Weighted blankets and TSA

[courtney1188]

We’re preparing for our first trip with kids, and our five year old recently received an autism diagnosis. He has a weighted blanket that really helps him with anxiety issues related to the autism, and I want to bring it on the plane for him (I also don’t really want to add a 5lb blanket to our checked luggage since it would likely put our suitcase over the weight limit.) However, I’m concerned that TSA might not let it through since the blanket is full of little beads/pellets to weigh it down. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[gap2368]

You can try calling TSA cares and let them know about the blanket ( also that he has ASD) and see what they say about the screening

 

[LadyD]

We’re preparing for our first trip with kids, and our five year old recently received an autism diagnosis. He has a weighted blanket that really helps him with anxiety issues related to the autism, and I want to bring it on the plane for him (I also don’t really want to add a 5lb blanket to our checked luggage since it would likely put our suitcase over the weight limit.) However, I’m concerned that TSA might not let it through since the blanket is full of little beads/pellets to weigh it down. Anyone have experience with this?

I’m very curious to know about this too. I’m flying out to WDW tomorrow night, and I’m thinking about bringing my work weighted blanket with me since I’m going through a rough patch and flying is something I struggle with. I’ve never tried bringing it before, and I’m nervous they won’t allow me to take it for some reason on the plane.

 

[DisneyOma]

Any way you could get it declared medical equipment?

 

[gap2368]

Any way you could get it declared medical equipment?

Not sure how this would help the blanket would still have to go though security and I do not think check bags can be medical bags onl

 

[cmwade77]

Not sure how this would help the blanket would still have to go though security and I do not think check bags can be medical bags onl

Medical Equipment doesn't count as a checked bag, so if you wanted to check the bag, put only medical equipment in said bag and there would be no charge to check it. Additionally, many items that would normally be prohibited, such as liquids for example, are permitted if they are consider prescribed items.

While there is no official guidelines that I have seen on how to get something declared as medical equipment, the easiest that I can think of is make sure a doctor writes a prescription for it. When this is done, it also means the insurance company will end up paying for the item in many cases as well.

 

[gap2368]

Medical Equipment doesn't count as a checked bag, so if you wanted to check the bag, put only medical equipment in said bag and there would be no charge to check it. Additionally, many items that would normally be prohibited, such as liquids for example, are permitted if they are consider prescribed items.

While there is no official guidelines that I have seen on how to get something declared as medical equipment, the easiest that I can think of is make sure a doctor writes a prescription for it. When this is done, it also means the insurance company will end up paying for the item in many cases as well.

I know I fly with a medical bag all the time but I carry it on I think the other poster was talking about having the medical bag as a check bag ( like not having it on the plane with you) witch is what I do not think they do

 

[lanejudy]

I don’t see it specifically mentioned on the TSA website (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring) but they also state this:
For items not listed here, simply snap a picture or send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter. We look forward to answering your questions, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET weekdays and weekends/holidays.

I don’t think it would be a problem, but you could contact TSA for confirmation.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[lanejudy]

I know I fly with a medical bag all the time but I carry it on I think the other poster was talking about having the medical bag as a check bag ( like not having it on the plane with you) witch is what I do not think they do

You can check medical supplies, and/or a “medical bag” and it shouldn’t count towards any bag limits or charges. It must be medical equipment/supplies only. Not your clothes or other non-medical items.

 

[Starwind]

I know I fly with a medical bag all the time but I carry it on I think the other poster was talking about having the medical bag as a check bag ( like not having it on the plane with you) witch is what I do not think they do

They do do checked medical bags. If the bag contains ONLY medical equipment/supplies it should not count against one's checked bag limit. I have done this multiple times, though am always prepared to pay to check it if necessary [i.e. if it comes down to pay or it doesn't go, I will pay and fight with the airline afterward]. I have never had to pay.

At the same time, I ALSO travel with an extra carry-on that is medical only [almost entirely medications], and it likewise does not count toward the carry-on limit.

Note t hat for both bags the airline has the right to ask to inspect the contents to verify that it is medical only items, so be absolutely sure that is all that is packed in it.

SW

 

[Starwind]

OP: If you do bring it on the plane, I HIGHLY suggest you put it into a ziploc-type bag. There are large-size ones if the normal kitchen size is not big enough. That way if it has to be taken out of your carry-on on its own and xrayed or handled, it has a nice layer of plastic protecting it from surfaces [think those nasty grey bins] and hands.

SW

 

[nikkislaght]

you wont have any troubles taking it in a case that is checked , have traveled with our sons as checked.

Call TSA, and inform them that your child has ASD they can then give you the information you need. I find that it differs from person to person and airport to airport.

A few airports have the Autism wings program, not sure if its in your area and when the next one will be.. but it worth checking it out.

