Planes, wheelchairs, and Baclofen pumps

[rdmc]

I haven't flown in years, and last time I flew I did not have an implanted pump, nor was I using a wheelchair, but now I'll have both and am flying in about a week.

I heard a horror story from a friend who recently observed a woman, in a wheelchair, at a TSA checkpoint, and the agents were giving her quite a going over because of the wheelchair.

Well I'll be in a wheelchair (just a lightweight transport kind) and I have a hockey puck sized implanted Baclofen pump in my abdomen. I have the card from Medtronics, the pump is easily seen on x-ray and felt and I'm just hoping to get a TSA agent who's familiar with implanted medical
devices. I mean there are lots of people who have implanted devices of one sort or the other
and they must be used to dealing with them. The Medtronic page says do not allow them to
use a metal detector, insist on pat down or the full body scan. I imagine that saves time because
I'd automatically set off the metal detector, which means I'd need the pat down or full body scan at that point.

I really don't expect any problems. But I'd like to be mentally prepared for what the protocol might be.

Anyone had issues with their wheelchair or a pump when going through security?

[zilphia01]

good experience

I was in a MASSIVE car accident in Florida, and have Titanium ribs and was in a wheelchair when I could finally go home.

It was not a bad experience at all. I left from Sarasota, Fl. They had a hand held sensor that she waved over me. I only had to ask her to be careful and she was, since my ribs still hurt like a ((*&.

I did change from the wheelchair to a walker to get on the plane, and they were nice enough to put it in the plane since I couldn't walk to the wheelchair at the terminal. So I am not sure what they do for you if you need a wheelchair from the get go.

I also am SURE there are airports not as accommodating, so I wish you luck.

Maybe call the airports you will be dealing with to see if they have recommendations as to what paperwork you need, and what they are willing to do to make this trip as painless as possible.

Good luck. I hope your trip is a seamless experience.

[palmtree]

I just flew so I can tell you about my experience. I don't have a Baclofen pump but they asked me if I had any implanted device. There are so many these days, they are used to that. I really recommend calling the airline in advance. Tell them exactly what you need and what medical devices you have.

I am not in a wheelchair but request one when I fly. I can't imagine trekking through some of those airports to change planes now. I actually think you would be better off checking your wheelchair in baggage and letting the attendants push you with their wheelchair. Unless transferring is too difficult.

The reason I suggested that is because, to board the plane, you have to use an aisle chair which is much narrower. I can't imagine trying to manage my own wheelchair on the plane.

As far as TSA treating us differently, I don't know. The first time I flew with a wheelchair was before I even knew I had MS. I was in top physical condition so they must have thought I was a fake. They worked me over like you couldn't believe. My sister watched and said, "that wheelchair did it".

Recently it's been a lot easier. Once it seemed like they were easier on me. When your MS gets visible they don't question it so much. The thing that I hate is that they make you take your shoes off. One time they asked me if I could walk through the screening point. I said, "yes" but they could see walking was difficult for me. It seems they expect you to stand up in order to search you. If you can't stand up, they will find out fast.

In my carry on bag I had my catheters with a bottle of alcohol, a nebulizer with a bottle of distilled water and some medication in the bottle it was prescribed in. They questioned me about the alcohol. I said I have to keep things sterile. They tested the liquid and confirmed that it was alcohol. They said, "it's medical so it's ok". Didn't say a thing about the medication but when I got to my hotel I discovered IT WAS GONE. It wasn't the end of the world, but it felt like a violation to have my possessions stolen.

So much of this is regional. I'm living in a place where there is so much paranoia about drugs it's crazy. I don't know what they think they are accomplishing by stealing my Baclofen.

In short it depends what airport you are flying from, what airports you will have to change planes and where you are going. The most relaxed were Los Angeles and Burbank airports. It also depends which airline you are flying. I was using Alaska Airlines and found them amazingly helpful to disabled passengers. Things also are better now than they were right after 911. They are more efficient and the standards have been relaxed somewhat.

I hope this was helpful. Have a good journey!!!

[Marco]

It really depends on the TSA agents that you run into

I will make a few suggestions:
- call your airline in advance and inform them you are wheelchair bound and will need ADA assistance
- will you be able to get to your seat without your wheelchair? If not, talk to the airlines immediately. You can also request ADA assistance for any connecting flights. Tell the airlines and they should have someone meet you at the plane and help you get to your connecting flight. They should escort you to the bathroom, if needed, and wait for you to come out.
- you can either check your wheelchair and then use one provided, or keep your wheelchair and it will be checked plane side. Airlines are not supposed to charge you baggage fees for any medical equipment (wheelchair, rollator, etc)
- try to arrive even earlier than suggested. We move a bit slower and sometimes the TSA can get backed up
- most airports have attendants to assist ADA customers and I would suggest you use them
- inform airport security that you will require a pat down because of an implanted medical device. Once I request a pat down they have never even looked at my medtronic cards (I have two)
- you have the right to have a private pat down if you so choose
- this is not a time for pride, if someone offers you a shorter line or quicker path through security take it. At the gate, ask about the early boarding process as not all of them make announcements


I hope you have a pleasant trip ...

