We are all aware inhalers are crucial to managing asthma; hence, the importance of carrying your inhaler at any given time cannot be understated. However, taking your inhaler with you can pose a dilemma in some situations—can you bring it on a plane?
According to TSA, you can bring an inhaler on a plane in your carry-on and checked luggage. That means you can take nebulizers, soft MISI, dry powder inhalers, metered-dose inhalers, etc., on your flight. Nevertheless, the TSA must inspect the inhalers as part of the security clearance procedure for medicine.
Are Inhalers Allowed On Planes?
The TSA has no desire to stop any traveler from bringing necessary medication through airport security and onto the airplane. That’s true for over-the-counter medicine, and the same goes for devices like inhalers strictly essential for medical purposes.
So, breathe easy when packing your inhaler because Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that you can include an inhaler in your carry-on luggage, but with special instructions.
You may also pack inhalers in your checked baggage. However, if, by chance, you need to use the inhaler while flying, this is typically not advisable.
TSA does not categorize inhalers as aerosols, but the basic medication guidelines apply to asthma inhalers. The TSA permits different and significant quantities of medication on planes, as long as you pack appropriate amounts.
Inhalers typically contain 15-20ml, which is well within the permitted 100ml, and TSA allows you to bring them inside the cabin. You may also take essential medications larger than 100 ml on board with prior airline and airport approval and documentation from your doctor’s office or a prescription.
Note: before screening begins, let the TSA agent know that you have medically essential items and separate them from other possessions to speed up screening.
Do You Need To Place An Inhaler In A Liquid Bag?
As prescription drugs, inhalers and extra inhaler canisters are exempt from the TSA’s liquids regulation, even if they contain a liquid.
This implies that your liquid drugs can be more than 3.4 ounces (100ml), and you don’t have to pack them with your other liquids in a resealable bag.
But suppose you prefer packing them in your resealable bag. That’s fine because the inhalers’ size is smaller than the 3.4-ounce liquid limit. In that case, they won’t take up much space in your resealable liquids bag.
Can You Pack Your Inhaler In Your Carry-on Luggage?
The ideal place to carry your inhalers is in your carry-on luggage. But be sure to pack them carefully and keep them close at hand in a personal item or purse, so you won’t have to open your bag at the airport or dig into the compartment when you need them.
Although an inhaler is an exception to the 3-1-1 rule, you should be aware that a TSA officer will need to know if you are carrying an inhaler at the checkpoint to inspect it properly. They want to confirm that your inhaler is a REAL inhaler, not a threatening device.
Although the TSA does not mandate that you label your inhaler, doing so helps speed up the process when you pass through airport security.
Keep all of your asthma medications in your carry-on luggage. Then, if you suspect you might need more medicine, take a little more. Thus, you won’t run out of medication if an unforeseen event occurs.
Can You Bring Your Inhaler in Checked Luggage?
You won’t have any problems with the TSA if you decide to put your inhaler in your checked luggage.
Sometimes, bringing your medication in checked baggage is not a wise idea if it is not necessary. But if you don’t have much choice, you should secure your medications as much as possible. You can carefully pack and cover them, then fit them perfectly in the middle of your suitcase.
TSA offers travel-safe cases where you can put all your inhalers, as suggested on their site.
How Many Inhalers Can You Take On A Flight?
How many inhalers are too much when traveling by air? You can bring as many inhalers as you need for your trip, but be sure to be reasonable.
As long as you adhere to their packing instructions, the TSA places little restrictions on inhalers and medications.
Any extra inhalers should go in checked baggage—this will be your key to getting through security swiftly.
Can I Use An Inhaler On A Plane?
You can use your inhaler if necessary at any time during a flight, including takeoff, midair, and landing. However, some people have issues if their asthma is more severe. The cause is typically low air pressure within the aircraft.
When traveling in a plane, the amount of oxygen in your blood decreases; however, most passengers barely notice a difference in how they feel. But flying might exacerbate your symptoms if you have a persistent lung illness like asthma, such as increased breathlessness and tightness in the chest.
If your flight takes longer than expected, you are more prone to suffer symptoms, so it’s advisable to carry enough inhalers in your carry-on luggage. But by taking the necessary precautions and traveling with suitable inhalers and medicine, you can fly without any issues.
If your asthma attack is intense and your inhaler isn’t sufficient, ask the flight attendants for help. Although there are specific processes and procedures to assist you, remember that you can utilize all prescribed medications.
Can An Inhaler Explode During Your Flight?
Even though inhalers contain compressed air and medication, they’re unlikely to explode because they don’t have any explosive content.
Your inhaler is safe on a plane, whether in your checked or carry-on luggage. Remember that the best place for your inhaler is your carry-on luggage so that you can use it while you are a thousand feet above the ground if necessary.
Is A Peak Flow Meter Allowed On A Plane?
You’ll be happy to learn that most airlines allow a peak flow meter in checked and carry-on baggage when traveling by plane.
Note: Flight attendants are not medical specialists, so you should know your triggers and early signs of an asthma attack when traveling.
That’s why taking your peak flow meter is essential, so you can track your symptoms while on the plane.
If you pack it in your carry-on luggage, you may need to obtain advance permission from the airline to bring a peak flow meter inside the cabin. Otherwise, stow it in your checked baggage.
Can You Bring A Nebulizer On A Plane?
It’s safe to say that bringing nebulizers and other authorized medical devices on a plane is legal. However, if your nebulizer is in your carry-on bag, it must go through the X-ray machine with the rest of your luggage.
You must still remove the object from your bag so that it can pass through the X-ray machine on its own. TSA officials are obligated to take a closer look at devices like these to safeguard the security of all travelers and employees.
Additionally, you should be aware that other nations may have various electrical outlets and voltage, so you should prepare for this to guarantee that your nebulizer will function abroad.
