Know Your Rights: Free Medical Bag When Flying

Even though I did the research and offered links, please check with the airline on what their current medical bag policy is before you get to the airport. I am not be responsible for baggage fees you may incur.

Did you know that most airlines offer people with medical conditions free medical baggage allowances?

If you take a look at some of the top airlines in the US and Europe, they all offer the same policy regarding medical baggage. The wording varies, but overall, all of the below airlines will allow a medical bag as an additional carry on, free of charge, as long as the bag does not contain any other non-medical items. So you can’t throw your laptop in with your diabetes supplies, but that’s quite ok!

These are the airlines that offer a medical bag as an additional carry on, free of charge:

• Delta
• American Airlines
• United
• Southwest
• Ryanair*
• Condor**

…PLUS more! If the airline you are flying with isn’t listed above, just give them a call, or check on their website; I didn’t search for all of them!

But why is it important to keep your medical supplies with you instead of checking them? Medical supplies should not be placed in your checked baggage. The chances are slim that your bag will go missing or be temporarily lost, but you don’t want to risk it. Also, the check baggage area is not pressurized or temperature controlled like the passenger area, which is important for nearly all diabetic supplies. Also, your life depends on these supplies, so don’t let them out of your sight.

Who doesn’t want more room for goodies, trinkets and treats instead of insulin and test strips?

Tip: Invest in a clear, little tote with a clip lid. It should be clear so TSA can see what’s in it without opening it, if necessary. And a clip lid, because, duh. This ensures that everything stays organized, but most importantly CLEAN. Also wrote name, phone number WITH country code, and address with a huge “MEDICAL SUPPLIES” label.

Did you know this amazing bag allowance existed? What other tips do you have?

*Ryanair – requires a letter from your doctor in order for a medical equipment baggage waiver. See link above.
**Condor – from my own experience in 2015, they offer a free medical bag. But if you’re flying with them, please check again.

P.S. Even though I did the research and offered links above, please check with the airline on what their current medical bag policy is before you get to the airport. I am not be responsible for baggage fees you incur.