[kmallory1]

I've been through airport security several times with a pump. Since you don't go through the metal detector they don't even know the pump is there.

In a wheelchair, you get patted down and swabbed for explosives. They always ask about removing my shoes, which I can't do. If I could, they would send them through x-Ray screening. They swab them instead.

They may ask if you can walk or at least stand. If you stand they may use a hand held wand type metal detector.

My experience with most airport security (with the exception of Newark) has been great.

I hope you have a great trip.

[rdmc]

Thanks for all the replies and for sharing your experiences.

I definitely will call the airline ahead of time. When I booked the flight they asked if I needed the wheelchair to my seat and I said that I did.

My family insisted I book 1st class, because of having to sit for so long, and the cramped quarters in coach. So I'm in the first row of 1st class, and I think that's why they seemed to okay the use of
my wheelchair to my seat (at least that's what I was led to believe through the only questions.) I'll call to verify.

I've never flown 1st class, I guess there might be positives to the MS. My husband and son insisted on 1st class...never had that happen pre-MS

Thanks again to everyone.

[bluegiraffe]

Hi rdmc,
Hard to believe I did, but last year I flew to Europe (long flight).
It went very well.

No issues with Security and the pump, they did a pat down and explained their actions throughout, did not have to remove shoes either. They did the swab as mentioned by others.

I take my own wheelchair, the plus is you go on the plane first, the drawback is you are the last off as the attendants (for me) transfer me to and from the seat in the aisle chair and then store/get the wheelchair from storage under the plane. For you this may be different if you walk right in to your seat.

I did what all suggested, and made the arrangements with the airline United/Luftansa ahead of time. Let them know I needed help and was taking my own wheelchair. I too had my Medtronic card, but never had to pull it out.

Often we had an airline attendant escort us to the gate, but this trip my husband wanted to go faster and didn't want to wait for someone so we went on our own and the airline reps directed us through lines to bypass and get to the correct Security area with the wheelchair. At our destination it was all set from your prior arrangement and they have the attendants ready to help you and have your wheelchair sitting right outside the plane door.

I did learn on a previous flight that the wall panels around the restroom can be removed to restructure a larger space. An attendant did this to allow more space and it was very helpful. If needed you might ask.

The above post is correct, no extra costs for medical equipment, nor does it go towards your baggage weight limits.

Hope you are doing well & have a good trip!

[kmallory1]

We have mostly flown first class since my MS has progressed to the point that I can't walk. One issue is that the armrest on the aisle seat in first class will not raise out of the way. In coach, the attendant can unlock the armrest and swing it up, which makes transferring to the aisle wheelchair easier.

I do not think there is room in the aisle for a regular wheelchair. You might want to check with the gate attendant so that if you need an aisle wheelchair they can get one.

Also beware of smaller planes that have the restrooms in the tail. Booking the front row so I would be close to the restroom actually put me in the seat furtherest from it. And that plane did not have an on-board aisle wheelchair.

Let us know how it goes!

[Kimba22]

Hi rdmc,

What a thoughtful hubby and son you have to insist on first class!

Googling the name of your airline and the words "Travelers with Disabilities" should provide you with the answers you are looking for, and then some. But, still best to verify by calling your airline.

You can use your own wheelchair up to the gate. From there you'll have to transfer from your travel wheelchair into the aircraft's "aisle wheelchair." The booking agent was really trying to figure out if one needed to be reserved for you. Some planes also have a space allocated on board to store a personal wheelchair, as long as it it fit's in the designated space. But it's on a first come first served basis and you'd have to request this ahead of time,

You're right, the medical detector would set off your pump. (But wouldn't harm it) Best to avoid that whole scenario from the start. The full body scan isn't always accurate, either. So best to insist on the patdown from the get go.

Here are websites you might find helpful in regards to TSA screening

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures

Expedited security screening program:

https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support

I'm sure you already read this, but will provide the link to Medtronics as well for anyone else who my be nterested http://www.medtronic.com/patients/se...ling/index.htm

I hope you have a wonderful trip . Let us know how it goes!

We have mostly flown first class since my MS has progressed to the point that I can't walk. One issue is that the armrest on the aisle seat in first class will not raise out of the way. In coach, the attendant can unlock the armrest and swing it up, which makes transferring to the aisle wheelchair easier.

I do not think there is room in the aisle for a regular wheelchair. You might want to check with the gate attendant so that if you need an aisle wheelchair they can get one.

Also beware of smaller planes that have the restrooms in the tail. Booking the front row so I would be close to the restroom actually put me in the seat furtherest from it. And that plane did not have an on-board aisle wheelchair.

Let us know how it goes!

All good points. I thought all planes had an aisle wheelchair in order to comply with ADA? I could never use one that didn't. More reasons not to presume anything about our flights!

Hi rdmc,
Hard to believe I did, but last year I flew to Europe (long flight).
It went very well.

BlueGirraffe,

Nice to hear you went to Europe, and all went well with your flight!

