it's important to start seeking these options as soon as you have a clinic or surgery appointment. Some airline carriers or organizations may only allow you one or two flights per lifetime. Usually they offer tickets for child and one parent or just the individual adult traveling, but ask for a second adult/parent ticket. Availability and rules can change and do often. Some organizations require a letter from a non-profit organization. Some people go to a community or religious organization for the letter. Brachial plexus patients can contact the United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc. 866-877-7004 www.ubpn.org for a letter. Don't forget to ask what the options or penalties are for flight changes.
How many days should we stay in Houston? Back to top
This answer will vary from person to person, family to family. It seems that many give themselves at least one full day in Houston (prior to surgery) to do something fun, whether it be swimming at the hotel pool or going to the Children's Museum, Zoo or Moody Gardens. (see this page for more fun ideas). On the average, the surgical procedures require a one to two-night stay in the hospital. Talk with your surgeon directly about what his recommendations are for you or your child. Will the patient need to be seen in Houston shortly after surgery for a specific type of post-operative care? Most people feel uncomfortable sleeping in the hospital or hotel "strange" environment and do much better once they get home and into their own beds with their own comforting surroundings, family members and pets. Some people actually leave Houston immediately upon discharge from the hospital and go straight home. Others may choose to stay in Houston for another day or two.
When we get to Houston, should we rent a car? Back to top
Many people do well without renting a car. Houston has a terrific transportation system and many of the hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the hospitals and other places within a 2-mile radius of the medical center. Check with your hotel for information on their shuttle services. Transferring from and to the airports can be done easily by taxi or private driver (limousine). Note that hotel shuttles will not transfer you to and from the airport. There are standard posted rates by zone on the taxi booths at each airport and in each taxi. Please verbally confirm this rate with your taxi driver before you enter the taxi. If you need credit card payment availability, just tell the person in the taxi booth when you request your taxi. Private towncars cost around the same price (or slightly more) as the taxi and can offer you some additional comfort. Check websites like www.limos.com for listings in the Houston area. Once you have booked a driver, ask him for the exact location where he will be waiting for you, whether or not he will have a sign with your name on it, and if there is enough room in his car for a car seat (requiring a middle seat belt). Also, get his cell phone number in case you cannot find him at the airport. Taxi and towncars will cost somewhere in the range of $100+ round-trip.
Where will we find a hotel to stay at? Back to top
There are many hotels within a two-mile radius of the Texas Medical Center . The four closest hotels frequently visited by families is listed on this site. When searching for a hotel online, the key words for the area will be the " Texas Medical Center ". For brachial plexus families: many hotels will offer you a discount if you say that you child is going to the "Brachial Plexus Clinic" for surgery or if you ask them for a medical discount. Some families use the Entertainment card, AAA card and military or government I.D.'s for good discounts. Some hotels give you better discounts if you book online.
Are there fun things to do in Houston if we come a day or two earlier?
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Yes! Houston is a great town for fun! See this page for a small listing of fun things to do. The Zoo (good for a very young child) and the Children's museum (good for children in that 5+ range) are very close to the hospitals and make for a good half-day outing. If the weather is nice, swimming at the hotel pool can make even the most nervous relax. (By the way, the Marriott and Best Western have indoor pools but please check in advance to see if they are operational and warm.) For adults, Houston is a hub of cultural, culinary and theatrical delight. A web search for "Houston Area Attractions" should yield a nice listing of places to go around the town. Your hotel will also have pamphlets and brochures in their lobby. The hotel shuttle will be able to bring you to and from if within the two-mile radius of the hotel.
If your child is having surgery: Do we need a stroller or a car seat when coming to Houston ? Back to top
You will need an "airplane compatible" car seat for the airplane and for any traveling you will be doing while in Houston . There are regulations on what type of car seat you can use on an airplane. The car seat tag may indicate whether or not it is airplane compatible, or call the company directly to confirm. Five-point harness car seats with adjustable strapping is what seems to be recommended by many parents. Infant seats with adjustable strapping works fine for infants with a primary surgery immobilizer. Strollers are very helpful when traveling. You can actually wheel your stroller directly to the airplane's door and when you arrive it will be waiting for you in that same area. Older children (ages 3-5) might still need the assistance of a stroller to help them navigate the long walks through the airport while still tired from their surgeries.
If your child is having surgery: Should we keep our hotel room while our child is in the hospital? Back to top
This is a personal preference. Some families keep a hotel room and the parents take turns going back to the hotel to rest and shower. Some families completely pack up and move into the hospital for the entire time the child is there. Different hospitals may have different rules so it might be wise to call in advance. At Texas Children's Hospital both parents can stay there. There is a couch that opens up for sleeping and a private bathroom will full facilities for bathing. If an infant is most comforted in a "family bed", you may request a regular hospital bed instead of a crib.
If your child is having surgery: Will we have a problem seating our child in the airplane after surgery? Back to top
Try to get "bulkhead" seating (these go fast so request this early on) if you can. The bulkhead is the first row in the regular cabin. It has a little extra legroom because there are no seats in front of it. Which arm will be splinted? Get seating on the opposite side of the airplane. If the left arm is splinted, get a seat on the right side of the airplane. Have water/drinks available as well as a bag for stomach sickness, a box of wipes and change of clothing. Also make sure that the patient is adequately medicated (if necessary) for pain during the travel time. Adults in splints may be able to get an open seat in first class without additional cost. It never hurts to ask.
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