Questions often come up about taking particular medical devices on a plane. I just had to clear up an issue for myself. I have asthma and now have to use a nebulizer to "deliver" medication to my lungs when it is very bad. Unfortunatley it is VERY bad right now. We will fly to Las Vegas on Saturday (I know.... its not Europe, but its the best we can do at the moment due to family concerns). Doc insists I take the nebulizer with me. I wasn't certain about taking it on board. Checked TSA site- no mention. Called USAirways and got a very helpful person-- but they didn't know what a nebulizer was! Thought it was like Oxygen breathing equipment and kept telling me it must be battery powered and have back up batteries. Finally got them to understand what it was ( it turns a liquid medication into a mist I breathe) and that I would not need it on the plane, just after arriving. They went the extra mile and cleared it for me! I hope others find helpful personnel when they have such issues. In know this is not a question- but wanted to let others know- airlines CAN be helpful.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32227 posts
Toni,
As far as I know, Nebulizers for Asthmatic patients are approved for carry-on. I'm surprised that the airline wasn't aware of this?
According to the TSA website "Non-liquid or gel medications of all kinds such as solid pills, or inhalers are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to assist with the screening process."
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
I've taken my inhailers before, but a nebulizer is like a mini air-compressor and i have to take several "tubes" of liquid medication. I knew the meds would be ok- and thought the nebulizer would be treated like a c-pap machine. But I also thought it wouldn't hurt to check. I, too was surprized that it was not mentioned on the TSA site and that the airline personnel didn't know what it was. It is a prefered asthmas treatment now, even over inhailers which are used more for sudden unanticipated appearance of symptoms.
Posted by
Eastern Washington State, USA
38 posts
We used to always have to travel with my son's nebulizer. Took it as carryon...a couple of times we had to explain it, and were always willing to turn it on. Never any major problems, though (fortunately he has now outgrown the need for it).