Flying with a nebulizer

[Strings]

DD3 has assthma and uses a nebulizer. We took a trip last year to Mexico, and having it in my carryon was a nightmare with security. Has anyone had any problems lately? Our flight is 2hrs long. It doesn't have a battery adaptor, so I wouldn't be able to use it in flight anyways. Should it go in my checked luggage? We're currently only using it for attacks. 1 attack per 10 days is our average. Your advice is appreciated.

 

[LauraAngel]

I wouldn't check anything like that. It's a neccessary medical device and you don't want it to dissapear out of your checked bags, which it very well could with the current unlocked bags for security bit. I doubt the airlines would encourage you to check it because of that and generally I don't think it' s a wise move period. Even if it wasn't stolen, if your bag got misdirected (as has happened to me numerous times), you'd have a problem. I'd say your best bet is just to deal with security...it can be annoying, but just remind yourself, they're trying to keep you safe, as frustrating as it is. Make sure you bring a note of neccessity from your doctor with to show them. And above all, if someone in security is really hassling you and showing them the note doesn't satisfy them, ask for a supervisor.

 

[Chuck-PA]

We just flew with Airtran on Sat July 5th and return today July 12th. Both times we were pulled out of the security line and had our carryon searched because of what the nebulizer must look like on xray. They looked at my son's doctor's note, looked in carryon and took the nebulizer out and called a supervisor over to read the note and look at the nebulizer. We were thanked for our patience and sent on our merry way.
This happened in both Philadelphia and Orlando.

 

[candylover]

Yes, I also brought our sons neb with us.
We flew Southwest and Delta.
I had one neb sent to the hotel and thank goodness we do have a battery back up.
My son has very bad asthma so we were worried about the air change.
Yes, we were checked and pulled aside. Here is what the security told us to do...
Before you get to the point that your things are being xrayed... pull the neb out of any bag. Including the plug, set up, albuterol meds. Place them on the machine belt...completely in full view.
When the machine is being xrayed the tech cannot tell at all
what it is. A black box shows on the screen with what appears to be wire (tubing). You can imagine how it appears. Also they are required to do a chemical check on this type of machine since it can make a "gas"........
I hope this helps a little.
In short put up with the security and know there is no way to get around it. If all items are in plain view it will save time.

 

[LisaR]

We've packed the Neb. in a carry-on with only related things (meds, epipen, etc). Then we have it opened as it goes through the x-ray equipment. This has helped a great deal. That way, they aren't pulling out magazines, snacks, etc. Those things are in our other carry-on's and make it through security just fine.

Lisa

 

[momof2inPA]

We just flew with our nebulizer in a carry-on. Yes, they checked it both coming and going. Each time I told them, it's my son's asthma nebulizer, it always looks funny on the x-ray. They check it and send us on our way, quickly. I would never check it through. I also carry an albuterol inhaler with spacer and mask in case of attacks, but I think the nebulizer works better.