Nebulizer and Medicine on Airplane??

[bunny213]

My DH has started using a nebulizer twice a day for COPD, and it runs NOT on a battery, it's electric. This is the first time we're flying since he started using it. How do we handle this to travel on the airplane? One of the medicines needs to be kept cold..the other 2 don't...I'm afraid to pack the machine, and the medicines in our checked bag in case the bag gets lost. He really has to have his treatments. How do I manage to get it all through security?? Do I need a note from the dr? Since we'll be away about 16 days...it's a bunch of vials to take. Can I take a small ice pack (the plastic ones) and an insulated lunch bag for the one that needs to be kept cold? Will it count towards our "carry on" limit? We're flying American - I asked a neighbor who's an agent and she wasn't sure....can anyone out there help? I'm trying to get this to be as stress free for him as I can. Thank you for any help you can offer. Barb

 

[SueM in MN]

If you go to the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board, post #15 has information on air travel. It includes a link to the Transportation Security Administration information about travel with medications.
To answer your questions quickly....

My DH has started using a nebulizer twice a day for COPD, and it runs on a battery. This is the first time we're flying since he started using it. How do we handle this to travel on the airplane? One of the medicines needs to be kept cold..the other 2 don't...I'm afraid to pack the machine, and the medicines in our checked bag in case the bag gets lost.

You don't want to ever put medication into checked bags, just in case they do get lost. You can bring medications and cold packs for medications thru security and onto the plane. They will not count toward your carry on luggage count and they can't charge you extra to bring them on board.

How do I manage to get it all through security?? Do I need a note from the dr? Since we'll be away about 16 days...it's a bunch of vials to take.

The vials if medication do not need to be less than 3 ounces and they do not need to fit into a quart size bag like other liquids. You do need to separate them out so that you can show them to the TSA agents. They should be labeled with what they are (like with the medication labels from the Pharmacy). Also take out the nebulizer so you can show it to them.

Can I take a small ice pack (the plastic ones) and an insulated lunch bag for the one that needs to be kept cold?

Yes. Those things are allowed for medications.

Will it count towards our "carry on" limit? We're flying American - I asked a neighbor who's an agent and she wasn't sure....can anyone out there help? I'm trying to get this to be as stress free for him as I can. Thank you for any help you can offer. Barb

Medical supplies do not count toward your carry on limit. You should pack the medical supplies by themselves, as much as possible. A bag with a few pieces of medical equipment, but the majority of the bag packed with other things is not considered to be medical equipment and could count toward your limit (although, you will probably not be asked about it as long as the bag is small and/or you don't have lots of carryon items).

 

[bunny213]

Thank you so much for your answers... and I also read the FAQ that you told me about....you have put my mind (and his) at rest....now we can go and enjoy our Dis vacation!! thank you again!! Barb

 

[Leajess99]

My DH has started using a nebulizer twice a day for COPD, and it runs NOT on a battery, it's electric. This is the first time we're flying since he started using it. How do we handle this to travel on the airplane? One of the medicines needs to be kept cold..the other 2 don't...I'm afraid to pack the machine, and the medicines in our checked bag in case the bag gets lost. He really has to have his treatments. How do I manage to get it all through security?? Do I need a note from the dr? Since we'll be away about 16 days...it's a bunch of vials to take. Can I take a small ice pack (the plastic ones) and an insulated lunch bag for the one that needs to be kept cold? Will it count towards our "carry on" limit? We're flying American - I asked a neighbor who's an agent and she wasn't sure....can anyone out there help? I'm trying to get this to be as stress free for him as I can. Thank you for any help you can offer. Barb

Be aware that they may make you take the nebulizer out of its bag to go through security but no other problems with it. I had to take my daughter's nedbulizer and boatload of meds when we flew a year ago and I only had to take the nebulizer out of the bag and set it on top of the bag to go through x-ray. I did have her meds out so that they could see what we had but no issues at all.

Have a fun trip and sorry DH has to use the nebulizer and new meds.

 

[bidnow5]

I have a nebulizer and my wife has a CPAP machine no problem except we know to go early to get through security we have to take them both out and because of an abdominal support I wear with metal stays I always get pulled into a room for a full check. Happens every time so we are used to it

 

[disfan07]

Make sure that you have a proper case for the nebulizer. I have 2, one with a real case adn one that didnt come with a case. Ive never had to take it out of the case, I just open the case and place the neb. in its own bin.

Also, they "should" do an explosives test on th emachine once its gone thorugh the x-ray. All they do is wipe it with some special paper or something that can detect explosives. I have had that done at every airport that ive been to in the past yr with my nebulizer

You might also get someone who does not know what it is. So dont be surprised if they ask you what it is/what its for etc. Ive traveled 20+ times in the past 3 yrs with a neb. adn i am still surprised at how many TSA eployees have no idea what a nebulizer is.