Nebulizer question

[Starwind]

I have NEVER taken my Nebulizer out of its storage bag going thru Security at ANY airport. I don't even remove it from my backpack of medical equipment/supplies.

I always tell the security person BEFORE the machines that I have a nebulizer and ask if I need to take it out or not. They have said "no" with I think one exception.

However, multiple times once it has gone through the xray they have wanted to examine the nebulizer more closely and/or swab. Plus they almost always swab the medical liquids I have (which concernt hem more, apparently), so my stuff is pretty much getting swabbed anyway

I always explain they are medical items and ask if they can please use new gloves when handling them. They always do and handle everything carefully -- and usually take care to put it back properly, too !

For the nebulizer, they have only opened its direct bag once and that was because they needed to confirm the extra batteries I had packed with it. normally they just swab the outside of its bag if at all.

I have read in Us government materials online that nebulizers should be taken out of the carryon, which is why I always ASK and then do what I am told.

SW

 

[Starwind]

I was always told you're supposed to, and any time i've ever forgotten they have pulled my bags aside for additional screening removed it and sent it back through the detector by itself.

It may be possible that the size of the nebulizer has something to do with how it is handled, too. Think for example the difference between how they now handle something like a laptop vs a tablet.

The Omron I travel with is about the width and height of a deck of cards and about twice as thick; the case is a bit bigger but not too much. The thing's weight is measured in ounces not pounds.

Now, when I was a teenager into early adulthood I had a HUGE nebulizer: 13 POUNDS and gigantic. I flew with it a couple times and had to carry it to and from school every day all through high school (plus all those heavy high school science books.... not fun). I am so glad it finally died and I discovered the portable ones Even the newer full-size one I have is much lighter though not tremendously smaller than the old style one.

SW

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

It may be possible that the size of the nebulizer has something to do with how it is handled, too. Think for example the difference between how they now handle something like a laptop vs a tablet.

The Omron I travel with is about the width and height of a deck of cards and about twice as thick; the case is a bit bigger but not too much. The thing's weight is measured in ounces not pounds.

Now, when I was a teenager into early adulthood I had a HUGE nebulizer: 13 POUNDS and gigantic. I flew with it a couple times and had to carry it to and from school every day all through high school (plus all those heavy high school science books.... not fun). I am so glad it finally died and I discovered the portable ones Even the newer full-size one I have is much lighter though not tremendously smaller than the old style one.

SW

oh yeah I can't use those tiny portable nebulizers, i burn through the compressors to quick i use a Vios it's not much bigger than what you use
I never carry on bags anymore, but if I did i have the TSA Precheck so no taking things out of bags, removing shoes or body scanners. It's a gift really

 

[Pooh2]

I've always been told to put my CPAP and nebulizer in a separate bin through security. I put them each in a large ziploc. Only once have they've been taken out of the ziploc for further swabbing. Tubes and mask and supplies are left in my carry-on.

 

[JediBonas]

1) Be prepared to put it on the TSA table x-ray belt separately.
2) This counts the same as a CPAP machine or breathing-assist unit.

Also be prepared for them to take it apart and swab it. This has happened to us the past two times with my son's nebulizer and last time took about 15 - 20 minutes (the guy had no clue what a nebulizer was and looked at/swabbed pretty much every centimeter of it).

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

I have also had an airline (American Airlines) check the contents of my medical bag to confirm it contained only medical things. After that trip I put a bag tag on it that says "MEDICAL" and have not had any issues.

I have "Medical Bag" tags on my medical bags, too. I had them made several years ago by an eBay seller (nowadays I would use an Etsy seller). They're strips of nylon webbing with clips on one end and the nylon has "Medical Bag" and a red cross embroidered on both sides (the nylon is royal blue).

 

[Gracie09]

My sister travels with a medical bag for my nephew. It's always checked but is a largeish rolling duffel bag so that might be why.