flying w/the vest

[ej0820]

has anyone ever taken the vest on a plane? how did you pack it and did it cost extra b/c it's sooo heavy?


erin
20/f/cf

 

[ladybug]

Erin,

Which model do you have? I have the newest model, and for that I just stick it in its duffle that it came with along with all the cords, etc.... I use a luggage cart to transport it through the airport cause its still nearly 30 lbs. I always carry it on now.... Also, the TSA has said that anything you have to take as a carry on that is soley used for a disability (i.e. med equipment, meds, etc.) can NOT be counted against you as one of your carry on bags. Just an FYI. I've never been able to take more than that and a purse anyway cause I just can't handle all that by myself, but it is allowed.

If you have the larger version of the vest, I also used the luggage cart to tote that around the airport and carried it on... Or, a couple times, I also did box it in a big huge box that the company sent me for flying (when I called and requested it), and checked it. The box is supposed to have enough padding to protect it en route. I also wrote in big yellow medical stickers... FRAGILE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT all over the box. So, you can either carry it on (although it may not fit in some overhead bins, so you may want to have the dimensions and call in advance to make sure) or you can have the vest company send you a big box to check it.

Good luck! I know its daunting at first, but I fly alone with mine all the time now, and it goes pretty smoothly.

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Faust]

Thanks for the info ladybug. I have often wondered about the same thing. I have the second to last generation of vest, so carryon is not an option for me. I'd love to have that new vest.

 

[ladybug]

Let me tell you, Sean... it was a FIGHT to get the new model, and the only way I got it was cause my secondary insurance had never paid for the first one, so they covered it (again, I had to fight BOTH insurances for about a year!!! urgh!!!)

Yeah, deffinately call the company for a vest box... they told me its specifically for flying or travelling. It obviously won't fit in an overhead, so I think they would cover it if anything happened when it was checked, but you may want to make sure. I'm pretty sure she had told me that since this is the only way to travel with it, if its damaged, the vest co. would fix it or whatever.....

Glad I could help! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

 

[MCPappy]

I have taken my vest as a carry on with me every time I have flown since my Sr year of HS. I used to have the larger vest and I was able to take it as a carry on because it was medical equiptment. I was a Sr in HS so my parents called the airport ahead of time and talked to them about making sure it was ok that I carried it on because who the hell knows what they do to the bags that you check. So once my parents talked to the airline it was ok for me to take it through and when I got on the plane I gave it to the flight attendent and explained what it was to her and she put it in one of their closets or whatever and it really was not a problem.
Now that I have the smaller vest it is much easier to take on to the airplane. I got a rolling suitcase that it fits in perfectly so I dont have to worry about wearing myself out carrying it all over the place and it is just the right size to be a carry on.

I will almost always get stopped while I am going through security and they will take me to the side and check it out or whatever but I always bring the vest manual with me in case they have any questions, but most of the time it really isnt to much of a problem.

Hopefully this helps=)

Good luck and have fun whereever you are flying to =)

 

[ej0820]

yeah, I have the huge heavy beast of a vest...I assume it's a really old model, I've had it for about 5-6 years. It probably won't be the easiest to make it a carry on b/c it feels like it could bring down the overhead compartments...not to mention the fact that lifting it to carry is hard enough, lifting it above my head would just result in a disaster <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif" border="0">. Thanks for the input though, I had no idea the vest co. had special padded boxes to make it easier with travel.


erin
20/f/cf

 

[NoExcuses]

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://us.samsonite.com/webapp/us/servlet/SProductDisplay?productId=196919&storeId=10001&langId=-1&pc=C05
">http://us.samsonite.com/webapp...0001&langId=-1&pc=C05
</a>
I put my Vest and my PARI ProNeb Ultra in this Samsonite 700 series 24" spinner. It has 4 wheels so it pushes effortlessly in airports.

Both fit perfectly in the piece of luggage and it's perfect carry-on size. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

Erin,

Yeah, its really tough with the older models. As I mentioned, when I had the older, heavier model, it would not fit and was too heavy for the overhead. I did give it to the flight attendents one time to put in their closet, but they were very snooty about it (not that I care). Again, I would suggest calling the vest company. They get all kinds of questions about this and can help figure out the best solution for the size, model of your vest. Another thing I have done the last couple times I flew with my vest as carry on is to board when they are calling for people needing assistance. It is easier so you don't hold up the line.... although they've also been really snooty to me when I try to board until I say, "well, i have 30 lb medical equipment and need help getting it overhead..." they usually apologize then. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>amy</b></i>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://us.samsonite.com/webapp/us/servlet/SProductDisplay?productId=196919&storeId=10001&langId=-1&pc=C05
">http://us.samsonite.com/webapp...angId=-1&pc=C05
</a>


I put my Vest and my PARI ProNeb Ultra in this Samsonite 700 series 24" spinner. It has 4 wheels so it pushes effortlessly in airports.



Both fit perfectly in the piece of luggage and it's perfect carry-on size. <img src=""></end quote></div>


Does the vest lay on its side then while you're wheeling it?