New airport security rules and service dogs?

[Nalla]

Does anyone know what sort of new airport rules there are after that last incident and whether it's going to affect my upcoming trip with my service dog?
Also, will it affect how I bring my medications? Now I'm on an injectable medication, will they have an issue with me bringing that on the plane? I can't check in, in case I need it while I'm on the plane.
I always get nervous before I go on vacation, so if anyone has any advice as far as new airport stuff goes, that would be awesome. Also, to make matters worse, I'm flying to and from Detroit, which is probably especially tight on security right now.

 

[videogal1]

Does anyone know what sort of new airport rules there are after that last incident and whether it's going to affect my upcoming trip with my service dog?
Also, will it affect how I bring my medications? Now I'm on an injectable medication, will they have an issue with me bringing that on the plane? I can't check in, in case I need it while I'm on the plane.
I always get nervous before I go on vacation, so if anyone has any advice as far as new airport stuff goes, that would be awesome.

No new rules that would apply to service dogs...The laws are spelled out in the Air Carrier Access Act...enacted by Congress, not a policy change determined by the TSA, so, unless your dog tries to read with the book on his lap during the last hour of an international flight, you're probably pretty safe in relying on the Service Dog policy stated in your airlines' website. I've always found it handy to carry a copy of that policy or the ACAA with me for the benefit of the inevitable overzealous employee who thinks that the dog should ride in the cargo hold. What is more interesting is just how they'll handle carry-on medical equipment or what they'll do for all those potty-bound passengers full of fizzy drinks.

 

[SueM in MN]

Now I'm on an injectable medication, will they have an issue with me bringing that on the plane? I can't check in, in case I need it while I'm on the plane.

They have not made any announcements, so here are some guesses.

They will probably be doing more looking at things, so I would make sure the medication is well identified.
They will be looking for large quantities of liquid because it takes a relatively large amount to make a bomb (one of the reasons I have read that they decided one quart bags with 3 ounce bottles were OK). Your medication will be a much smaller amount than they will be concerned with.

I don't imagine they will do anything special with the service dog - maybe have you remove his vest so that it can go thru the xray machine.

Interestingly, we traveled to WDW in late October and back home in early November - way before this incident. Usually, they do a fairly complete pat down of DD and also do some swabs of her shoes and wheelchair. This time, they wanted to know if she could get out of the wheelchair so they could get a better look. They actually had us remove her seat cushion so it could go thru the x ray. We had never been asked to do that before.

 

[Nicole&Becker]

Does anyone know what sort of new airport rules there are after that last incident and whether it's going to affect my upcoming trip with my service dog?
Also, will it affect how I bring my medications? Now I'm on an injectable medication, will they have an issue with me bringing that on the plane? I can't check in, in case I need it while I'm on the plane.
I always get nervous before I go on vacation, so if anyone has any advice as far as new airport stuff goes, that would be awesome. Also, to make matters worse, I'm flying to and from Detroit, which is probably especially tight on security right now.

I would call your airline for specific information about that. The only stipulation that I know of that went into effect this past May was for Psychiatric Service Dogs now needing a dr's letter and giving 48 hours notice that you are flying with such service dog. Otherwise they will deny you passage with your dog. Other than that, don't worry about it. Some airlines may ask you for an ID card, but it is not required by law. As far as the medications, it is my knowledge that they must be in a secure package with the original labels, in the original bottles. No loose pills or unmarked bottles allowed. I would call them to verify about the needles though. If you can you might think about putting those items in your checked baggage if you can to make your trip through security easier.

If you know what the procedure is for going through security with a service dog it sure makes things a LOT easier. So make sure you practice the down stay while you walk through alone, then calling your dog through. If the dog beeps, he/she will be patted down and pockets searched. They cannot ask you to take your dog's gear off though. So don't worry about that. I am sure you have flown with your dog before, but this might be good for others.

Hugs and have a blast on your trip!!

 

[Wishes Count]

I know this is slightly OT but I have Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis, which sometimes means I need to use the bathroom immediately! I cannot physically hold it. What happens if I need to use the bathroom during the last hour of the flight?

