My Story: Joe and Nancy
Thu, 12/15/2011 - 2:03PMNancy, HeartWare HVAD since Feb ?11
In July 2011, we took our first airplane-based trip via United Airlines. Below are some of the things we learned and encountered.
Because of the possibility of LVAD failures or other emergencies that require the presence of a qualified care-giver to change batteries or controllers, we were concerned about being separated from one another in the airport security check-in facilities. We checked with TSA and found out that a caregiver can be allowed to accompany an LVAD patient through the special personal security check-in areas. As a caregiver, I was also given my security check-in the special check-in area so that we never had to be separated. That promise was honored at both our departing and returning airports. The letter written by our LVAD coordinator identifying my wife as an LVAD recipient in combination with her picture ID (drivers license) was well received by TSA workers and helped get us expedited treatment.
We found outlets reachable from seats in airport boarding waiting areas. She was able to plug in her AC adapter so she could save battery power while waiting for a departure. We carried her AC adapter, battery charger, and DC adaptor (for car-travel use during our trip) in a single piece of carry-on luggage. We found that the single piece of luggage accommodated all of her LVAD equipment, dressing-changing supplies, and all of our prescription medicines. We were told that we did not have to carry onboard the original bottles our prescription drugs came in and that ?weekly? pill storage containers were allowed. Nancy recalls that United told us that there is no charge for an ?all-medical? carry on bag. Her ?back-up? bag containing 2nd controller and all batteries was with us at all times and stored under the seat in front of us. Although our LVAD equipment and prescription drugs fit into our carry-on luggage and that luggage fit easily into the overhead compartments of the large plane we took from the Baltimore to Chicago airports, that same piece of luggage did not fit in the overhead storage of the much smaller plane we used to get from the Chicago to the Traverse City Michigan airport.
However, on the smaller plane there was enough other on-board storage that the stewardesses could stow the luggage containing our LVAD equipment. For very long flights, United Airlines informed us that the plane?s electrical power available at seats is not compatible with our LVAD equipment. Consequently, HeartWare LVAD travelers will have to adjust their travel plans when flying long distances.
United Airlines told us that we could be provided ?golf cart? like transport from the Entry Doors at the United Concourse at BWI to take us to the BWI Security Check-in Point and from there to flight departure areas.
United Airlines has an Air Medical Desk which we were able reach at 1-800-825-6331. We suppose other major airlines may have similar mechanisms to arrange for special care. We were able to obtain TSA information at 866-289-9873.
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