Asthma medications / nebulizer

[Otisp]

At some point in the last year and a half since I began reading these boards I seem to remember that somebody said that some sort of documentation is required to bring a nebulizer on board. I couldn't find anything in the cruise docs about it, so does anybody have any recent experience?

Also, are the perscriptions themselves necessary for medications, or do they just have to be in their original containers?

 

[albiats]

The medicine needs to be in the original containers with the labels, that's enough to constitute a valid prescription, assuming it's within one year. You don't have to have a separate paper copy of the Prescription.

I'm not aware of any required documentation to bring it onboard.

Maybe what you remember reading about is a form that DCL has that informs them of any medical needs that a guest has. You can get the form from DCL or if you used a Travel Agent, they can get it from DCL for you.

After filling out the form, it needs to be faxed back so that DCL can be aware of anything they would have to prepare for.

They have one 'medical needs' form that is used to list anything from a minor problem to a major one. There is a space on there for a signature by a Physician, but it isn't required for every situation.

I used it to inform them of my blood sugar problem that is controlled by meals within a loose schedule and avoiding some foods. I also have asthma, but I don't need a nebulizer. I didn't get the Doctor to sign it, I just submitted it.

Since you'll be bringing your own equipment that requires a Prescription to obtain it, I would suggest getting the medical needs form and faxing it back. If it's under control with the nebulizer and the meds, I wouldn't get the Doctor's signature, unless you think they might have to contact the Doc to discuss any complications before you sail.

hope that helps

 

[joellen2]

Hi there. We took a nebulizer for my 4-1/2 year old son. We did not need to fill out any forms for the nebulizer. However, I did get my son's asthma specialist to sign the medical form stating that one of his medicines needed to be refrigerated. Disney provided us with a refrigerator in our stateroom at no charge (we also had the room cooler.) As far as the prescriptions, we had all of our medicines in the original containers, and there was no problem at all. I hope this helps. By the way, my son's asthma was not a problem at all for us on the 4/27/02 Magic. Good luck.

 

[HannahG]

you might also consider that the neb will most likely need to be checked. . .i currently have a call into american airlines to see if i can bring my daughter's portable neb as a carry on--apparently you have to get special permission to do this and said they would call me back later with the info.

 

[Otisp]

Thanks for everyone's reply. HannahG, we have always brought our portable neb as a carryon, but then again we haven't tried to do that since 9/11. I'd be interested in hearing what the airlines are saying now (I can't imagine there'd be a problem).

 

[jel0511]

After reading HannahG's post, I called my airline, US Airways. I was told that nebulizers were not listed as items not allowed to be carried on. BUT, I'd be safe getting a note from my son's doctor indicating what it is and what it is for. It won't be a problem getting it on the plane, but getting it through security. With a Dr's note, I'll hopefully be assure of being able to get it through security. I don't want to check it, for obvious reasons, damage, getting lost, but most importantly for the unexpected delay. If we are delayed, I need it for a treatment, it won't do me any good as checked luggage. I'm interested in HannaG's answer from American as well, hopefully it will be the same answer I got from US Air.

 

[albiats]

I don't have a nebulizer but I do have a CPAP machine, which is a medical device dispensed thru a Prescription that is used to treat a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The medical supply company told me that a medical device like mine would be allowed as a carry-on item and would not count against the per person limit for carry-ons. In other words, I could carry this item in addition to any normal carry-on item that I would normally have.

They didn't mention needing any documentation with it, but as a normal course, I would carry the paperwork from the Medical Supply company with me in the case, in the event that it would need servicing away from home.

I'm interested to know what the airlines say about the requirements. Generally, they ask you to open your notebook pc and boot it up and to show that your pda or cell phone appears normal. I wonder if they want you to plug in your medical equipment and display that it works?

 

[Leslie B.]

We went on the 4-11 Magic cruise and brought a nebulizer for our daughter in case she ever had asthma problems. We went through a total of 4 airport security checks and never had any problems.The airport security as well as Disney security checked the machine etc . out and never gave us any problems. We did not have any documentation either.

 

[albiats]

I found this article about airport security after September 11th and bringing medical devices with you:

DOT Factsheet - Airport Security and Medical Devices after Sept 11th

And here's a copy and paste of a paragraph from that article that deals with syringes and the medicine used in them:

copy:
Syringes are permitted on board an aircraft once it is determined that the person has a documented medical need for the syringe. To show a documented medical need, a passenger must have in their possession medication requiring the use of a needle or syringe that has a professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label.
end of copy:

The article was referenced on a website about Sleep Apnea and they suggested printing a full copy of it and taking it with you, in case you encounter a problem with security personnel.

The DOT article also specifies that medical devices do not have to checked, here's a copy and paste of that paragraph:

copy:
The limit of one carry-on bag and one personal bag (e.g., purse or briefcase) for each traveler does not apply to medical supplies and/or assistive devices. Passengers with disabilities generally may carry medical equipment, medications, and assistive devices on board the aircraft.
end of copy:

hope that helps

 

[DebbieR]

My husband also has to carry a nebulizer. We just returned from a trip to Myrtle Beach and had to change planes twice both ways. The travel rep told us to get a letter from the doctor just "in case" we were questioned about the neb and his medications (inhalers). He packed all of his meds in a backpack with wheels and took it as a carry-on (good thing because our luggage didn't end up travelling with us either way). They did scrutinize it at one security checkpoint but no questions were asked.

They really should not question it as a carryon at all, especially since they can not give a 100% guarantee that neither you nor your checked luggage will have any delays. I know my husband ended up taking a treatment at one airport because we were delayed due to weather. It seems like keeping the equipment with you would be a lot better than the possible alternative - a severe asthma attack while in-flight.

Since we have the note from the doctor now, I'm going to keep it with our papers for our Wonder cruise later this year. We weren't asked any questions last cruise, but that was pre-9/11.

Debbie

 

[JJRide]

I took my sleep apnea (CPAP) machine with me to Hawaii last month and had no troubles with security checks. I did have a letter from the doctor, but never needed to show it.

Thank you for sharing the info about traveling with medical devices. I hope it helps many people.

 

[disneychic]

WE sailed on the Wonder last September (9/30/01) and I had my nebulizer, and albuterol meds. for the neb. and we didn't have to fill any thing out. I didn't even think to have a letter from my doctor with me. I've had this portable neb. for a while, and never encounterd a problem with it.

 

[motom]

We just returned today from the Wonder and I had the carry on w/ Neb and medications. We traveled on Continental and I was stopped on the return flight. I believe I was just a random choice because I even had to remove my shoes. I was not asked for any paper work or doctors orders she just checked my bag and re-scanned my shoes and Nebulizer. My husband happened to be the random choice on the trip down to FL but the medication bag I had was never questioned. I don't expect you'll have any problems but I sure hope your weather is better than ours. It rained everyday and last night the ship was really rocking. I still feel like we are moving.