Carry on bag for equipment

Hi. I use a tolling duffel bag, it holds the charger and the overnight power unit. We did add a generator to our home. It’s big enough to run about half of the house. 

My husband’s LVAD Coordinators recommended a hard sided carry on case. Pack only your equipment in it & label it on the outside “Medical Equipment” & it doesn’t have to count as one of your carry on bags. Also they can’t make you gate check it. It took some time to get everything thing to fit, so someone gave the idea to take a photo for next time. 

I use a larger carry on spinner for equipment and supplies.  I think it is 21inches. It is a Samantha brown suitcase. Not a hard side.  
If you are flying you can email tsa cares and let them know you are coming through with an LVAD. It helps with me so they have a woman to do the check.  

Find a carry on which fits the charger first. I place it in, closest to the wheels for balance. There should be room for the mobile power unit, cords and meds plus extra aqua guards and dressings. Yes, it is heavy to get in the overhead. I put the extra batteries and extra controller in my briefcase.
Every time through TSA is different, but never frustrating. Just allow the time.

As for a generator, I plan to have my batteries as a backup until I can find power. I plan to go to a nearby fire station, police station or hospital where I know there will be a generator. I have a battery light near the bed, if I lose power at night.

Others have advised very well about a suitcase for your equipment.  When I travel I also the include the following:

Since you don't know where the electrical outlet will be in your room be sure to take a 12 gauge, 3-prong, 12 foot extension cord with 3 or 4 plugins for everything to plug into.

Couple extra sterile bandages and whatever else you use to change your bandage.

Lastly, never check any of your LVAD equipment.  If anything becomes "lost luggage" you are in trouble.

I also was told to not use an extension cord with the mobile power unit.

One thing I have found about this forum is the differences we have all been told what and what not to do.  Nor will I say your LVAD coordinators are wrong.  I inquired about extension cords because I had stayed in a hotel that did not have an electrical outlet that was convenient.  When I asked I was advised a good heavy one would be fine as long as it was not a "power strip" because many of them have built-in circuit breakers, off/on switches, and sometimes other electronics that could interfere with the equipment.  I have had to use this extension cord multiple times and once would have had to sleep with batteries if I didn't have it.  So please do as advised by your LVAD team or think is best for you.

Send pictures. Would like to see.  Thank you