Airport Security

[anonymous]

Is anyone worried about the elevated security in airports? I read at one place that they will allow drugs on once they are screened, but this makes me apprehensive. I always fly with all of my drugs, nebs, everything medical in a carryon, because I don't want to risk it not getting there. Now I'm worried that some of this might not get allowed on.

And for things like long flights, I use even more things that I'd want with me. For instance, mouthwash after nebs and inhalers to try to make sure I don't get a case of thrush. Even having my own water and drinks to make sure I drink enough. I'm guessing that shakes like Boost wouldn't make it on either...

Any thoughts?

 

[Seana30]

They stated on the news this morning there will be exceptions for medications and baby formula.

Maybe bringing a note from the doctor stating you have CF and what meds you take will help???

Seana

 

[ashton2005]

They also said with baby formula and special drinks if you can drink it to prove that it isnt harmful that they would let it on

 

[Ratatosk]

I make sure all of ds's meds have prescription labels on them and put them in a plastic make up case, so if they have to search my carry-on, they can see what's what. I also carry a letter from the doctor indicating DS has CF. Last February, security flagged us and took out ds's "Breathing Device" as they called it -- his nebulizer and did some tests on it -- put it in another xray machine, had DH plug it in to show that it worked -- took FOREVER! Afterwards, I heard Emily's story about the swat team and taking APART her nebulizer!!!, I'm thinking next time we travel, I'm going to ask for a letter from DS's doctor explaining his medical equipment. Liza

 

[NoExcuses]

That's it. Make sure all drugs are in their original packaging, letter from doc regarding your Vest and Nebulizer.

The Swiss quarentined me once with my Vest. They actually called the local CF Center to verify the device <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Luckily they had heard of it......

They have to make exceptions for medical equipment. They just have to. Just make sure you can document your stuff and you should be fine.

 

[IG]

Never had a problem with any of my meds (flying to michigan and back, and flying to paris and back).
Boyfriend never had a problem with his nebulizer (flying to michigan, didn't take it to paris) all they did was take it out of the bag, check it for chemicals with the little swab (same with laptops) and let us go through. Had more problems with a pair of medical scissors that go reposessed though.
It's a good idea to have a letter from your doctor if possible.. but quite honestly I haven't needed it within the last 6 months (and dozen airports).

 

[miesl]

Bugger bugger bugger.

Jeremy's brother (also CF, although I have no idea when he was last at a clinic) is flying in tonight for the wedding. I have no idea what meds/treatments/etc he has.

 

[Ratatosk]

We really haven't had much of a problem. The issue with the nebulizer threw me for a loop. They really really doublecheck the lunch bag cooler filled with oral syringes containing DS's drugs for the day, but it could be the polatrec icepack I've got in there, too. But they just examine things a little more closely and let us go on our way.

The ONE thing that irritates me is the female security at the Tucson airport -- do you HAVE to put your hands down my pants and practically grope me every single time. I'm NOT that kind of a girl! L

 

[Emily65Roses]

It's always helpful to have a medical note. Be prepared in case they make a big deal, but after the stuff clears you'll be all right.

Example: When my fiance and I went to SC for a friend's wedding, I brought my neb along (of course), and it didn't look normal in the machine apparently. They CLEARED THE ROOM, thinking there might be explosives involved. Literally, all "civilians" were ordered to leave. Only people left were employees, cops, and me and Mike. They called in state cops, and TOOK MY NEB APART to look inside. They found just the motor (instead of a grenade, which is what they were looking for, apparently someone recently had removed a neb motor and put in a grenade in its place), put it back together, and let us go with apologies. Heh. What a story.

 

[thefrogprincess]

I was recently wondering about this since Brian and I are going to New York for Christmas and I am wondering about getting my nebulizer and HTS on the plane.

 

[anonymous]

Hi,
some of you seem not to know yet what happenend in London....
There were no problems in the past, but there could be from now on! I hope, everything will settle down again, otherwise it will get hard for us to fly...

Uli,44,Germany

 

[anonymous]

As of today, these are the new travel restrictions for flights going from one airport in the US to another in the US <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.tsa.gov/press/where_we_stand/security_measures.shtm">http://www.tsa.gov/press/where...security_measures.shtm</a> .
There is no mention of medical devices and oxygen.
I would hope that they would follow their previous guidelines on these, but who knows. You had better call first to find out -- and be prepared to check in the item.

Goodness only knows what they will do about passengers needing oxygen during flight.
-LisaV

 

[anonymous]

Here are the guidelines for Heathrow for today <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4778615.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4778615.stm</a> . And right now all European flights into Heathrow are cancelled. Both of these things do suggest (as Uli wrote) that the rules will no doubt change drastically in the future.

 

[Scarlett81]

It will be allowed on. I've heard on every reliable news station that meds and baby formula are an exception.
If you have any doubts, get a letter from your doctor that you can show to security personel.