Anybody have any experience with air travel with a PEG?
My main concern is the TSA bureaucrats confiscating my carry on Jevity cans as they are 8 fl oz and over the goofy unscientific limit TSA uses. I am interested in actual experiences as I do intend to get a doctor's note but I know from personal experience having done a lot of flying after 9/11 pre cancer just how the thugs at the airport confiscate with out regard to rhyme or reason.

I flew across country with my PEG and 8 oz cans of Ensure for the flight. I did obtain a letter from my Dr but did not need it. I showed them the cans of ensure and told them what they were for. It was not even a blip....No problem at all. My advice would be to have the letter "just in case".

Carmen

Thanks. Hope my TSA guys & gals are as understanding as yours

Charm,
Also print out TSA Americans W disabilities info just in case they give you problems. Use your best lawyerly e pluribus mumbo-jumbo.

Malka

Good idea. Thanks for the good thoughts.
charm

Good question Charm. Please post an update on how you made out when you get back from your trip. I now have a jaw made of steel so I will definitely need the doctors note.

Charm I would also like to have any updates on traveling with a PEG and food as I hope to be traveling with my daughter to see my only grandchild at Christmas. I have been researching this and would appreciate knowing if you run into any issues.

Bonnie

We have taken two trips since finishing treatment with the peg and Jevity with no problems. We have checked a box of cans (actually two boxes each weighing under 50 lbs) and carried a tote bage with a dozen cans, syringes, empty water bottles- to fill inside the terminal- and cups. We have a letter from the doctors with us but haven't needed it yet. The first time, at LAX, there was a line for medical issues and they just scooted us thru, the second time they took us to secondary inspection, swabbed the can lids and sent us on our way. No problems at all and if they would say anything my husband just lifts his shirt to show they the tube and tells them he can't eat any other way! No sweat...you'll be fine!
(fyi, if you check the TSA website it is stated that medical use liquids are exempt from the current rules!)

Jeani

thanks for providing real travel feedback. We actually postponed our air travel plans until next year due to unexpected extension of my swallowing therapy sessions and additional doctor and dentist appointments. Kudos on blithe reaction to being singled out for secondary inspection and your husbands "show & tell" display of his PEG to TSA security. I have not seen a medical issues line at Dulles, just a priority line for rich people who pay an annual fee to TSA for special service.
I have had lots of secondary inspections involving swabs of bags and learned the hard way that mentioning the TSA exemptions to these minions has a counterproductive effect. Oh and don't mention that the swab is to detect traces of explosive chemicals or the idiots will quiz you an extra ten or 15 minutes on why you would know that. (Duh, I read the newspapers?)
Yep, this will work out fine now when we do travel. I will bring a doctor's note and be mentally prepared to whip out the PEG tube with a smile.

We did just get back from Mexico last week. Were pulled aside both ways for searches. Used the letter bringing two cans back home. No real problems but ended up losing bug spray and sun tan lotion that was too large in the inspections. We carried on the cans of food, pump, bags and a virtual pharmacy. Previously had TSA in Las Vegas use a "sniffer" opening up all the bottles of medicine.

All in all, travel as much as you like and are able, just expect it to take a little longer getting through. Live for the day!