In 2005 more than 21 million disabled adults indicated that they have traveled at least once in the past two years, according to a study by Harris Interactive that was conducted in coordination with the Open Doors Organization (ODO), a Chicago-based nonprofit, and the Travel Industry Association of America (TIAA).
Since the time of this study, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) initiated new security measures that have impacted all travelers, including those with disabilities. However, because the TSA makes every effort to ensure the health, safety and comfort of those traveling, some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule do apply. And for travelers with disabilities, this means that the TSA will allow you to carry liquid medications and other liquids that are medically necessary to treat your conditions onboard your aircraft. Some of these liquids include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes
- Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition
- Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs
- Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids
- Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
And for those of you who may not use liquids to aid in your travel, the TSA also allows a full range of disability-related items past security to help make your travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Just a few of these items include:
- Wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, canes, and walkers
- Service animals
- Assistive/adaptive equipment
- CPAP machines & respirators
- Personal supplemental oxygen and CO2 personal oxygen concentrators
- Prosthetic devices and related tools
- Medications and related equipment and supplies
For the TSA’s complete list of allowable items and advice for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, visit TSA.gov.