... did learn on a previous flight that the wall panels around the restroom can be removed to restructure a larger space. An attendant did this to allow more space and it was very helpful. If needed you might ask

Always ask the airline specially about this beforehand, not all flights have this as an option. "Handicapped accessible" doesn't necessarily mean what we think it does (or should).

[rdmc]

Thanks again for all the replies (BG...long time, no see, hope you're doing well.) Kimba, thanks for the links.

I made a call to the Disability Advocacy Dept. of AA (the airline, not the organization.) As usual, you guys had provided me with all the right answers.

They had flagged my ticket already and said as soon as I show the e-ticket or boarding pass
to the Skycap, they'll call for assistance, and I'll have it all the way to the plane. My sister
is traveling with me, but she's not physically able to push the chair. So all's well and I feel
much more confident about the whole deal. My son will meet us when we get there, and he's a big strapping "boy" so no worries on that end.

We're going to see my grandson. My hubby and I decided to tag team the visits due to pet care
issues. He went a couple weeks ago, had a great time. Now it's my turn.

[Kimba22]

Thanks again for all the replies (BG...long time, no see, hope you're doing well.) Kimba, thanks for the links.

I made a call to the Disability Advocacy Dept. of AA (the airline, not the organization.) As usual, you guys had provided me with all the right answers.

They had flagged my ticket already and said as soon as I show the e-ticket or boarding pass
to the Skycap, they'll call for assistance, and I'll have it all the way to the plane. My sister
is traveling with me, but she's not physically able to push the chair. So all's well and I feel
much more confident about the whole deal. My son will meet us when we get there, and he's a big strapping "boy" so no worries on that end.

We're going to see my grandson. My hubby and I decided to tag team the visits due to pet care
issues. He went a couple weeks ago, had a great time. Now it's my turn.

Good to hear you are more confident about your flight! Have heard to arrive early, since TSA lines have been getting longer.

How wonderful you are going to see your grandson. How old is he? Lol about your son, they'll always be our "boys." Hope you have a great time!

[rdmc]

Good to hear you are more confident about your flight! Have heard to arrive early, since TSA lines have been getting longer.

How wonderful you are going to see your grandson. How old is he? Lol about your son, they'll always be our "boys." Hope you have a great time!

He'll be almost 2 months old when we get there. So it's a cute age, he's smiling, and trying, oh so hard, to converse. With my sister there, we'll be able to babysit and let the "kids" (as you said, they'll always be our "boys" or our "kids"...no matter how old) get in a date night.

MS has taken this from me: I would not trust myself to carry a baby, or to pick him up. He's at about 14 lbs, and my MS grip cannot be trusted with such precious cargo. So I'm glad my sister accepted my invitation to come along.

[BobOP]

Hi RDMC

I hope you have a great trip. I have to say I have had no problems travelling with the Baclofen pump. I have my Medtronic card but have never been asked for it.

I am able to walk through the x-ray machine. The only other thing they do is swab down my shoes & AFO. Things got easier for me once I was able to go through the x-ray machine.

Take Care, Bob

[rdmc]

My post air travel report...it was enlightening.

The differences and similarities in the airports.

Airport to destination:
Used my own wheelchair to the plane, then an aisle chair...but I was the first seat in the first row so that wasn't far. Aisle chair off, and my wheelchair was waiting for me just outside the door.

TSA were concerned with me, but not my wheelchair. Had to get the shoes off. They wanted to know if I could do the whole body scan. I told them I couldn't raise my hands over my head, but I could raise them to head level, so they ushered me into the machine. My wheelchair went through with virtually no inspection.

Airport from destination:
Same route with the wheelchair, except these folks were a little less stringent about strapping me in the aisle chair, head to toe Same plane seat coming back, same efficiency with wheelchair waiting right outside the plane.

TSA, really concerned about wheelchair. Swabbed it all over, checked every leg, under the seat, etc. Took a good 5 minutes examining the chair. All they did for me was swab my hands, and I was allowed to keep my shoes on.

Both airports did ask for my Medtronic Card...so I was glad I had it with me.

Overall, all airport and airline personnel were extremely helpful...I was always ushered to the front
of every line. Checking luggage for return flight, my sister had set me to the side and gotten in line. The airline employee saw me, asked how I was checking baggage. I told them my sister was in line...they went down the line, pulled her out, and checked our baggage straight away.

There was no part of the traveling experience that was not better than I had anticipated.

And one pleasant surprise was when we reached our home airport, I was waiting for a airline employee to come wheel me to baggage claim, and my sister thought she could do it herself.
Well, we soon found out there was a pretty steep incline to get back into the airport, and so we stopped. A young man behind us said he'd get me up the incline, and so he pushed me up
into the airport. Random act of kindness...those are always so lovely when they happen. Reminds me to always be aware of a random acts of kindness that I can do. It won't be pushing someone up a ramp, that's for sure, but there are so many ways to do kind things for those around us, or in the dr. offices we frequent. And it feels so good giving, and receiving.

[BobOP]

Hi RDMC

I am glad to hear things went well and glad you are home!!

Take Care, Bob