Well, we will be leaving on our first airplane trip with our son who has to have certain medical items with him during his flight. I may have to do a second part to this advice to update on how the trip went and any other things I would do 
differently. These are a few of the things we have taken into account for our trip and flight.
1. When possible, have your supplies shipped to your destination. A Home Health Supply Company can ship you supplies ahead of time even if you will be staying at a hotel. Make sure to call the hotel ahead of time so that they will know to expect a package fo ryou. Call ahead of time to make sure the package has arrived. Nothing would be worse than showing up and your supplies to be missing.
2. Bring items ON the plane with you that will help top soothe your child in this unfamilar area. The child may get uneasy as they are having to encounter lots of strager in uniforms. Sometimes they can react to just the uniforms in a wrong/scared way. A new toy would be a great distraction and would ease there uncomfortablness.
3. In a carry on container, bring at least 2-3 days of needed supplies. This will ensure that in the case of LOST luggage you will be able to make it until the luggage is found OR to make it until the Supply company can get a rush delivery to you.
4. ANY and ALL medications should be carried on the plane with in a a carry on container. Make sure to have enough for when out of town. Most Insurance CO. will not allow for RX 's to be filled out of town because well, frankly, they will say, "It's not THEIR fault you didn't bring it" Yes, Insurance Co. can and will be this fussy. Don' t leave home with out them. Don't let them out of your site into luggage they could be put under stress and burst.
5. THE MOST IMPORTANT!!!!!!! Get your Doc. to type up a letter of medical necessity for you to carry on all your supplies. Be ready to SHOW this at the security checkpoint. It will ensure that you have an easier time getting through without problems. Without a letter they can and probalby will deny you the right to bring on some or all of your equiptment. Make sure the letter is VERY precise/detailed in what you MUST bring on board. It the items are medically necessary they cannot and will not deny you the right to carry on these items. If it would be easier for the doctor, write the letter and subit it to them, this will ensure that nothing will get left out. This can be especially important when bringing sryinges, even non-needled sryinges on board.
6. At the security check point it is obviously going to take you a bit longer. Be patient. for the sake of those around you and for your confidentiality you are allowed to request a PRIVATE screening with the security individuals. DO NOT leave it to the last minute to try and rush through the secruity checkpoint. IF they think it will take TOO long to check you through, they can and will make you miss your plane. Just like the RX's advice, It is NOT THEIR fault you did not arrive early enough.Arrive with PLENTY of time for them to give you a thurough check for the safety of you and your fellow passengers.
7. Make a detailed list of all of the doctors you/your child sees. This will ensure that NO numbers get lost. in the case of an emergency this can be an in-valuable piece of information to have. I have all of my son's doctor's numbers saved on my cell phone. BUT, I don't rely on that. I always have a hard copy to carry with me. I mean, what are you goin to do IF you drop your cell phone in a toilet while out of town, or heaven forbid you loose it!!!! Keep those numbers on hand. You won't regret it!!!!
8. Since we were talking about phone numbers.....make sure to have the numbers of a facility that can take care of you/your child in case of an emergency. A pediatric hospital would be best but even a reg. hospital would do. This is why it is also important to have memorized ALL the probmes or past medical history of your child. If you have it memorized then you can spit it out VERY quickly when needed in an emergency situation.
When ever we travel with our son, I make lists of all the supplies DAYS in advance to ensure that NOTHING gets left behind. Once it is left....there isn't much you can do to get a replacement, but to BEG for the supply co. to send it out to you. If that occurs you will probably have to pay out of pocket for the supply and the shipment of the supply. As I pack his supplies I check the items off the list. Organization is the key to leaving nothing that is needed at home. I start making "The List" about one week in advance. You would be surprised what you would forget without a list.
By ensuring that you are fully prepared for your flight it will make traveling with medical equiptment much easier. I opethis advice can be useful for other who find themselves needin to travel with a medically needy child/person.
If you check out TSA's website you can find a complete list of medical eqiptment that is allowed on board of planes. IF the items you need to bring on board are not listed, thye ahve a means for you to call or e-mail them with all your questions. Here is there link to make it easier for you to view their list. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm This page is entitled, "Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions"
The info. I have written above was not taken from their web-site. It is information that out doctor's office has helped us with AND what I do to ensure that travel with a medically needed child can be made easier.
(March 5th) (
