I'm starting to panic!

[daughtersrus]

We're leaving for Hawaii in just over 2 weeks for DD's Make-A-Wish trip and I'm starting to panic.

We're flying United. I have some baggage questions. DD has a special needs car seat that is not approved for plane travel so it needs to be checked. I tried calling United twice and both times got someone that I could barely understand. The first one hung up on me and the second one placed me on hold for quite awhile. When he came back, he said that both the car seat and DD's wheelchair have to go with the baggage but both are exempt from the baggage fee. I explained to him that both of these items are very expensive (the car seat is almost $1,000 and the wheelchair is about $7,000). He said that there wasn't but it's the customer's responsibility to pack the items sot hat they are not damaged and that United is not responsible.

This just doesn't seem right to me.

On the way there, we have to change planes in San Francisco with a little over 1 hour layover. On the way home, our flight is non-stop to Chicago (about 8 hours). We have never flown with DD so I have no idea how or where I will be able to change her diaper on the plane. DD is 16yo but about the size of a 1st grader.

DD has a prescription medication that is liquid and needs to be kept cold. Can we bring that on the plane in a cooler with ice packs? Does this count towards the 1 quart size bag of liquids that we can bring on?

Thanks!

 

[chirurgeon]

I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you, but I would suggest posting this on the Disabilities forums. They are very helpful on that board.

Kim

 

[LuvOrlando]

When I travel I HAVE to keep nots on me from the Dr stating that my kids must be with their medications at all times. The airlines and security have never given us any trouble. I keep all medications and the Nebulizer in one particular red backpack and announce to the screeners what is in it before they screen it, no-one has ever asked to see the note but i have it anyway. This backpack does count as a carry-on. You should not have to check the 2 items you mention. Usually car seats are allowed with you on the plane and actually put into the seat the child is flying in. The wheelchairs are usually, I think, allowed up to the gate. The staff will then assist the person who needs a chair into their seat using a specially designed chair that fits in the aisle, then the chair is returned upon landing. I'd keep calling just to confirm

 

[LuvOrlando]

When I travel I HAVE to keep notes on me from the Dr stating that my kids must be with their medications at all times, liquids too. The airlines and security have never given us any trouble. I keep all medications and the Nebulizer in one particular red backpack and announce to the screeners what is in it before they screen it, no-one has ever asked to see the note but i have it anyway. This backpack does count as a carry-on. You should not have to check the 2 items you mention. Usually car seats are allowed with you on the plane and actually put into the seat the child is flying in. The wheelchairs are usually, I think, allowed up to the gate. The staff will then assist the person who needs a chair into their seat using a specially designed chair that fits in the aisle, then the chair is returned upon landing. I'd keep calling just to confirm

 

[daughtersrus]

When I travel I HAVE to keep nots on me from the Dr stating that my kids must be with their medications at all times. The airlines and security have never given us any trouble. I keep all medications and the Nebulizer in one particular red backpack and announce to the screeners what is in it before they screen it, no-one has ever asked to see the note but i have it anyway. This backpack does count as a carry-on. You should not have to check the 2 items you mention. Usually car seats are allowed with you on the plane and actually put into the seat the child is flying in. The wheelchairs are usually, I think, allowed up to the gate. The staff will then assist the person who needs a chair into their seat using a specially designed chair that fits in the aisle, then the chair is returned upon landing. I'd keep calling just to confirm

Thanks for the info. The car seat is not approved for plane travel so Make-A-Wish said that they would arrange for either a seat or harness for the plane and that we should bring her car seat to use in the limo and once we're in Hawaii. DD also has a nebulizer but doesn't need it often. We're planning on taking it with just in case but thought that we'd put it in the checked luggage.

I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you, but I would suggest posting this on the Disabilities forums. They are very helpful on that board.

Kim

I will copy and post there as well.
Thanks!

 

[honugirl]

Don't put anything in checked luggage that you absolutely couldn't live without. The nebulizer should go with you on board the plane.

The rep from United is correct that both the carseat and the wheelchair will have to go with the checked luggage. You should be able to gate check both and they will be the last things loaded on the plane and should be the first things off and will be waiting for you when you get off the plane. With both items, take off anything that is added on to it (cupholders, foot rests if they come off, headrests, etc.) and carry those on, those are the things that are the most frequently broken.

Good luck. Have a safe trip!

 

[laurie31]

Medications do not count toward your liquid limit and should not be put in your 3-1-1 bag. They should be declared separately.

As honogirl said, do NOT check the nebulizer!! Even if they don't lose it, it could arrive in many pieces, no matter how well you pack it.

Each of you is allowed a carry on and a personal item, even your DD. Make use of all that you can, while also being sure you can manage all that luggage and your DD.

I agree with gate checking the car seat and the wheelchair. Just take them to the gate with you, and if anyone tries to make you check them earlier, ask for a supervisor. I would also ask for assistance with your layover (getting from one gate to the next). They should have a "golf cart" type thing you (and your carry-on bags) can all ride on.

I hope you all have a wonderful time in Hawaii!