Air travel, TSA and Medical Equipment/Meds

I have traveled several times recently with vest, nebulizer, Aerobika, saline (4ml vials) , all carry on. The saline is usually with the nebulizer, sometimes in my other carry on. The only thing that TSA is concerned about is whether or not the vest has a battery. Occasionally the nebulizer bag has been opened but I think that’s been in other countries. I have not traveled with the larger vials.

@melissaf, in addition to the tips from @cayenne, I think you'll find these related discussions helpful. Keep in mind they predate COVID travel norms.

- Tips for travelling with MAC https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-travel-1/
- Traveling and flying with oxygen https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/flying-with-oxygen/
- Flying with lung disease https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/flying-with-lung-diseasenodules/

Melissa, as you gather tips from others, please let us know what you find out as you prepare for your flight and when you wish you had known.

I have MAC and bronchiectisis. Will my flying worsen my condition?

Does anybody carry dietary supplements and if yes do they have to be in original containers? Will be traveling internationally for a month and trying to travel as light as possible…

Also when I went to NJH in April, TSA tore apart my compressor, nebulizer, aerobica, tubing and saline vials, etc. and was wondering what kind of letter from my pulmonary would help that I could present to TSA?
Is there an example that I could use?
And should I put these items in a separate bag maybe?

I just flew last week with all of those items in a separate bag and a letter from my doctor stating they were necessary medical equipment and TSA didn’t examine and it or the letter. But the United gate agent hassled me about having the third bag, even though my other two personal items were small and even when I showed her the united policy on their website clearly stating you are allowed a third bag if it is medical equipment

Hi, I will be traveling later this month and have headaches and fatigue. I am trying to manage but a bit nervous if when the plane descents will I have any issues such a pressure in my head and if yes what can I so to help ease this prior. I know my ears will pop and chewing gum or yawning will help but any other suggestions. Flight is 4 to 5 hours staight?

I am flying to Mexico at the end of the month and still have concerns even after reading all the posts. I have very little energy, experiencing horrific headaches and not quite sure how I am going to pull this off. I sent my MD a request for a letter and looking into a portable nebulizer.....also thinking of asking my MD to go 3 days a week as it need a break and so does my hubby. Any suggestions?

Helen - Why not ask your doctor for an "antibiotic vacation?" During my treatment time, I took 3 pauses, 2 for 1 week at a time (one for surgery, another for a trip) and one for 2 weeks for the birth of a grandson - to travel & care for Mommy & big brother. My ID doc was very accommodating and said that in the grand scheme of things this would make little difference since MAC treatment is so long term

It might be worth asking

Hi @helenrivera
My ENT doctor recommends using a decongestant nasal spray just before take off. It opens the nasal passage and helps when the plan is descending. If you do not want to use a decongestant spray, she also recommends a saline spray such as Ayr Saline Nasal Mist.
Good luck.