Air Travel with Heart Medicine
August 28, 2006 by Lei
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
An 87-year-old woman’s heart medication was confiscated by Greater Toronto Airport Authority screening officers at Pearson airport before a flight from Ontario, Canada to Germany. Her prescription dictated that she take the medication every four hours but without them, she went almost 12 hours between doses.
The woman, who does not speak English, has had four angioplasty procedures, bypass surgery and a double-hip and shoulder replacement. She had just wrapped up a 10-week visit with her son in Stoney Creek and was on her way home to her native Germany.
It is one of the more extreme incidents as a result of new security measures introduced after British police busted a suspected terrorist plot on Aug. 10.
Technically, in the U.S., travelers with disabilities and medical conditions are allowed to bring most medically necessary items on board flights. From the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
“To ensure the health and welfare of our air travelers with disabilities and medical conditions the following items are permitted.
- Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
- Up to 5 oz. (148ml) of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment
- Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly
- Gel-filled bras and similar prostethics
- Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
- Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons
For more details on what is or is not permitted through screening and aboard your plane, please read our information on Permitted and Prohibited Items.”
I’m not sure what would be the best way to ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, but a note from your physician stating the life-saving importance of your prescriptions might help. Anyone have other suggestions?
Hamilton Spectator, August 28, 2006
Technorati Tags: heart, heart disease, heart medication, meds, drugs, air travel, tsa, disease, illness, health, cardiovascular disease, cvd, flying, flights
