|
|
|
Traveling with medications: Guidance from TSA
The following information is from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Web site, www.tsa.gov.
Medications and security
TSA allows medications of all kinds through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. These include, pills, injectables, or homeopathic treatments and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps disposal container, pre-loaded syringes and dispensing products, vials, box of individual vials, biojectors, CO² migraine inhalers, CO² refills, jet injectors, epipens, Atropens, infusers, etc.).
- Medications should be labeled so they are identifiable.
- Medications in daily dosage containers are allowed through the checkpoint once they been screened.
- Medication and related supplies are normally x-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.
- You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo x-ray inspection.
- If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the TSO at the walk-through metal detector.
- Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to the TSO.
- In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process. Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for x-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.
Medical Oxygen and Respiratory-Related Equipment
You may bring supplemental personal medical oxygen and other respiratory-related equipment and devices (e.g. nebulizer, respirator) through the screening checkpoint once they have been screened.
Any respiratory equipment that Security Officers cannot clear by inspection will not be permitted into the sterile area.
Oxygen users connected to oxygen should inform the Security Officer if your oxygen supply or other respiratory-related equipment cannot be safely disconnected. Only you can disconnect yourself to allow for your oxygen canister/system to be x-rayed. Check with your doctor before coming to the checkpoint to make sure that you can disconnect your oxygen safely. If your doctor says that you cannot safely disconnect your oxygen, or if you are concerned, ask the security officer to use an alternative process to inspect your oxygen source while you stay connected to it. Security Officers will need to either x-ray or physically inspect your oxygen equipment, and test it for traces of explosives.
An oxygen supplier or personal assistant may accompany you to the gate or meet you at the gate once they get a valid gate pass from the appropriate aircraft operator. People carrying an oxygen supply must have a valid boarding pass to go through the security checkpoint. Security Officers will need to either x-ray or physically inspect your oxygen equipment, and test it for traces of explosives.
Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
To help people with disabilities or medical conditions, TSA has developed guidelines with input from various disability-related groups and organizations. TSA has trained our airport Security Officers to ensure effective, safe, comfortable, dignified, and respectful screening at all security checkpoints. Below are some tips on being prepared for security screening and some links to more specific information.
- Notify your airline or travel agent in advance if you need assistance at the airport. TSA can only help you with the screening process. Your airline will help you through the airport facility and the screening line.
- If you need someone to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, ask your airline representative about getting a gate pass for your companion before you enter the security checkpoint.
- The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids or assistive devices carried or used by a person with a disability.
- Pack your medications in a separate pouch/bag to simplify the inspection process. Don't fill medication containers too densely, and make sure that all your medication is clearly identified. If you have any medication that you do not want exposed to x-rays, don't pack it in your checked baggage. Instead, send larger quantities of medications to your destination by mail (or any other way you prefer.)
- If you have medical documentation about your medical condition or disability, you can present this information to the security officer to help inform him or her of your situation. TSA doesn't require this documentation and it will not exempt you from the security screening process.
- Make sure to have an identification tag on all your carry-on items, equipment, mobility aids, and devices.
<back>
|
About AAAAI
