We have a situation where one member needs to have 2-3 (8 oz each) of liquid on the flight to Munich. Would a doctor's letter and the fact that this person carries an Epi pen, help at all?
He also can't eat any of the meals on board because of numerous food allergies (grains, spices etc), so lots of extra things to eat. This part is never questioned, except for the yogurt, but they always allowed. Just not sure about extra liquids.
Anyone ever had a similar situation?
It's been my experience that security personnel are not all cut from the same cloth. You may get lucky, or you may get a martinet. You'll have the same problem on your return flight. You can always buy food and drinks once you are through security. Just be sure to ask the sales clerk if you can take them on the plane . . . sometimes larger bottles are sold but are not allowed on the plane and sometimes they can be sealed for boarding. If the person only needs water, you can take empty 8 oz. bottles through security and then fill them with tap water before boarding. Also most flight attendants will fill your empty bottles with water or other drinks onboard. I think they usually serve small amounts just to keep people from needing the toilet all the time. Most airlines provide a wide selection of special meals. Check with your airline and you may find one type that is suitable.
The flight attendants will always bring you water if you ask, or you can go to the galley and get it there.
On international flights, I have never had issues getting extra water, or even other drinks. But you may also bring your own on the plane, except you will need to purchase it after security (or fill a bottle from a drinking fountain) Trying to take water bottles through Security will not be allowed even with a doctors letter.
What liquid does this person need to bring on the plane? As for food, you can bring what you want on board, though no liquids through security. Be prepared to not be able to bring yogurt through security. You can buy anything you want, both food and drink, after security.
With so many food issues, how will this person mange while traveling?
Are the liquids, in fact, water or are they something else?
If the quack's letter states they're a necessity not otherwise available, they'll be in the medications category and exempt.
You will have a tough if not impossible time to get any liquid more than 3 oz through security unless it is somehow classified as medication. An Epi pen means nothing. And a letter for a Doc means little because of the ease of forgery. But a whole range of liquids from water to energy drinks to wine can be purchased behind security and carried on the plane. Obviously you can take empty water bottles through security and fill on the other side. We never eat any meals on the plane so that is never a problem. If you want a better answer you need to explain this extra "liquid" that is needed.
Medications that are liquid do not count towards 3oz size, if they are medically necessary. I carry liquid medications with a current Rx and a note from my doctor and they are not in my quart size bag, they are in my small day pack (personal carry on). If they are not medically necessary as in an Rx I doubt if it will fly…literally!
Please clarify if the liquid in question is a medication or a beverage.
Sorry, the liquid in question is coconut water, which I have not seen at any of the shops in airports.
And this person can travel because he does not eat out. It's that simple :-)
I know all about water. Been travelling for ages, but never took coconut water.
Liquid Meds I'm very versed in as well, except this person is carrying way more than I ever took, but it's doable.
Food cannot be bought at airports. Someone suggested that. It's not easy to eat out with food allergies..so many cross contaminants.
Is the coconut water needed medically, or is it just what this person prefers to drink?
Coconut water is nothing more than the recent food fad. I doubt seriously if you can convince TSA that it is required medication. You may even have trouble finding it in Europe. Good luck.
Chani, you may not be very aware about what food allergies mean, and how those individuals cannot chance something like a "special" meal on a plane.
It's the only hydrating drink he uses. And it's not a fad in Mexico, Caribbean, Asia, and Hawaii...where he's from originally. Was used to keep him alive many times as a child.
Only need for the flight to and fro if possible. Some will be in checked luggage but would be great on plane. Another option is to fill 3 oz bottles! Now there is a thought.
So I am curious, what would happen if he didn't drink coconut water for a period of time.? How long is your flight? I have definitely seen coconut water in airports. Maybe try calling some of the kiosks/convenient stores to see if they carry it. If there is Starbucks, they carry it.
If coconut water is seriously the only liquid he can tolerate, you might be able to get away with it with a doctor's note, on office letterhead, that has printed contact information. But you will probably have a hard time convincing most TSA agents of that.
EDIT: If coconut water is the only liquid he can tolerate, can you bring dried coconut flavoring or coconut shavings and add that to water?
Having some family members with food allergies, this is intriguing. But how do y'all know that he can buy what he can eat in a market so that he can eat at home?
This what the WebMD says under the article - Truth About Coconut water.
Low in calories, naturally fat- and cholesterol free, more potassium than four bananas, and super hydrating - these are just a few of the many benefits ascribed to America’s latest health craze: coconut water.
