Though I must now use a wheelchair, I still want to do as much traveling as physically possible. Recent news about a sudden hotel fire in the Philippine capital of Manila that killed 75 people frightens me. How can I prepare in case I’m forced to get to safety in a hurry.
Mrs. WLA, Baltimore MD

A: Now that you’re not as mobile as you were in younger days, be alert to potential travel dangers at all times. When checking in to a hotel, get familiar with all the safety rules, including fire alarms and other warning systems.

Book a room on a lower floor, preferably close to the elevators and exit doors. Travel with a physically-fit companion who can help, especially if you must use the stairs. If you see fire or smell smoke in your room, have your smartphone close at all times to call the front desk and/or local fire department for help.

It all started with Seeing Eye dogs many decades ago, when physically-challenged passengers brought their trained pooches aboard. Now, when you're on your flights, you may see cats, birds and other allegedly helpful critters coming along in the cabin seats.

Now, with Delta and soon with many other airlines, those passengers who claim their pet raccoons or aardvarks help them make it through the flight must first show written proof. The animals must be qualified by training, health, inoculations and other requirements to do the support job. So, before you head for the airport with your helpful critter, be sure to check with the airline for the latest regulations

It may take another decade or two, but the age of super fast air travel is almost here. It will also happen from the West Coast. Imagine taking off from San Francisco at 9 am and lunching in Tokyo at noon.

You’ll also be able to fly from Los Angeles to Singapore at 5 pm to sit down with your Singapore Sling at 8 pm. If you plan to stay for dinner and next-day breakfast and touring, make sure your bag doesn’t take a three-hour trip to Buenos Aires.

At the local airport, a TSA security inspector actually did let a cat out of a bag. The owners had packed her in a checked suitcase for a two-hour flight. Fortunately, the cat survived after treatment at a local SPCA.

A reminder of when you fly with a pet. Check with your airline first for instructions. Always keep your pet on a leash. The busy airport is often very busy with sudden noises that could cause the animal to panic and run away.

Carry your small pet through the metal detector or walk the larger one on a leash. If your pet triggers an alarm, an officer will require a closer look. Pets are not screened with the body scanners. If your pet is traveling in a portable kennel, a TSA inspector will screen it for prohibited items.