If you bring your IV meds on the plane with cold packs, as has been suggested, make sure you have prescription labels on all of them (not that you wouldn't, hehe). But I know there's a thing now with not allowing liquids on the plane (unless you have a medical need/prescription, which you do). They won't even let you carry on a bottle of water. So definitely call the airline in advance to find out for sure what their protocol is and what you need to do to be prepared. Good luck - I hope you have a blast!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
Flying on airplane with PICC & IV meds
- Thread starter Irishgal
- Start date
If you bring your IV meds on the plane with cold packs, as has been suggested, make sure you have prescription labels on all of them (not that you wouldn't, hehe). But I know there's a thing now with not allowing liquids on the plane (unless you have a medical need/prescription, which you do). They won't even let you carry on a bottle of water. So definitely call the airline in advance to find out for sure what their protocol is and what you need to do to be prepared. Good luck - I hope you have a blast!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
If you bring your IV meds on the plane with cold packs, as has been suggested, make sure you have prescription labels on all of them (not that you wouldn't, hehe). But I know there's a thing now with not allowing liquids on the plane (unless you have a medical need/prescription, which you do). They won't even let you carry on a bottle of water. So definitely call the airline in advance to find out for sure what their protocol is and what you need to do to be prepared. Good luck - I hope you have a blast!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
If you bring your IV meds on the plane with cold packs, as has been suggested, make sure you have prescription labels on all of them (not that you wouldn't, hehe). But I know there's a thing now with not allowing liquids on the plane (unless you have a medical need/prescription, which you do). They won't even let you carry on a bottle of water. So definitely call the airline in advance to find out for sure what their protocol is and what you need to do to be prepared. Good luck - I hope you have a blast!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
If you bring your IV meds on the plane with cold packs, as has been suggested, make sure you have prescription labels on all of them (not that you wouldn't, hehe). But I know there's a thing now with not allowing liquids on the plane (unless you have a medical need/prescription, which you do). They won't even let you carry on a bottle of water. So definitely call the airline in advance to find out for sure what their protocol is and what you need to do to be prepared. Good luck - I hope you have a blast!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
I've done the same, always bring that stuff as a carry on w/ prescriptions, etc. I fill a duffle bag with my vest, breather machine, meds, etc. and always get stopped going through the security just so they can look at what all is in there. Everything shows up looking weird to them on the xray machine, but once they open the bag and handle everything they realize I'm legit and let me go. It's never been a problem. We're not the only ones with medical stuff to travel with, so it's fine.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
I've done the same, always bring that stuff as a carry on w/ prescriptions, etc. I fill a duffle bag with my vest, breather machine, meds, etc. and always get stopped going through the security just so they can look at what all is in there. Everything shows up looking weird to them on the xray machine, but once they open the bag and handle everything they realize I'm legit and let me go. It's never been a problem. We're not the only ones with medical stuff to travel with, so it's fine.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
I've done the same, always bring that stuff as a carry on w/ prescriptions, etc. I fill a duffle bag with my vest, breather machine, meds, etc. and always get stopped going through the security just so they can look at what all is in there. Everything shows up looking weird to them on the xray machine, but once they open the bag and handle everything they realize I'm legit and let me go. It's never been a problem. We're not the only ones with medical stuff to travel with, so it's fine.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
I've done the same, always bring that stuff as a carry on w/ prescriptions, etc. I fill a duffle bag with my vest, breather machine, meds, etc. and always get stopped going through the security just so they can look at what all is in there. Everything shows up looking weird to them on the xray machine, but once they open the bag and handle everything they realize I'm legit and let me go. It's never been a problem. We're not the only ones with medical stuff to travel with, so it's fine.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
I've done the same, always bring that stuff as a carry on w/ prescriptions, etc. I fill a duffle bag with my vest, breather machine, meds, etc. and always get stopped going through the security just so they can look at what all is in there. Everything shows up looking weird to them on the xray machine, but once they open the bag and handle everything they realize I'm legit and let me go. It's never been a problem. We're not the only ones with medical stuff to travel with, so it's fine.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
Also I've recently learned that you can also ask to go on preboard before everyone else, which is nice! I started doing that b/c my bag with the vest is so heavy and you have to lift it up to the storage compartments. It works out well so you don't bother holding others up in the isle.
Have fun.
oldtimer1959
New member
I went to Denver from IL a week and a half ago with a PICC.
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
oldtimer1959
New member
I went to Denver from IL a week and a half ago with a PICC.
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
oldtimer1959
New member
I went to Denver from IL a week and a half ago with a PICC.
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
oldtimer1959
New member
I went to Denver from IL a week and a half ago with a PICC.
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
oldtimer1959
New member
I went to Denver from IL a week and a half ago with a PICC.
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!
Here are my suggestions:
1) Call the airline and ask for a pre-assigned seat - try to get a window seat that your PICC'd are will face the plane - I didn't do this & 3 of the 4 planes I was concerned and really protected my arm.
2) Have your pharmacy ship the meds (and all supplies including a pump if you use it) to your destination - even if it is a hotel. We went for a seminar and the hotel charged $7 for receiving the package until I questioned them, then they took that off since it was medical related. (I also had my O2 company take a liquid O2 tank and set up tot he hotel in advance - which, according to the bellman at this hotel, they see apria a lot so most busincess class hotels are getting used to 'on-the-go' O2 clients - - yea!). Anyway, shipping the meds to the hotel eliminated the hassle of the airport.
3) My lung capacity is such that I need wheelchairs in the bigger than local airports. At Denver, where I was dropped off at the door) I was taken into the first class line (with American Air you can't pre-check in on the internet or at the curb if you are traveling on O2; this was my first flight with the airline certified O2 concentrator, so I don't know it this is usual) and got to by-pass the entire line! YEE HAW! The w/c came to get me and stayed with me all the way through security down to the gate. Advise your airline reservations that you need a w/c, remind them at check-in, ask the flight atendant about 1/2 hour before you land and, in some airports, be prepared to have them call a couple of times before they get there. O'Hare in Chicago is probably the worst one I've encountered. That's my usual hub and of course the local lines fly into a terminal diametrically opposed to the one you have to fly out of!
4) If leaving from a major airport, DO be prepared to spend some time in security. I had really great TSA staff in both places. They ask lost of questions and usually marvel at the size of the equipment - how portable etc.
5) I have the Electromed Smart Vest newest version (looks like a bowling bag on wheels and the smaller bag with the vest fits on top of it) and carried it as check-on going out......coming back I put the vest in my suitcase & checked it as well as the compressor. I took the small bag and used as a purse. I'm much less worried about it getting lost on the way home than I am about it getting lost on the way there.....
6) Carry all the rest of your medical stuff (in my case nebulizer & CPAP too) in one case and don't freakout about weight limits. Most airlines, especially if you advise them you are traveling alone and carrying personal use medical equipment DO NOT charge for excessive weight bags. Call them first - you may have to have a doctor's note. I can't remember who I flew to CA on a few years ago, but my old vest (THE VEST) weighed in at 55 lbs. when put into a soft-sided suitcase with wheels......I had to get a medical form for them.
7) DEFINATELY request pre-boarding. If the staff doesn't announce a preboard for medical & elderly passengers, when they call first class go right on up and get in the line.
Take care & have fun!