Flying with Prescription formula

[Bitsmommy]

You guys are so helpful, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with flying with prescription formula? My youngest is on pedsure 1.5. It can't be purchased in stores and we are going to be there for 14 days. I have considered getting his DME to ship some down since we will be there for so long, but I am so scared it won't get done correctly and we will be stuck there with nothing. I am considering flying with some. I know that we are allowed to take it because it is considered a medical supply, but what documentation do I need? It obviously doesn't come with a prescription label. What is the easiest way that you all have found to get through this? I understand that every airport is different on any given day, but pointers would be great. We leave in almost a month and at if I am going to have it shipped verses flying with it I need to start that process soon! Thanks!

I have read then TSA website and it doesn't seem to address this specific need. Is there a link I am missing?

 

[disney david]

You guys are so helpful, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with flying with prescription formula? My youngest is on pedsure 1.5. It can't be purchased in stores and we are going to be there for 14 days. I have considered getting his DME to ship some down since we will be there for so long, but I am so scared it won't get done correctly and we will be stuck there with nothing. I am considering flying with some. I know that we are allowed to take it because it is considered a medical supply, but what documentation do I need? It obviously doesn't come with a prescription label. What is the easiest way that you all have found to get through this? I understand that every airport is different on any given day, but pointers would be great. We leave in almost a month and at if I am going to have it shipped verses flying with it I need to start that process soon! Thanks!

I have read then TSA website and it doesn't seem to address this specific need. Is there a link I am missing?

Here what Tsa says


http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

I think your be fine since pedsure a name brand since your allowed to bring formula it shouldn't matter if it prescription.

 

[disney david]

Here what they say about medication know it not he same but since they don't require them to be in their bottle they came in it to have a percription.


http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#4

 

[disney david]

Sorry one more here is their toll free Tsa cares number you can call an ask them any questions you might have.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds/tsa_cares.shtm

 

[Bitsmommy]

I have no idea, what to do. I read all of those things before posting this question. However, I fear that we are at the mercy of the TSA agent that we encounter. Technically, after a child is 1 year old, they are no longer on formula. I have heard that they will make you dump a cup at security. I have no intention of trying to take full cup or bottle through security. I need to get at least 14 cans of formula into my carry on luggage. This is a medically necessary liquid as it is his main form of caloric intake. I can't just go to Walmart and buy it if it gets lost with my checked luggage. 14 cans will last me 4 1/2 days. Which would give me time to have someone at home ship me some more. I called the TSA and the guy on the phone simply heard formula and read me the thing about "only bringing what an infant can consume in a flight." He isn't an infant. Ugh... I am so frustrated right now.

 

[lanejudy]

I'm sure someone else will chime in with their experience, because I do recall reading a post about this bringing Pediasure through TSA. Yes, you are allowed to bring it with you. You need to have it in a separate carry-on (or separate bag that you pull out of the carry-on, and you declare at screening as medical - this bag can only be medical needs, nothing "regular" (i.e., don't toss your shampoo and toothpaste in there as well). I'm not sure anything is required from your physician as documentation, but if you feel more comfortable having that as back-up then by all means get a letter (or copy of the script that you use to order your usual supply). I think the key is to declare it right off. You might also want to allow a little extra time to get through security just in case.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

 

[disney david]

Which airport you flying out of If you don't kind answering

 

[Tink575]

You guys are so helpful, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with flying with prescription formula? My youngest is on pedsure 1.5. It can't be purchased in stores and we are going to be there for 14 days. I have considered getting his DME to ship some down since we will be there for so long, but I am so scared it won't get done correctly and we will be stuck there with nothing.

Tell them you have medicine and if you have a shipping statement from the DME bring a copy, and stress it is a feeding liquid and can NOT be purchased off the shelf in stores. If all else fails request to see a supervisor or manager.

My dh has liquid medicine that ships to us in bulk, we need 4 large bottles for our upcoming trip. They have never denied us taking the bottles, but they did demand once that we open a (plastic) bottle and they tested it by passing some machine over it.

Good luck and don't worry - just avoid even using the formula word.

 

[DOREEN1779]

If it does not have to be refrigerated, you can send it ahead of time and confirm that it was received with the resort before you leave.

 

[jmartinez1895]

My son had RX pediasure for a while and when we flew we were told taht only the amount that would be consumed during a normal flight and a small amount extra would be allowed. We took 5 with us in our carry on and packed the rest in a checked bag ( I know that this is risky, but I could not think of anything else to do). I later was told that we could have contacted the TSA ahead of time, and our airline. Then they would take the formula at the screening location and the flight attendant would have have it until we land, but that with a large amount of liquid we would not be allowed access to it until landing.

 

[Bitsmommy]

Which airport you flying out of If you don't kind answering

Nashville

 

[disney david]

Nashville

I wS trying ti get you a number to the local Tsa at the airport so they might be able to give you a response that not scripted but can't find any. I follow what the other poster said contact your airline and Tsa and maybe they could arrange like the other poster did.

 

[buffettgirl]

it shouldn't really matter. It will fall under this http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#4
but either way formula is NOT bound by the daily limit. It only says "you're encouraged" to only carry one day's worth http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm


You can also fill an extra suitcase and check that bag (for free) as it contains medically necessary items.

 

[kaytieeldr]

407 828 8125
That's Turner Drug. Call them now and see if they stock it or how quickly they could get it for you, then bring a prescription with you.