 

[SueM in MN]

Just to clarify about medication - the airlines have nothing to say about medication (as far as what can be brought onto the plane in carry on). Once you have cleared the security checkpoint with it, items can be carried on board. There may be some new guidelines about access to you carry on stuff during flight. The airline would not be making those rules, but would be interpreting the tules set up by the TSA. I would suggest checking the TSA website for the most current information. There is a link to the TSA website in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

While they can't make you take off your dog's gear, they could ask you to. Looking at the dog as an assistive device, them asking is consistent with how they handle other assistive devices. They can ask, you can refuse, but you might be subject to them checking in another way.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I know this is slightly OT but I have Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis, which sometimes means I need to use the bathroom immediately! I cannot physically hold it. What happens if I need to use the bathroom during the last hour of the flight?

Basically would depend on the airlines strictness of following policy. If you've got one following strict rules and you combine that with you not informing the FA's right after boarding, it could end up very nasty with you being seen as a threat and all things that come with that.

Having said that; the mentioned rules within the media aren't set in stone. First off, they basically should only apply to INTERNATIONAL flights INTO the US. Some airlines introduced them on some US flights also, but reports since have already been that they're back to normal again.

All apart from this; talk to your specialist and/or incontinence practicioner. The latter ones are also there for those folks who do NOT have incontinence, but do have some kind of whatever medical problem going on with bowel and/or bladder. While not an option 24/7, there can be options out there to help you out for situations like this or even the basic of flying. After all, we all have seen the long lines that can form in front of those bathrooms onboard an aircraft. I know how terrifying 'what if's' can be, but there are options out there that do not include diapering or having to still fear accidents.

Oh and you might want to avoid flying ElAl if this staying seated for the last hour is a 'dealbreaker'. It has been policy on all of their flights into Israel.


Nala; you are right; NEVER put medications into luggage unless you are brining along like 50 pounds of them. Delays, lay over, divertions, lost luggage, medical unsuspected problems, being stuck at the tarmac or airport for hours or even a couple of days, anything can happen. You do not want to be seperated from your medication if there is no absolute must for it. Travelling with medically needed needles is easy, also in the wake of the latest threat. Make sure you've got the proper documentation on you to prove it's a medical need and inform TSA about it's presence when you are about to be checked. It'll take itself from there. VERY easy procedure, I promiss. Also always travel with more medication than you would normally 'expect' to need. Your trip might run longer than expected with not guarantee of you being in a situation of getting more medication within 24 hours. When travelling, health can respond to that, now requiring you to need more medication.

 

[nmmom95]

No new rules that would apply to service dogs...The laws are spelled out in the Air Carrier Access Act...enacted by Congress, not a policy change determined by the TSA, so, unless your dog tries to read with the book on his lap during the last hour of an international flight, you're probably pretty safe in relying on the Service Dog policy stated in your airlines' website. I've always found it handy to carry a copy of that policy or the ACAA with me for the benefit of the inevitable overzealous employee who thinks that the dog should ride in the cargo hold. What is more interesting is just how they'll handle carry-on medical equipment or what they'll do for all those potty-bound passengers full of fizzy drinks.

I carry a dialysis cycler. Do you know anything about changes for medical equipment?

 

[SueM in MN]

I carry a dialysis cycler. Do you know anything about changes for medical equipment?

I would keep checking the TSA website and possibly contact the TSA. There is a link in the travel post in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. In the past, they have been very good about keeping it updated. That was not a piece of medical equipment they specifically addressed before on their website. They did specifically address certain equipment (like insulin pumps) that are common and other equipment (like CPAP machines) that are common and could be used to deliver aerosolized substances through the air.

 

[KPeveler]

I usually get out of my chair at the airport, and I have also noticed recently that they have been taking the cushion off the chair.

I freak out when strangers touch me, so i prefer to walk a couple feet from my chair to the other side, where I sit down immediately.

I hope there are not going to be too many new changes on planes in the US - even things like covering my lap is standard. I HAVE to be covered (cold triggers seizures), and I cant hold a book up, so hopefully things will manage to be safe AND still make sense.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I hope there are not going to be too many new changes on planes in the US - even things like covering my lap is standard. I HAVE to be covered (cold triggers seizures), and I cant hold a book up, so hopefully things will manage to be safe AND still make sense.

First up; this is not personal. But I've seen too many people freaking out after the most recent incident without taking a breath, taking a step back and take a moment first.

