WASHINGTON--With security measures heightened at the nation's airports, portable oxygen concentrators and gel-based wheelchair cushions, as well as most other medically necessary items, are still being allowed onboard commercial flights, the Transportation Security Administration said.
According to Sandra Cammaroto with the TSA, all approved medical devices, including POCs, are being allowed through security checkpoints once they have been screened. Also, the limit of one carry-on and one personal item does not apply to medical supplies or equipment.
Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration began allowing two portable oxygen concentrators--Inogen's Inogen One and AirSep's Lifestyle--onboard aircraft (see HomeCare, July 18, 2005).
Even with recent restrictions on carry-on items, air travel for passengers who need supplemental oxygen continues to improve, according to Daryl Risinger, vice president of marketing for Inogen. "Both our contact with representatives of the TSA and the increasing number of airlines accepting POCs indicates these organizations are working diligently to ensure travel for this segment of the population is as seamless as possible," he said.
While most gel-based items are now banned onboard and must be packed in checked luggage, the TSA is allowing some medical products, including gel-filled wheelchair cushions, gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics, on airplanes. Other disability and medically related items permitted beyond security checkpoints include wheelchairs and scooters, crutches, canes, walkers, support braces and casts, diabetes medication, orthopedic shoes, ostomy supplies, CPAPs, respirators and baby apnea monitors.
People with disabilities, those with prosthetic devices or other medical conditions are not required to remove their shoes before boarding, the TSA said. People who keep their shoes on, however, will be subjected to additional screening that includes a visual/physical and explosive trace detection sampling of their footwear.
For people flying with medications, the TSA advises that the name on prescription bottles must match the name on the airline ticket. Medications should also be packed in a clear bag separate from other carry-on items. While not a requirement, the TSA says documentation for medications and medical equipment should be supplied whenever possible.
For a complete list of items permitted onboard, and for tips for
travelers with disabilities, visit the Department of Homeland
Security Transportation Security Administration Web site at
www.tsa.gov.