medical items in luggage

[memakwed]

While reading another thread questions of my own came to mind.
Please give any info you have our trip is in 22 days!!!

DS 7 has some health issues. Severe dustmite allergy and we're in the process of being diagnosed with a problem he has with his feet.

For our trip I have a host of items dedicated to his functioning while there. These items include:
Air purifier- about the size of a laptop but much wider
advil
nasonex
antihistamines
wraps for feet
ace bandages
ice packs

We are renting a medical stroller which we will get upon arrival.

My question is:

1 What classifies something as medical luggage?
2 Can it be carried on or does it have to be checked?
3 We are traveling US air. Do they honor medical luggage?
4 Where should I look for more info about this? My travel agent is on vacation so I can't rely on her for help.

 

[cmwade77]

The items you have listed would not be considered medical items in general. Basically, you need to have a prescription for it to be counted as a medical item.

Some examples of items that are medical items:
Sleep Apnea Machines
Wheelchairs
ECVs

The air purifier would count as a medical device if you have a prescription for it.

As for do they honor medical luggage, by law all airlines must honor it, but you have to carry it on and it does not count against your carry on limit. Of course you may be limited by how much you can physically carry on, but that's up to you to decide what your limits are.

 

[Bete]

The items you have listed would not be considered medical items in general. Basically, you need to have a prescription for it to be counted as a medical item.

Some examples of items that are medical items:
Sleep Apnea Machines
Wheelchairs
ECVs

The air purifier would count as a medical device if you have a prescription for it.

As for do they honor medical luggage, by law all airlines must honor it, but you have to carry it on and it does not count against your carry on limit. Of course you may be limited by how much you can physically carry on, but that's up to you to decide what your limits are.

Although some items are a no brainer to be considered medically allowed; other items are necessary, too for the well being of the person and everything I've learned here so far says this should be okay. Now, I'm questioning my situation and I thought I had my issues under control.

Could we please get this clarified more.

 

[memakwed]

I contacted the airline with my situation and an airpurifier does count as medical and I was told to just put anything DS may need in flight in a bag as well....ice packs wraps prescription meds and OTC meds. For the other person that had concerns just contact your specific airline. I printed out the email I received and plan on taking it with me to the airport in case there is a question. The email and the person who emailed me can be reffered to.

No prescription necessary.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

The items you have listed would not be considered medical items in general. Basically, you need to have a prescription for it to be counted as a medical item.

Not all medical items require a prescription (including wheelchairs, ECVs, crutches, canes, OTC meds/supplements/nutrition, and more). You do NOT need a prescription for the item in order for it to be a medical item nor are you required to carry a prescription for it with you. It needs to be something that is required because of your medical condition, which the air purifier and other items would be in the OP's case. An air purifier would not count as a medical item for somebody who does not have an actual medical need for it, but the OP's son has an actual medical need to have it with him.

You cannot include any non-medical items (camera, book, non-medically-required snacks, etc.) in the medical items bag or it will not count as a medical bag.



OP - Yes, do bring that e-mail printout with you! Sometimes airline employees don't care to follow the rules or don't know the rules or just try to make extra money off of you, thinking you won't stick up for yourself or won't know the rules.

 

[disney david]

Here's a list and info from TSA regarding medical equipment through security you should be okay since your airline said it be okay.



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

 

[disney david]

Just to add info you can bring the air purifier as long as it has no liquid in it and for the ice packs unless they are completely frozen have con hear to the 3-1-1 rule. so it might be better it pack them in your checked luggage.

 

[KPeveler]

Sorry I did not respond before - my computer died and I got really backed up.

I have never been asked for a prescription to check a bag as medical luggage. You have unique needs, so while if I brought my pillow for myself, it would not be medically necessary, it may be for your family. Just make sure nothing else is in the bag.

Anything you absolutely cannot love without (medications etc) take in your carry on!

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Yes, PLEASE take medications in your carry-on!! I know it is common sense for most ppl, but my father is a very smart man and one time he put his medications in his suitcase on his way home from Europe. And his suitcase got left behind in France (his connecting airport). And it took two or three days for them to get it back to him. And he'd taken his full bottles, not just enough for the trip, so even though he was home, he didn't have meds. He had to get the most important one refilled at the pharmacy since his bag was delayed.

If the medical item is a common thing, like a special pillow, I would say be prepared to explain why it is a medical item. They do sometimes check to make sure you're not trying to sneak an extra bag of clothes and such on for free. They sometimes will ask what is in the bag. One time I was asked to open the bag for the check-in guy, so make sure if you have a keyed lock the key is handy and if you have a combination lock you know the code well. (Of course, only use TSA-approved locks!)