Let's not overreact. These extra meassures have been announced for international flights heading for the US. The 'basic' US resident flying will not have to deal with these silly rules. Don't take my word for it; check the TSA website, at; http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/dec25_guidance.shtm

 

[KPeveler]

First up; this is not personal. But I've seen too many people freaking out after the most recent incident without taking a breath, taking a step back and take a moment first.

Let's not overreact. These extra meassures have been announced for international flights heading for the US. The 'basic' US resident flying will not have to deal with these silly rules. Don't take my word for it; check the TSA website, at; http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/dec25_guidance.shtm

We have new rules on domestic flights because of something that happened on a british flight with a soda bottle that was caught that would not even have worked!

Now I cant bring a sealed can of coke with me anymore, and that attempted attack did not even happen in this country and would not have worked.

I dont think it is overreacting to say that i hope that any new rules put in place don't make life any more difficult for me or other with disabilities/special needs....

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I dont think it is overreacting to say that i hope that any new rules put in place don't make life any more difficult for me or other with disabilities/special needs....

To be honest; imho it's overreacting when folks start to post all over internet boards (for fun, check out the Transportation board right here on the DIS and other internet boards) about how new regulations will negatively influence them, when those regulations do not even apply to the flight the are booked on/planning on taking etc.

Besides, we are talking about a blanky here. And apparently a can of coke. Neither of which is going to cause serious unavoidable problems. Sure, TSA seems to be acting in a reactionary angst-driven way at the moment. But that doesn't mean we can't all see things in perspective. A can of coke. Seriously.

 

[KPeveler]

To be honest; imho it's overreacting when folks start to post all over internet boards (for fun, check out the Transportation board right here on the DIS and other internet boards) about how new regulations will negatively influence them, when those regulations do not even apply to the flight the are booked on/planning on taking etc.

Besides, we are talking about a blanky here. And apparently a can of coke. Neither of which is going to cause serious unavoidable problems. Sure, TSA seems to be acting in a reactionary angst-driven way at the moment. But that doesn't mean we can't all see things in perspective. A can of coke. Seriously.

wow that was exceptionally rude.

I am expressing concerns that the rules will make it too difficult for me to fly. It is already hard enough given my other medical problems, but if things get more difficult, I will not be able to fly.

And for some of us, a "can of coke" and a "blankey" is the only thing managing stomach problems and preventing us from having seizures.

You were very rude and unfeeling, which surprises me. Usually you are much kinder and at least seem to have empathy. Please remember that you know nothing of my medical history, and something as simple as "no blanket during take off and landing" can make it impossible for me to fly.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

wow that was exceptionally rude.

I'm sorry you feel that way, but I fail to see it is nor is it meant that way.

And for some of us, a "can of coke" and a "blankey" is the only thing managing stomach problems and preventing us from having seizures.

A) Coke is readily available with any airline
B) one can use a small bottle of coke. If need be, depending on airport security, it can be bought after security check as coke is one of those articles that is all around us.
C) medical fluids ALWAYS are excempt. If need be, all they will do is ask you to take a zip of it yourself to prove it isn't harmfull. (like they do with for instance baby formula etc.)


But the main point I'm getting across is more and more people are getting used to not thinking ahead. Having one thing in place is nice and all, but before you know it you can be faced with a different situation in which one better has built in some flexibility to avoid possible serious problems.

Take the blanky for instance. Great fun and all, during the flight. Not so while in transit onto or off the flight. If just 'that' happens, you get stuck on an aisle chair for a longer time. As always, things don't happen alone but in groups of multiple small problemos. So, now you're stuck on that aisle chair on the jetway. Those nice and nasty things that aren't weatherproof. Before you know it, you're out in cold wind and/or rain. Been there, done that. A situation that can cool down an individual much faster than an aircraft a/c will, yet the blanky isn't in sight as it isn't safe to use it while on the aisle chair. And oops; Houston we've got a problem.

There is much more available to warm and/or keep warm an individuals body than only blankets. Options that do not interfere with any possible rules of nothing on your lap during the final hour of a flight. Honestly, no I do not see the dealbreaker with a blanket being an only option. Prefferable? Sure? Need? Having a serious difficult time with that one.