Dubbed "Mother Nature’s sports drink" by marketers, the demand is skyrocketing, propelled by celebrity and athlete endorsements and promises to hydrate the body and help with a whole host of conditions, from hangovers to cancer and kidney stones.
Not suggesting it is not beneficial and certainly better than a coke but hard to pass off as a critical medication. Pack a few bananas with water should get the same benefit. I think you are just asking for a big hassle if you try to carry three bottles of coconut water through security. Buy it after security or use water.
Coconut water is used for hydration as well as regular water, but I found out why the fuss about liquid on the plane... Adult Pedialyte! This is the essential "liquid" which I mistook for coconut water because of the constant use here. Phew...maybe pedialyte would be acceptable? Might have to send an email off to TSA.
There are foods (fruits, vegetables, meats, some grains that are safe), but packaged goods may contain allergens so everything has to be fresh. It's going to be interesting to say the least.
Ginger, I travel from time to time to a place with somewhat suspect water and food cleanliness and now and then I get violently ill (what some men will do for love). I purchase on line powdered hydration products to battle the results of the bad food and water. The powder will go through security just fine and there is plenty of water on the plane. Of course your friend will probably prefer this: http://www6.netrition.com/navitas_coconut_water_powder.html
Us Texans have to stick together..........coconuts and all.
And people should spend as much time helping as being critical. For food, try a Kosher meal. Depends on the allergies but generally Kosher meals are pretty benign. Still, I would hate to be wrong.
I suggest you take multiple 3 oz bottles. You can buy those empty bottles at the Container Store. Another trick I do sometimes is take two separate 1 quart bags and put them in separate bins. Usually I do not get questioned as my trick usually works and TSA thinks it is for a different person, but one time I did get questioned about it and talked them into letting me take them both. Like the other person said, it is luck of the draw with TSA people.
James and Charles, looks like a Texan thing happening here :)
That is a genius idea!! Thanks for the link. Powdered coconut for drinks? Brilliant person who thought to do this. Would work because of all the minerals etc for hydration. Thanks!
I wasn't trying to criticize- I was just trying to understand and help think outside the box. I understand there are a lot of allergies/intestinal conditions that present some unique challenges, especially when traveling. Ginger, I am glad you were able to find a good solution. And I am happy your friend doesn't let this stop him from traveling. Have a great trip.
Ginger,
Make sure you're set for the return flight. I find our TSA more lenient than some other countries. If it's the hydration issue, REI carries some hydration tablets - I think they're called Nuum. Also, you can e-mail TSA and they will respond to individual situations.
Good wishes for you trip- I have a grandson who is allergic to just about everything and it is a constant challenge.
Patty
Ginger, in Texas we try and help each other. I am beginning to get the impression that this is not a universal concept. Gig'em Charles!!
You can also get powdered pedialyte to add to water, as well. Not sure if that would work with his food allergies, but just FYI. I actually carry a couple of packets because I find them helpful when I've got a headache from wine or if I get sick to my stomach from something. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pedialyte-Fruit-Punch-Grape-Apple-Strawberry-Oral-Electrolyte-Powder-.3-oz-8ct/17018124
I think I remember Trader Joe's having coconut water in those little containers you see for kids' lunch juices. I don't think they are less than 3oz, but maybe take a look online to see if there are any (or check out a Trader Joe's if one is near you). I guess powdered drinks would work, but I find they have too many additives. They don't need to be refrigerated, so maybe save a few for the return trip. Good luck with it.
Thanks Maryam.
http://www.foodallergy.org/managing-food-allergies/traveling
I have a severe allergy to shellfish. This won't be a concern on the plane, however, it is a concern while eating in various restaurants in Europe! I have learned to speak the phrase in several languages. :)
Thank you for posting that link, Ginger. I have bookmarked that one.
"That era of magical boasting ended when V--- Coco was sued in 2011, accused of making misleading nutritional and marketing claims with phrases like “super-hydrating.” Such hype is gone. And while just about every brand of coconut water offers electrolytes and potassium — both beneficial to body processes — the category’s reputation as a natural elixir is undeserved, nutritionists say.
"... A 2012 study (funded by V--- Coco) in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that neither coconut water nor sports drinks were better than water in hydrating young men after hourlong workouts."
New York Times, July 30, 2014, page D6
See also non-fat chocolate milk after a workout. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20100604/chocolate-milk-refuels-muscles-after-workout
