Flying on a plane

[trach mom]

My question is has anyone had trouble getting the vacuum machine onto a plane? Also, emergency supplies, how do I handle this. Do I need to start working on letters for the airline. My husband does not want to drive 14 hours, but I would rather drive. Also, does the air pressure in the sky affect trach babies.

Kim

[Lily's Mom]

Hi Kim,
We've flown a few times with Lily (twice after Sept. 11) and haven't had any real problems. Â*Twice we were stopped in security for our suction machine. Â*The first time (Atlanta airport) they just looked at it puzzledly and muttered "Must be some kind of machine." Â* Didn't ask us about it or anything. Â* The second time (Las Vegas) they stopped David and said they needed to open the bag and look at the machine. Â*He said, "OK, it's a portable suction machine," and they said "Oh, ok" and let us through without looking at it. Â*Hmmm, kinda makes you wonder how strict this security is.

The hardest part for us was undoing everything for security, like taking Lily out of the carseat/stroller, folding it all up, putting it through the machine, etc. In Toledo they were so kind as to let me leave Lily in her infant carrier since she was sound asleep. They just patted her down, which I thought was kinda funny. She's pretty dangerous looking I guess.

Anyway as far as the emergency bag, we took out the scissors and hemostats and stuff because we don't really use them. Â*If you do need sharps in your bag, just have your doctor write a quick note on their letterhead or Rx pad saying that they are necessary medical supplies, and take that with you to the airport. Â*That's what the FAA told us to do when David called and asked them. Â*

Lily LOVED the plane, much more than I did (I have a crazy morbid fear of flying) and didn't have any problems. Â*It was actually kinda nice because the plane is so loud, you can't hear the suction machine! Â*And everybody around was very pleased that she was so "good" (i.e. QUIET, thanks to that handy trach)

Good luck and bon voyage! Â*
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Erica (Lily's Mom)