Keeping meds cold all day

[Beccabunny]

We'll be traveling in early May, flying from Philly early in the morning and going straight to the parks. We won't be able to check into our resort until late afternoon. Lat year I brought a small cooler on the plane, and TSA was reluctant to let me keep it filled with ice packs. I explained it would be in a hot car for much of the day after we landed, and they let it go, but we weren't so lucky on the way home. They made us get rid of all but one ice pack, which wasn't a problem returning as we were going straight home and it was cooler here. So....any tips for keeping meds cold all day if TSA makes us get rid of most of the ice packs?

 

[PatsMom]

I'm not sure of the size of your medications but check out coolerconcepts.com - they have cool packs that work pretty well.

My last trip to Orlando, I had a small cooler with about 3 ice packs in it and had no problems. My fallback plan is always to use one of my extra gallon ziplocs and ask for or buy ice at a restaurant on the other side of the security checkpoint. I haven't had to do this yet but I carry the ziplocs just in case.

Also, even if you can't get into your room, if it is a Disney hotel, you can check in, leave the cooler with the hotel and ask that it be put in cold storage for you. I have done this with no problem.

 

[daneenm]

Have you tried a Friopack? I understand they hold the cold for well over a day. Don't know how they would be in the car. You might want to carry the medication with you or store it in a locker, which would be a bit cooler then in the car with the windows up, I would guess.

 

[peemagg]

What about getting one of those bags for the cold things? You know those ones that they sell in the grocery stores that keep things cold for hours. If you add an ice pack or two and they will keep things cold for a longer period of time.

I think as far as the TSA giving you a hassle about keeping the meds cold, is not allowed. They have no idea what has to be kept at what temp for how long. I think I would go to the TSA website and see what their rulings are on this and then print it off and take it with you. If you run into a cantankerous agent then you can show them the rulings according to their own site. I have heard that can change their attitude quickly if you can back up your words with their own. There is also the option of having the airports Complaint Resolution Officer called for a official ruling if needed.

 

[Wishes Count]

I would recommend what the other poster said about bringing plastic bags and getting ice from a restaurant on the secure side. When I flew with my medication it was in Jan, so we weren't really worried about it. I can't really remember what we did though? Sorry I'm not more helpful.

Medications

You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes.

Additional items you may bring include:

* Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
* Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
* Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
* Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

 

[Beccabunny]

Thanks, Wishes Count, for posting that. I had just found it on the TSA site. It does say there there is no limit on the volume you can bring, however, the last thing I want to do is get in an argument with TSA and be held up further. It seems to take us forever to get through the line with DD's special needs stroller and all the medications. I'd rather ditch some of the ice packs than miss our flight. I'll be prepared with Ziploc bags in case I have to get ice. As for the parks, I thought I read you can store medication at the First Aid station. Anyone know if that's true?

 

[peemagg]

Yes you can store your meds at the First Aid station in the parks. They will put it in the fridge there for you.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going to www.coolerconcept.com and looking at the Frio Cold Packs. There are several people in this forum, myself included, who use them.

These are gel packs that are water activated. They will keep the internal temperature at insulin-safe levels for over 40 hours. As the water evaporates you can just soak it in water for a few minutes to reactivate it. They come in various sizes.

For example, I have a "double wallet". Depending on what I am doing it will hold my Byetta pen as well as either a syringe with insulin in it or two insulin vials. And I tend to do at least five air round trips a year and have never had any problems with TSA over it.

 

[Beccabunny]

Thanks! I did look at the Frio packs. I don't think even the largest one would hold all of DD's medications that need to be cold. A couple of them are bottled. I thought of the Frio travel case, but I don't think the entire case is insulated. You still need to put the wallet inside, which isn't big enough. I think I will call them and see if they have a product that would work for our needs.

 

[s&k'smom]

I don't know if this will help but my girlfriend who's baby I watch 2 days a weeks has this small over the shoulder cooler thingy (that's the technical term ) to keep his small bottles cool. I'm sure you could find it in any baby section.

 

[akcire]

If you have problems at ANY airport that security is controlled by the TSA, you can politely ask for the supervisor on duty of the check point. If that is not successful ask to speak with the FSD---use those letters spoken individually (like you would say FBI). The FSD is the Federal Security Director, the person in control of all passenger security experience, just the fact that you know what the FSD is will get more consideration of your request. The key to this is to stay calm and polite at all times.

Why do I know this you ask?

My husband has a severe peanut allergy and travels 2-3 times a month both domestically and internationally. He has no problem with the TSA "checking" him or his bag---however before he will allow the TSA to touch him or his bag he asks them to change their gloves in front of him--since they can't wash their hands at a checkpoint. His request to have the gloves changed is either quickly met or the TSA person acts as if he has requested a human sacrifice in the screening area. Mentioning the FSD has always gotten a positive result of the glove change request.

 

[dzorn]

Last time I just flew with a frozen bag of veggies. Instant icepack and had veggies for dinner.

Denise in MI

 

[knieriem]

Friopacks are great! When I had to travel with insulin vials I used a friopack.

Sometimes I think keeping insulin (if that's what you medication you are talking about) should not be kept in bags of ice..you can get it too cold, or at least that's what my endocrinologist says.

 

[SueM in MN]

Friopacks are great! When I had to travel with insulin vials I used a friopack.

Sometimes I think keeping insulin (if that's what you medication you are talking about) should not be kept in bags of ice..you can get it too cold, or at least that's what my endocrinologist says.

That's a good point about things getting too cold.
Check with your Pharmacist about correct temperature. There are medications that can get too cold if kept on ice.

 

[NeurosurgeryNP]

That is ridiculous - the hassle - I use insulin and have went through security with a cooler with insulin and gel freezer packs, no problem. Ice cube ice packs - may be an issue - but the TSA website I believe mentions that you are allowed to bring gel type packs.

 

[SueM in MN]

That is ridiculous - the hassle - I use insulin and have went through security with a cooler with insulin and gel freezer packs, no problem. Ice cube ice packs - may be an issue - but the TSA website I believe mentions that you are allowed to bring gel type packs.

Yes, it does.
Someone earlier posted a link to the TSA information and there is a link also in post #15 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

Some people use gel packs on the way to the airport when they have been able to store them in their freezer at home. But, a lot of people don't have access to a freezer while on vacation, so they may use ice on the way home.
The TSA site says you can use "gels or frozen liquid" - which means ice is OK.
But, many people have just found if they are using ice, it's easier to just get it after security.