Planning a vacation soon? For those with a feeding tube, air travel can be complicated and sometimes stressful. Check out these tips for making your travel experience go as smooth as possible.
- Take a few extra pills of each medication you take and remember to refill all prescriptions before you leave.
- Be sure that you have your regular medication and feeds are in their original bottles/containers per TSA regulations. Make sure to pack all medications in your carry on, in case they are needed during travel, so they don’t leak or if your luggage gets lost. Check with TSA regarding their regulations for medications, medical equipment and liquids and call them about 72 hours before your trip.
- X ray screening may make your pump not work. Ask for a pat down or personal screening of your pump.
- Pack extra batteries and/or plug adapters, if necessary.
- You may be able to ship your supplies directly to your travel location. Talk to your supply company and place where you are traveling about shipping options.
- Call your medical supply company to determine if they have a location near where you are traveling, in case of an emergency.
- Call your hotel or destination spot to determine if they have a spot, like a refrigerator, for unopened formula/feed.
- Pack an unopened bottle of water in your checked luggage to flush on the go.
- Be polite. It goes a long way, especially when dealing with airport/airline employees and TSA.
