What happens if my airline checked medical bag is empty on the way back

[Bete]

or it has way less then when I started? Will the airline still recognize it as medical luggage on the way back home? I started thinking about this and it could turn into a problem.

I will be using disposable products and they will be consumed day by day on the trip; until, most of the items will be gone. I will probably have a little left over as an emergency supply coming back home, but it will look ridiculous to have such a big piece of luggage mostly empty. I'm afraid the airlines will be thinking this is some kind of scam or something wrong if they check the luggage.

Also, can I carry supplies that don't necessary look like medical supplies? I use Viva paper towels (softest ones I can find) to clean up my mom; I'll have some scented garbage bags with me to use and so forth. I have some special clothing (underwear) that may appear to be regular clothes, too.

I've thought of putting one smaller suitcase into another larger suitcase on our return flight, but this may be construed as trying to hide something or whatever. I would then simply pay the regular charge for the one luggage bag; since, it will have our clothes and so forth.

I need some suggestions, please. I've been thinking about taking all my supplies to the airport one day and getting my airline's opinion ahead of time, but I'm not really sure if this will really help or not.

 

[peemagg]

What about maybe shipping all of the disposable items down to the resort rather than checking a bag with them in it. You can have a box shipped to your resort, this way when you come home there is no worry about the empty suitcase.

 

[Bete]

What about maybe shipping all of the disposable items down to the resort rather than checking a bag with them in it. You can have a box shipped to your resort, this way when you come home there is no worry about the empty suitcase.

but I need to know a little bit more about the process, please. Do I need to address the package to a certain department in the resort? How do I pick it up--where to go? Is it delivered to my room when I check in and make a request for it? Do I need to insure the package or have a signature release to make sure it doesn't get lost when delivered and so forth? How soon before the trip should one do this? I've heard of others doing this with water, but I'm not sure about anything else. Also, if I remember correctly the resorts have started to put a healthy fee for doing this service. I think I heard someone state they had to pay $35 for one box sent to the Beach Cliub not too long ago. Between paying shipping, picking it up, resort charge and possibly getting lost in the shuffle this may be tough to do, as well. I feel like I'm being penalized. I would do it out of convenience, but I'm not sure this is really that convenient.

Some of the supplies (the important items) cannot be replaced if lost. I use speciality items and they are special order and take a while to get them even if I went to a medical supply store. I know the luggage can get lost, too from the airport; so, I'm having a little concern for what bad can happen. I'm actually going to have a little bit of supplies in two suitcases; so, I can be prepared for a problem. I'm thinking even for airlines it would be a little difficult losing two bags from the same customer.

Please share other suggestions and opinions. TIA

 

[clanmcculloch]

This isn't actually answering your question, but rather a suggestion of another option. Could you fit the specialty items into a carryon sized bag or two and then place a grocery order to include the items like paper towels, garbage bags, etc? While I've never had luggage lost, I still wouldn't put medical supplies in a checked bag. Carryons that contain only medical supplies do not count towards your carryon allowance.

I could have sworn that I read that the fee at resorts is waived if it's medical supplies but I think I also recall discussions about how frustrating the process can be.

If you do decide to check the bag, could you use a duffel style bag that can be compressed much smaller when it's less full?

 

[Twende]

I would not worry about it. If you want you could include a note that simply states that this case was full of consumable medical supplies that have mostly been consumed.

Have a great trip!

 

[Bete]

I would not worry about it. If you want you could include a note that simply states that this case was full of consumable medical supplies that have mostly been consumed.

Have a great trip!

I thank you. I think that would help. Keep the suggestions coming.

 

[seashoreCM]

IF the bag going home has a few medical supplies and has no non-medical stuff (and has empty space) then it still qualifies ad a medical bag.

"Ordinary" stuff such as scented paper towels, and clothing that is commonly worn in a non-medical situation, will disqualify a bag as being medical.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Once when we flew we had the same situation. My son at the time needed pull up and because of his weight loss had to drink pediasure. I checked the bag with those items because I was not sure how to TSA would handle me bringing about 20 bottles of formula. We used a canvas type bag so on the way home I folded the bag up and put it inside one of our other bags.
On a side note, I would only check items that are cheap and easy to replace ( diapers, OTC meds, ect) and keep all RX meds and things that would hard to replace ( medical equipment) in a carry on.

 

[kylieh]

On bags within bags - a lot of people from Australia visit the USA using bag in bag, but filling them for the return journey - the reverse of what you mention. Can't remember any of us (at least from the Aust sub forum) having any issues including on domestic flights in the US.

 

[kaytieeldr]

For information regarding shipping to the resort, either from your home or through a website, see the sticky threads on the Resorts Board. Canadian Guy has great instructions over there, including how to complete the shipping label and the individual addresses.

 

[hastingsmom]

We do it all the TIME!! We travel with a Service Dog and get a checked medical bag for his food. It is empty when we return. We have never been questioned about it!

 

[Bete]

I feel a little better about having an empty or lighter piece of luggage coming back home, now.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Most of the airline folks are intelligent enough to understand that some medical supplies get used up, so a bag may be less full or empty on the way back, so hopefully you won't have any issues! Remember to ask for the CRO if you have any issues.

(And my statement about them being intelligent enough is not a snarky comment - I mean it! Some just aren't too bright!)

And, yes, paper towels in your circumstance are likely medical-related supplies. They are for me, but for different reasons (OCD and service dog). If I'm going on a trip where I'm going to a grocery/drug store, I only bring one roll to last me until I get to the store, then I buy the rest for the rest of the stay. They sure do take up a lot of luggage space otherwise! The underwear may or may not be, depending on what you mean by "special underwear" and if it is an uncommon amount (i.e. more than the one per day that most ppl bring if it is an adult diaper that is changed multiple times per day). Your hotel should be able to provide you with garbage bags - and if these are being used to dispose of the diapers, they'd likely be the hazardous materials bags (or bags within such a container) to protect the maids.

BTW, Bounty makes a soft, cloth-like version. Viva is likely cheaper anyway, though. I just use the regular Bounty paper towels (either regular or giant rolls).