So yeah, still having a very hard time seeing why to worry about rules that aren't even being enforced onto that same individual. There's enough real stuff to worry about. Like a TSA that apparently thinks they'll stop even one terrorist by shutting down the flight map, taking away blankies and phonecall options on international flights into the US.

 

[KPeveler]

I'm sorry you feel that way, but I fail to see it is nor is it meant that way.



A) Coke is readily available with any airline
B) one can use a small bottle of coke. If need be, depending on airport security, it can be bought after security check as coke is one of those articles that is all around us.
C) medical fluids ALWAYS are excempt. If need be, all they will do is ask you to take a zip of it yourself to prove it isn't harmfull. (like they do with for instance baby formula etc.)


But the main point I'm getting across is more and more people are getting used to not thinking ahead. Having one thing in place is nice and all, but before you know it you can be faced with a different situation in which one better has built in some flexibility to avoid possible serious problems.

Take the blanky for instance. Great fun and all, during the flight. Not so while in transit onto or off the flight. If just 'that' happens, you get stuck on an aisle chair for a longer time. As always, things don't happen alone but in groups of multiple small problemos. So, now you're stuck on that aisle chair on the jetway. Those nice and nasty things that aren't weatherproof. Before you know it, you're out in cold wind and/or rain. Been there, done that. A situation that can cool down an individual much faster than an aircraft a/c will, yet the blanky isn't in sight as it isn't safe to use it while on the aisle chair. And oops; Houston we've got a problem.

There is much more available to warm and/or keep warm an individuals body than only blankets. Options that do not interfere with any possible rules of nothing on your lap during the final hour of a flight. Honestly, no I do not see the dealbreaker with a blanket being an only option. Prefferable? Sure? Need? Having a serious difficult time with that one.

So yeah, still having a very hard time seeing why to worry about rules that aren't even being enforced onto that same individual. There's enough real stuff to worry about. Like a TSA that apparently thinks they'll stop even one terrorist by shutting down the flight map, taking away blankies and phonecall options on international flights into the US.

I of course wear two coats AND use a blanket or another coat when going down a jetway, and tell them I can't wait where it is cold.

I already am told I can't put my coat on my lap on several flights (as in, use it as a blanket), b/c they seem to think it is a carry-on, but if I use a blanket, they are ok with it... go figure...

 

[jmartinez1895]

I called southwest with the same question about traveling with our serivce dog and they told me that we chould not notice a change at all, but they did recomend that every time we fly to tell them we have the dog when booking because every airline turns in a list to the TSA every morning and they will already know that you are coming so that will cut down on some ofthe questioning.

 

[mom3sonstt]

I carry a dialysis cycler. Do you know anything about changes for medical equipment?

I also travel with a dialysis cycler. What do you use to carry it in? We have been on the hunt for the "perfect" suitcase. The one it came with didn't have wheels and was extremely heavy carrying through airports. We bought a second one which is slightly bigger than our airline allows - we used it, but usually had to explain what it was each time plus there was a lot of empty space in it. So we got a third one which is just barely under the limits of our airline, still not perfcet but better. Do you store it above or let them put it somewhere? So far we haven't trusted them with it, we store it above. Just curious how someone else handles theirs.

 

[Nalla]

Well, I'm glad nothing directly involves my dog. I have all her paperwork together, even her vet stuff which I'm sure I won't need.
Hopefully no one will take issue with my prescriptions. As far as access to it during the flight, I'll stick a dose in my dog's pocket so I can get it if I need it.
What's all this about nothing on your lap for the last hour of the flight/no bathroom in the last hour? Is that all new? I've never heard that before. And seeing as my flight isn't even two hours, it seems like a silly thing to enforce. I don't care one way or the other on that one, just never heard of it.

 

[videogal1]

Well, I'm glad nothing directly involves my dog. I have all her paperwork together, even her vet stuff which I'm sure I won't need.
Hopefully no one will take issue with my prescriptions. As far as access to it during the flight, I'll stick a dose in my dog's pocket so I can get it if I need it.
What's all this about nothing on your lap for the last hour of the flight/no bathroom in the last hour? Is that all new? I've never heard that before. And seeing as my flight isn't even two hours, it seems like a silly thing to enforce. I don't care one way or the other on that one, just never heard of it.

New "rules" instituted after latest bombing attempt...might have been better to ban pockets in underwear...