04 Aug Airport Travel Tips for People with Cancer
Amber Bauer, ASCO staff
I always feel a sense of relief when I finally slide into my seat and click my seatbelt into 
place. Airline travel is usually not a relaxing experience under the best of circumstances, and getting through an airport when you have special needs can be downright stressful. However, a little extra planning and preparation can help make sure your next trip is as safe, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible.
1. You may need medical clearance.
According to the World Health Organization, airlines can refuse to carry passengers with medical conditions that may get worse or cause a serious issue during the flight. If cancer or cancer treatment is causing symptoms or side effects, is making you look ill, or requires you to use oxygen, you may need to apply for medical clearance from the airline’s medical officer (AMO) before traveling. If you need to bring any medical equipment on the plane, you will also need to get written permission from the AMO.
2. Be sure to ask for help if you need it.
Depending on your condition, you or your travel companion may need extra help getting through the airport or onto the plane. If so, talk with airline staff about the type of assistance they can provide. This may include:
- Being able to check‐in or board the plane early
- Help carrying luggage or special equipment
- Use of a wheelchair or cart
- Assistance boarding the plane
If needed, you should also make arrangements for supplementary oxygen within the airport terminal, including all layovers.
3. Pack medications and medical equipment in your carry-on bag.
You can never guarantee that your checked baggage will always make the journey with you. So, it’s important to put all of your medications in your carry-on bag. Don’t worry about taking liquid medications through security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows people to bring more than 3.4 ounces of liquid medications through security. However, you must tell the TSA officer beforehand and take it out of your bag. Anything you need to keep medications cold, such as freezer packs or frozen gel packs, are also allowed, as are medical supplies like IV bags, pumps, and syringes. You may need to wait for your medications to go through extra screening, though.
4. Know the security screening rules.
You don’t have to carry any sort of medical documents when you go through security. However, some people with cancer find it helpful to use a TSA Notification Card to discreetly communicate with security officers about their condition. These cards may be especially useful if you:
- Are going through chemotherapy and wear a head covering.Anyone is allowed to wear a scarf or other head covering through a security checkpoint. However, you might have to go through additional security screening, such as a pat-down search of the head covering. If you are asked to remove your head covering, you can do so in a private screening area.
- Wear a breast prosthesis.You do not have to remove your breast prosthesis before you go through security. During screening, a security officer should never ask you to lift or remove your top to show your breast prosthesis. If you decide to put your prosthesis in your carry-on bag instead of wearing it, it does not have to fit in a quart-sized, clear zip-top bag, even if it contains a gel or liquid. You can ask for your bag to be screened in private if you prefer.
- Have a port or catheter. You will need to tell the security officer about your port or catheter before screening begins and let them know where it is located. You may have to go through additional screening. If this involves a pat-down, be sure to tell the officer if touching the port or catheter could cause pain or a medical complication.
- Have an ostomy.People with an ostomy do not have to empty or show the ostomy before going through airport security. However, you should tell the security officer about the ostomy before the screening process begins.
If you have any questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at the security checkpoint, you can call the free TSA Cares hotline at 1-855-787-2227.
Related posts:
When You Need to Travel for Cancer Care
More Information:
TSA: Information for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
Originally posted on July 9, 2015 at http://www.cancer.net/blog/2015-07/airport-travel-tips-people-cancer
