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AIRTRAVEL TRAVEL SAFE AND SMART TRAVEL TIPS
Persons with Disabilities & Medical Conditions
set_1_d.gif (421 bytes)Before You Go...
  • Provide advance notice to your airline or travel agent if you require assistance at the airport.  BCAS can only assist you with the screening process.  Your airline will assist you through the airport facility and the screening queue line.
  • If you require a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, please inform your airline representative about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before entering 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, and/or assistive devices carried by and/or used by a person with a disability.
  • Pack your medications in a separate pouch/bag to facilitate the inspection process.  Ensure that containers holding medications are not too densely filled, and that all medication is clearly identified.  Large amounts of medications that are not for immediate use should be put in checked baggage.
  • If you have medical documentation regarding your medical condition or disability, you can present this information to the screener to help inform him of your situation.  This documentation is not required and will not exempt you from the security screening process.
  • Make sure all your carry-on items, equipment, mobility aids, and devices have an identification tag attached.
  • Disability-related items permitted through the security checkpoint include:
    • wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, canes, walkers, prosthetic devices, body braces
    • orthopedic shoes and appliances, augmentation devices, Braille note takers, slate and stylus
    • ostomy-related supplies such as positioning plates (wafers), collection pouches, and scissors (blunt-tipped, any length)
    • service animals such as dog guides, assistance, hearing and seizure alert dogs, monkey helpers
    • adaptive equipment and tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pedals, and extension rods used by little people), tools for prosthetic devices, tools for wheelchair assembly and disassembly, oddly-shaped utensils and utensils taped together (no knives)
    • supplemental personal medical oxygen containers/systems and other respiratory-related equipment and devices
    • all diabetes related equipment and supplies (see hidden disabilities for listing of diabetes-related items)
    • all types and forms of medication, dispensers, and related supplies
  • BCAS recommends that you bring all the necessary tools and/or appliances that you require to put on or take off your prosthetic device (e.g. wrenches, pull sleeves, etc.) should you need to remove your prosthetic device for any reason.  BCAS allows these tools to be carried through the security checkpoint once they have been screened (see assistive devices and mobility aids for more details on prosthetic device screening).
  • If you have a medical device (on the interior or exterior of your body) check with your doctor prior to traveling to determine if it is safe for you to go through the metal detector or be handwanded.  If your Doctor indicates that you should not go through the metal detector or be handwanded, or if you are concerned, ask the screener for a pat-down inspection instead.
  • Your Personal supplemental Oxygen will need to undergo screening.  Check with your Doctor prior to coming to the checkpoint to ensure disconnection can be done safely.
  • If your Doctor has indicated that you cannot be disconnected or if you are concerned, ask the screener for an alternate inspection process while you remain connected to your oxygen source.

If need to need an Oxygen Supplier to meet you at the gate, check with your airline well in advance of your departure about their procedures for allowing suppliers to meet you at the arrival’s gate since these procedures vary from airline to airline.  For more information on Supplemental Oxygen, please see the Oxygen section of these tips.

Person with disabilities & medical condition  - Main

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