V.K. asks from Alpharetta, GA on April 03, 2008
Advice on Airport Security- Son with Feeding Tube
My 15 yr old son recently had a feeding tube placed and this is our first time traveling with it. (we are seasoned flyers) I have read the TSA regulations about carrying liquids through security but am unsure if they will give me a hard time about carrying cans of his supplement. As far as I can tell you have to declare it when going through the line and have it out so they can inspect it. Has anyone had experience with this? I have to carry 6 cans with us "just in case" we are delayed, rerouted etc. Thanks!
So What Happened?™
Thank you for your replies ladies! After getting notes from MD and packing everything carefully we are unable to go- my son has pneumonia again! This is just par for the course with him. He isn't very compliant with feeding rules. He is allowed only small sips of water and very small amounts of food for "quality of life purposes", but usually keeps eating even after he starts aspirating (choking). I know that being a 15 yo boy it is very difficult for him not to eat but he has to make a decision between eating and getting pneumonia every couple of months. I guess we will reticket our flight for a later date. Thanks again for your advice!
Featured Answers
C.M. answers from Charleston on April 04, 2008
I've never had problems with liquid for the babies and 2 year old (juice, formula, or milk). The TSA people in Charleston are really nice and reasonable. They didn't make me "taste it" or anything else, just told the people down the line that there was that liquid coming through after I declared it to them.
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C.M. answers from Charleston on April 04, 2008
I've never had problems with liquid for the babies and 2 year old (juice, formula, or milk). The TSA people in Charleston are really nice and reasonable. They didn't make me "taste it" or anything else, just told the people down the line that there was that liquid coming through after I declared it to them.
S.W. answers from Atlanta on April 03, 2008
I would agree... deninitely call your carrier. Good luck!
S.D. answers from Atlanta on April 04, 2008
If the cans are unopened you should be good. This would be a medical reason, my suggestion would be to have his doctor to write a script that would explain the reason for the feeding needs just in case you need it. Enjoy your trip.
S.G. answers from Savannah on April 03, 2008
I'm not sure how that all works either. Your best bet would be to call the airline you are going to be dealing with and ask them the rules. If they don't meet your specific needs then explain to them the situation and see what they say. They might be able to offer you an exemption if you provide a DR's letter explaining the need to carry X amount of cans of his food.
Good luck and have a safe flight!!
~S.
K.S. answers from Atlanta on April 04, 2008
I have traveled quite a bit with my now 19 month old son and have never had a problem carrying liquids through security. When I was nursing him, I carried on bottles and they did not question me at all. I would suggest having the formula in the cans (or in bottles) inside a plasitc bag so they can clearly see it. If they ask you any questions, just let them know that it is for your infant. Good luck!!!
R.M. answers from Spartanburg on April 04, 2008
M.F. answers from Atlanta on April 03, 2008
Hey V., my nephew didn't have a feeding tube situation but he had surgery and a rod put into his leg he couldn't walk and standing with crutches was very painful. I can just say this my sister called the air line it was 2 yrs ago and they were very kind about giving her information on what do. She ended up needing a letter for him to carry since he just had surgery and some of the folks that check you may wan to unwrap his leg which could not be done he had rods sticking out of it and a brace and it was all wrapped up but with the letter and his parents helping him (it was after an accident) since he couldn't really push his wheelchair the security seemed to be very kind and help him. I'm sure calling them and getting names of each person and number that you talked to and keeping a record of it, will be helpful in completing what needs to be done for the trip. It's so sad we all have to go through so much these days just to travel and be safe.
E.B. answers from Augusta on April 04, 2008
I recommend getting some documentation from your son's doctor (we had no problems with meds when it clearly stated on the label that they needed to go on the plane with our son). Make sure there's an address and phone # in case they want to verify it. Maybe even call ahead to see if it's going to be a problem. Good luck!
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