Hi there,
I'm planning a trip home to Canada (I'm in Switzerland) this summer and am wondering if anyone has had any hassle taking their epipen through the security checks? I think I will get a letter from the pediatrician but wanted to hear what you all had to say.
Thanks a lot.
Kelly
Mom to peanut allergic Lara aged 2.5 yrs
No trouble at all flying *out* of Canada . I had a letter from the allergist and the pediatrician, but no one was interested in even seeing it.
As long as the epi is in its tube, and the name of the child on it, you should be ok.
Hello
My kids flew within Canada as unaccompanied minors this Christmas carrying two epipens each without any problems.
I have also gone through security with a pump for ventolin nebulizers without problems (although that was before Sept 11). The security staff seemed to know what it was, though.
deb
We just came back from Edmonton and we had no problem security didn't even check the epi-pens. The airline said that as long as you have the letter there shouldn't be a problem
I have flown at least 6 times in the US since 9/11, and I have not had a problem. My hand bag was manually searched 1 time, and the security person noticed the epi-pen. I offered the Dr's letter, but she said that it was "OK", and let me pass through.
I dont think you should have a problem, just be sure to have a Dr's note just in case they need verification.
Hee hee.. That reminds me of last year, when I flew to Indianapolis to attend a Starwars convention with my stormtrooper costume...
They *had* to pick me for a handsearch too. The look on the guy's face when he saw the helmet in my bag! LOL.
Thankfully the (totally fake and plastic) gun had been sent into the belly of the plane....
Too funny Darth [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]
I've never had a problem carrying my epi on planes in Canada. However, one stewardess pointed out that I should NOT wear the fannypack around my waist while flying. In the event of major turbulence (?) she felt it was possible to get accidentally injected. I now tie the fannypack to the bottom of the seat in front of me just to be safe.
The only thing I ever got questioned on while travelling was rather embarrassing. I was travelling with my son (about 2 then) and brought Tickle-Me-Elmo along (his favourite toy). I figured listening to that laugh the whole flight would iritate other passengers so I took the whole battery pack out and stuck it in my carry on baggage. As it went through the x-ray machine the guys were killing themselves laughing and pointing. Now, I think plastic wouldn't show up, but the wires and batteries would. Just imagine the shape [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/redface.gif[/img]
We no longer bring Elmo on planes.
I have flown with DS for years, before and after 911. I have a letter from his Dr as well and he wears a MedicAlert tag. No problems.
However you can get the airline to document the allergy in their records.
I make sure the Rx label is on the tube as well as the box.
Thanks everyone for your responses.
My daughter does wear the medic alert bracelet and I will get a letter from her doctor. We spoke to the airline about it and the guy had never heard of an epipen...sigh! Unfortunately they can't guarantee peanut-free meals on their flights to Canada so she will have to eat fruit and I will have to bring her meal. Sure hope they don't hassle me about that either.
Thanks again,
Kelly
We had no problem this year, but last year they called the security supervisor over and virtually took the darned thing apart (despite MD's note).
If you want a sample note to give your MD, FAAN has one on their website ( [url="http://www.foodallergy.org"]www.foodallergy.org[/url] )that you can print out. It also has an addendum for inhalers.
Happy Flying,
Amy
I recently flew from Boston to Orlando and back w/ mine. I had 4 epipens in my knapsack and my letters ready. They didn't even notice them and never asked anything about them. However, they literally tore my husbands bag apart to get an ink pen our. Made me a bit skeptical of the job airport security is doing.
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