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View Full Version : Questions regarding epi-pen, inhalers and liquid medications


sersee05
09-21-2009, 01:05 PM
These aren't truly disabilities I guess, but figure you guys could help me. I haven't flown in a lot of years..do they have a problem with carrying on the following:
Nebulizer
Liquid Xopenex and Pulmicort
an asthma inhaler
Epi-pen due to allergies?


Thanks guys>..

princesskenziesmom
09-21-2009, 01:17 PM
We have flown several times w/Benadryl (I get the little single dose packages) and an Epi pen and an inhaler and I have never had a problem. I do bring and put the Epi pen and inhaler in the original boxes we received from the pharmacy w/the pharmacy label on them to prove we need them.

HETRICKL
09-21-2009, 01:21 PM
That's been my exerience too. I've also gone to the pharmacy and gotten another lable (since the original was on the box) to put on the inhaler and epi-pens themselves. That way, I could keep them in their usual pack in my purse without the box.

StregaNona
09-21-2009, 01:38 PM
We flew to Orlando this past weekend. We have flown to Orlando at least once a year the last several years. We had no problems with an epipen or our inhalers. They were packed in the carry-on suitcase with our other medications.

sersee05
09-21-2009, 02:05 PM
I don't know if a purse is actually considered a "Carryon" but my older daughter should have no problem carrying her in haler in the original box with the label on the outside then?

I didn't know if vials of pulmicort and Xopenex would set some things off...So did you just run it through the xray ..and they never said anything to you ? That is good to know..I was very nervous about this..

SueM in MN
09-21-2009, 10:32 PM
You won't have a problem.
Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread and look in the index in post #1 to see which post is about air travel. That post has links that will be helpful to you, including a link to the Transportation Security Administration's page about travel with medications and "medical liquids".

daneenm
09-22-2009, 12:31 AM
We just flew with

• nebulizer
• Pulmicort and albuterol respules
• liquid prednisone (for asthma)
• a host of Diabetes supplies (including an insulin pen)

Interestingly, the thing that gives us the most 'conversations' with security is the nebulizer. Really depends on the screener. We have been pulled aside 3 times for the nebulizer. Usually they pull it out of the suitcase and inspect it. We have also had them plug it in to be sure it works. In all the most painful part is the repacking. After the first time, I learned to pack lightly around it so it could be removed and repacked easily.

I have found that if I hold my 'medical' suitcase and DS's backpack with his Diabetes supplies and send them through together while loudly proclaiming to the screener that I am carrying Diabetes and Asthma supplies, I have very good luck. More than 50% of the time they send us through without opening and unpacking.

SueM in MN
09-22-2009, 07:13 AM
Interestingly, the thing that gives us the most 'conversations' with security is the nebulizer. Really depends on the screener. We have been pulled aside 3 times for the nebulizer. Usually they pull it out of the suitcase and inspect it. We have also had them plug it in to be sure it works. In all the most painful part is the repacking. After the first time, I learned to pack lightly around it so it could be removed and repacked easily.

I have found that if I hold my 'medical' suitcase and DS's backpack with his Diabetes supplies and send them through together while loudly proclaiming to the screener that I am carrying Diabetes and Asthma supplies, I have very good luck. More than 50% of the time they send us through without opening and unpacking.
nebulizers and PAPRs are things that you should be prepared for them to look at because they could possibly be used for other than thir intended purpose. I'm not sure if it is included with PAPRs as something they list to be taken out for inspection, but it's best to be ready.

It is a good suggestion to tell the screeners ahead of time about things that they may question. That way when they see it in the xray machine, they can look at it knowing what it is and seeing that what it looks like matches what they expect that type if item to look like.

Cheryl592000
09-22-2009, 09:50 AM
My sister just called Delta Airlines and they said to put the epi-pens in their original box along with the Benadryl in the same bag and put it in the carry-on so that it can be "cleared by security that way".

SueM in MN
09-22-2009, 10:35 AM
Rather than get the information from the airlines, it's better to go to the Transportation Security website at www.tsa.gov

this is not to say not to get info from the airline or that that gave any incorrect information, but the. TSS is a more direct route.

There are links to some of the TSA webpages on the disABILITIES FAQs thread in the post about travel.

schewy
09-22-2009, 03:35 PM
Being a diabetic, I take numerous supplies. I use a pump but I also bring pens and needles in case the pump were to stop working. I bring lots of pens and needles becuase I used to take 5 shots a day. I reccommed placing all medications inside a clear, gallon size, ziploc freezer bag. I do this with infusion sets, insulin and pills too. I have never been questioned by security about the medications. i usually do not have the pens in original box if I don't bring the entire box. I have even brought a small insulated cooler (lunch type) to keep insulin pens refrigerated and don't have to throw them away after 30 days.