Go to your airline booking and request an escort through TSA , you may need to call the airline to do it . you will have someone escort you from the ticket counter to the gate.. you will still have to do all the TSA check points but having that escort makes life just a little bit easier.

also on the TSA website you can print of their card which you can fill out and hand to the agent , you can say what a diagnosis is, what equipment you are bringing and not have to say a word..

You can also request a private screening if they need a pat down.

There are a number of sites that you can go to , to download free Medical equipment bag tags..

we just recently flew and some airlines are now requesting that you take food out of your bags as you go through TSA.

Get your son to watch YouTube Videos on what goes on when going through TSA, it may help with some anxiety . also write him a social story on what will happen when at an airport and while in the air ..

 

[gap2368]

They do do checked medical bags. If the bag contains ONLY medical equipment/supplies it should not count against one's checked bag limit. I have done this multiple times, though am always prepared to pay to check it if necessary [i.e. if it comes down to pay or it doesn't go, I will pay and fight with the airline afterward]. I have never had to pay.

At the same time, I ALSO travel with an extra carry-on that is medical only [almost entirely medications], and it likewise does not count toward the carry-on limit.

Note t hat for both bags the airline has the right to ask to inspect the contents to verify that it is medical only items, so be absolutely sure that is all that is packed in it.

SW

I know they let medical bags travel for free I was just questioning if it was check bags ( where you do not have it on the plane with you. I would never let my medical things be checked, with how many bags go missing getting some of my medical equipment back would be a nightmare that I do not want to deal with ( one piece of medical equipment there is a shortage on so there is no way of getting that replaces ;(. So I would not check anything medical at all in case your bag gets lost. and I do know weighed blanket help a lot I have one and it is the best thing I have done I just do not think they would count it as medical

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We’re preparing for our first trip with kids, and our five year old recently received an autism diagnosis. He has a weighted blanket that really helps him with anxiety issues related to the autism, and I want to bring it on the plane for him (I also don’t really want to add a 5lb blanket to our checked luggage since it would likely put our suitcase over the weight limit.) However, I’m concerned that TSA might not let it through since the blanket is full of little beads/pellets to weigh it down. Anyone have experience with this?

do not know about bring thru TSA but do not plan on child being able to carry it thru as it will have to go thru scanner. how will child react to it disappearing in the scanner? I have seen many meltdowns from kids whose parents have told them they can carry their "lovie" and it ends up having to go thru scanners

 

[courtney1188]

do not know about bring thru TSA but do not plan on child being able to carry it thru as it will have to go thru scanner. how will child react to it disappearing in the scanner? I have seen many meltdowns from kids whose parents have told them they can carry their "lovie" and it ends up having to go thru scanners

I’m fortunately not concerned about that part, he’s not attached to it in a “lovie” sort of way.

 

[bumbershoot]

However, I’m concerned that TSA might not let it through since the blanket is full of little beads/pellets to weigh it down.

I can’t see how that would be an issue. They might need to look at it extra, but small heavy beads aren’t prohibited. If you have the packaging or a printout explaining what it is, put that with the blanket in whatever you’re putting it in to go through the X-ray machine. That way they have info right there to see if they pull it aside.

 

[DisneyOma]

I suggested having it declared as a medical device/equipment because otherwise it could be counted as a carry-on and those are limited to one per person and a small personal bag (purse, etc). Medical equipment flies free. There's nothing out there that states you can't take solid plastic beads, and TSA has screened plenty of beanie babies to know what those beads look like

 

[courtney1188]

I suggested having it declared as a medical device/equipment because otherwise it could be counted as a carry-on and those are limited to one per person and a small personal bag (purse, etc). Medical equipment flies free. There's nothing out there that states you can't take solid plastic beads, and TSA has screened plenty of beanie babies to know what those beads look like

Good point! That makes me feel a bit better. It’s a small blanket and will fit in his little backpack he’s carrying on - I don’t think I want to deal with declaring it as medical equipment if I don’t have to - the diagnosis is super new and I’m already overloaded with paperwork, doctors appointments, IEP meetings, etc.

 

[cobright]

If the beads in your blanket are polypropylene (they almost certainly are), they will pass nearly invisible through the x-ray machine and completely unnoticed by the metal detectors. If you have the thing in a carry-on, place it at the bottom of the bag in case TSA needs to riffle through your belongings to look at something else. Or send it through the scanner in its own tray like a coat and they'll pay not a bit of attention to it.

If an agent stops and begins to prod the special blanky, just say, "This is not the blanky you're looking for." in a calm and confident voice.

 

[nikkislaght]

Good point! That makes me feel a bit better. It’s a small blanket and will fit in his little backpack he’s carrying on - I don’t think I want to deal with declaring it as medical equipment if I don’t have to - the diagnosis is super new and I’m already overloaded with paperwork, doctors appointments, IEP meetings, etc.

there is no paperwork to fill out in regards to medical equipment. we just took my hubbies BiPap machine with the Medical tag and they scanned it without a word. they didn't even open it.. what they did want to screen was his ensure.