Aids HIV FAQ

Medical supplies on flights

Question:

>The airlines are either lying or are >misinformed.

Wasn’t there a passenger that had a diabetic seizure on board a plane last year due to the fact he was not allowed to have his syringes and medicine with him? I think the pax eventually ended up suing (American Airlines I think was the carrier involved). When I was in Moscow, I had the privilege of meeting the Deputy Mayor of Osaka, Japan (who is in MD that specializes in diabetes treatment and research)—he and I were discussing *this exact same thing* and he said it is going to take education on the part of ALL airlines to accommodate such passengers.

Response:

I’ve just been told I cannot carry medically-required syringes and other medical sharp things on American or Delta–on which I have a 3-plane trip next week.  They may or may not be allowed in checked bags–I’m told this will be decided at the time of boarding.  Apparently federal rules allow diabetes syringes to be given to cabin attendants and locked up, but no other meds are allowed (in a totally stupid literal reading of the rules!).  The last couple of times I have flown my baggage has been lost for a couple of days each time, so my doctor tells me it is suicide to check meds and risk the loss.  I suppose I can carry a prescription for emergency filling if baggage is lost, but this would cost hundreds of dollars outside the HMO pharmacy plan….   I was also told by the anonymous 800 operator at American I would have to check my laptop computer because it could be used as a weapon.  ( I wasn’t planning to TAKE one, even!)  Q: Are all of these restrictions of any use, and will they strangle the industry? John

Response:

> I’ve just been told I cannot carry medically-required syringes and > other medical sharp things on American or Delta–on which I have a > 3-plane trip next week.  They may or may not be allowed in checked > bags–I’m told this will be decided at the time of boarding. > Apparently federal rules allow diabetes syringes to be given to cabin > attendants and locked up, but no other meds are allowed (in a totally > stupid literal reading of the rules!).

If you’re talking about travel in the U.S., then the airlines are lying.   The FAA security FAQ (http://cas.faa.gov/faq.html) specifically states that medically-necessary syringes are permitted in carry on luggage. Contact the FAA and/or DOT (ph # at http://www.faa.gov/contactinfo.htm) and see if they’re able to lean on the airlines.  If that fails, hire a lawyer.   You might have the right to seek an injunction against AA and DL. — 9 Americans daignosed with anthrax: U.S. considers invalidating Cipro patent to reduce costs.  36 million people with AIDS: U.S. sues governments which invalidate drug patents not to save money but so their people can live.  With policies like these, is it any wonder why Osama bin Laden has so much support? — Coridon Henshaw / http://www3.sympatico.ca/gcircle/csbh

Response:

> > I’ve just been told I cannot carry medically-required syringes and > other medical sharp things on American or Delta–on which I have a > 3-plane trip next week.  They may or may not be allowed in checked > bags–I’m told this will be decided at the time of boarding. > Apparently federal rules allow diabetes syringes to be given to cabin > attendants and locked up, but no other meds are allowed (in a totally > stupid literal reading of the rules!). > If you’re talking about travel in the U.S., then the airlines are lying. > The FAA security FAQ (http://cas.faa.gov/faq.html) specifically states that > medically-necessary syringes are permitted in carry on luggage.

Aren’t the FAA mandated security requirements the minimum that must be followed?? And… an airline can have higher standards, like El Al. Michael

Response:

>> > Apparently federal rules allow diabetes syringes to be given to

> > cabin attendants and locked up, but no other meds are allowed

> The FAA security FAQ (http://cas.faa.gov/faq.html) specifically > states that medically-necessary syringes are permitted in carry on > luggage. > Aren’t the FAA mandated security requirements the minimum that must be > followed??

The airlines are claiming that FAA rules prevent this person from travelling with his medications.  The airlines are either lying or are misinformed. — 9 Americans daignosed with anthrax: U.S. considers invalidating Cipro patent to reduce costs.  36 million people with AIDS: U.S. sues governments which invalidate drug patents not to save money but so their people can live.  With policies like these, is it any wonder why Osama bin Laden has so much support? — Coridon Henshaw / http://www3.sympatico.ca/gcircle/csbh

Response:

Unless Delta has changed their policy in the past week or so, AFAIK, they do allow diabetic supplies (syringes, insulin etc.) on flights as long as you carry a prescription and/or letter from your doctor stating you are diabetic for proof of medical necessity.    My relative returned recently from flying Delta and was allowed to keep her diabetic supplies with her at all times.     When the airlines get so irrational that they try to take away a diabetic’s life supports (medical supplies) they will really be dooming themselves without help from any terrorist! Mary

Response:

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