 

[Mousequake]

I have recent experience with this-- I am in EXACTLY the same situation as you, except compounded by the fact that my tube-fed daughter is about to turn 5. I hate to check her formula as well, since it can't be replaced, but I have yet to find a TSA agent who listens and understands when I try to explain to them that it is a medical necessity and can't be bought in stores. They hear 'formula' and that's the only word they hear, and can't understand why a 4-year-old needs it. I have followed TSA’s regulations to the letter for traveling with medical liquids and even always have a copy of those regulations with me, with the relevant portions highlighted, because agents invariably try to tell me restrictions that directly contradict their own policies. My experiences have run the gamut from being waved through with no explanation necessary to having my entire family (including DD4!!) patted down and every single item in every bag swabbed because the formula can't be opened. This last experience led me to open a complaint with TSA since they touched my daughter without my express permission, and the procedure they told me to follow for my next trip was this:

Call TSA Cares (number posted earlier in this thread) at least 72 hours before your flight, and explain your special security needs. They will have someone on hand to meet you at security and expedite you through the line. I haven't actually travelled since getting this advice, so I can't tell you how well it works, but thats the best advice I have.

 

[disney david]

I have recent experience with this-- I am in EXACTLY the same situation as you, except compounded by the fact that my tube-fed daughter is about to turn 5. I hate to check her formula as well, since it can't be replaced, but I have yet to find a TSA agent who listens and understands when I try to explain to them that it is a medical necessity and can't be bought in stores. They hear 'formula' and that's the only word they hear, and can't understand why a 4-year-old needs it. I have followed TSA’s regulations to the letter for traveling with medical liquids and even always have a copy of those regulations with me, with the relevant portions highlighted, because agents invariably try to tell me restrictions that directly contradict their own policies. My experiences have run the gamut from being waved through with no explanation necessary to having my entire family (including DD4!!) patted down and every single item in every bag swabbed because the formula can't be opened. This last experience led me to open a complaint with TSA since they touched my daughter without my express permission, and the procedure they told me to follow for my next trip was this:

Call TSA Cares (number posted earlier in this thread) at least 72 hours before your flight, and explain your special security needs. They will have someone on hand to meet you at security and expedite you through the line. I haven't actually travelled since getting this advice, so I can't tell you how well it works, but thats the best advice I have.

Did Tsa ever get back to you yet most of the time they back their agents. When you say they touched your kid what you mean did the pat her down or something else because everyone is subject to further inspection.

 

[Mousequake]

Did Tsa ever get back to you yet most of the time they back their agents. When you say they touched your kid what you mean did the pat her down or something else because everyone is subject to further inspection.

Yes, we discussed my complaint fully. They were shocked at the agent's actions. I fully understand that everyone is subject to further inspection, but you have to grant permission for them to do the patdown before they can touch you. In a minor's case, the parent has to grant permission. They never asked my permission. They walked up to my DD4, said to her, "we're going to pat you down," and proceeded to do it.

 

[disney david]

Yes, we discussed my complaint fully. They were shocked at the agent's actions. I fully understand that everyone is subject to further inspection, but you have to grant permission for them to do the patdown before they can touch you. In a minor's case, the parent has to grant permission. They never asked my permission. They walked up to my DD4, said to her, "we're going to pat you down," and proceeded to do it.

That good hopefully they will do something about it because this not the first time this happened. Your right they should of followed their policy's and asked for your permission first.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

TSA is no problem, really. It is part of his medical treatment and thus allowed. You should stop comparing it to the "no formula after reaching age of one for healthy kids" as this is NOT just part of an average eating for which you can get your resources anywhere, everywhere and without any problems. This is part of his medical treatment, it doesn't even come close to comparing it to general food. You stop worrying about it, reduces the risk of you accidently communicating it that way and a sleepy TSA agent taking it up the wrong way and viewing it as non medical but like Little Johnny's favorite beverage. It's medical, not that Little Johhny's favorite.


Having said all this, have you had a look at how to store the pediasure? Not up to date about this brand, but my tubefeedings need to be stored within certain temperatures. Freezing is NOT an option, unless I want it to spoil. If the pediasure also has limited temperatures at which to store; be on the look out for the minimal temp it needs. It's not really an issue at the moment seeing how you are planning on carrying it on with you, but might be a piece of info to remember (and surprising amounts of people aren't aware of, I've learned). Checked bagage does not get temperature regulated inflight. With temperatures outside up in the air being freezing cold, the bagage compartment can also be very very cold. If wanting/needing to check feedings that need to be stored at certain temperatures, communicate this upfront with airline. That way they can find out if the aircraft has a compartment that can be temperature regulated and make all the arrangements for this to be done and this bagage to be stored there. Not all aircrafts have this option, in which situations it would always turn into carry on. Regardless of size, being liquid etc.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Call TSA Cares (number posted earlier in this thread) at least 72 hours before your flight, and explain your special security needs. They will have someone on hand to meet you at security and expedite you through the line. I haven't actually travelled since getting this advice, so I can't tell you how well it works, but thats the best advice I have.

This is what I was referring to in my post ( #10 i think). When we did this we where told that a a member from the flight crew would take the bag and we wold not see it again until after landing. One person in your group will take the bag of formula to the agent and they will screen it. THen you will rejoin your party and go through the regular screening. At least htat is how it worked Birmingham.