Can You Take Inhalers on Planes?
Are you allowed to take inhalers on a plane?
Inhalers are critical for asthma sufferers, so it is perhaps no surprise that these medicinal devices are indeed allowed onboard planes.
According to Asthma UK, there are asthma sufferers in one in five UK households, so the question about taking inhalers on planes impacts many thousands of Britons.
Note: This blog is not intended as medical advice. If you suffer from asthma and plan to fly overseas, consult your GP first.
Before you fly
If you have asthma, it's important to visit your doctor before you fly overseas. They will tell you about any additional medication you might need, as well as how to manage your condition while you're outside the UK.
At the same time, they will tell you about any vaccinations that you need for your destination.
You may need to pay for some vaccinations.
Reduced air pressure in the plane cabin
Planes have reduced air pressure, which can cause issues for those with severe asthma.
Your doctor may recommend you undertake a ‘fitness-to-fly assessment' or organise a 'hypoxic challenge' - which will help determine if you can deal with the atmospheric conditions on board a plane.
Will I need in-flight oxygen for my flight?
Your doctor may decide that purely taking inhalers on a plane will not be sufficient, and that you need in-flight oxygen in order to take the flight safely.
Can you take a Ventolin inhaler on a plane?
You can take any type of inhaler on a plane, that you use to treat your asthma.
This includes:
- Preventer inhalers, which work to stop symptoms developing in the first place.
- Combination inhalers, which use the medication in both types to control your asthma when your preventer inhaler is not working well enough.
- Ventolin inhalers that provide treatment after the onset of symptoms.
Taking your inhaler on a plane: How to carry inhalers on a plane?
Take your inhaler - and a spare - with you in the cabin of the plane, do not store either in your stowed luggage.
Whilst it is perfectly safe to pack an asthma inhaler in plane check in hold luggage, you should pack your inhaler - and a spare – in your plane carry-on luggage to be sure to have these and any other required medication accessible.
Any spare canisters you intend to carry with you should be placed in your hold baggage.
Be sure to pack prescriptions for all your medicines, too.
Make a note of generic forms of your medicine, in case you need any extra while overseas.
Be sure all medicine is in its original packaging.
Will an inhaler explode on a plane?
There is no need to worry about taking an inhaler on a plane.
Your asthma inhaler will not explode on a plane, regardless of if it is packed in your carry on or checked bags.
The inhaler does not contain any flammable material which could cause it to explode.
Carrying an inhaler with you through airport security
To take asthma inhalers on a plane in your cabin luggage will of course involve carrying these through the airport security checks
A commonly asked question is do inhalers need to go in the liquid bag?
Airports appear to interpret the answer to this question differently, so to be on the safe side and to proceed through airport security as quickly as possible, it is best to place your inhalers in a transparent bag along with any other medicines you need.
Do inhalers count as liquids on planes?
No, inhalers do not count toward your liquid allowance for carry-on luggage.
You’re allowed to carry essential medicines of more than 100ml, providing the appropriate criteria is met (see below).
Inhalers are normally 15-20ml anyway, which is well below the 100ml maximum for carry-on liquids.
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What if I have medicine larger than 100ml?
You are allowed to take medicine of more than 100ml into the cabin, but you need approval from your airline and the airport. This must all be supported by a prescription or a letter from your doctor.
You are only allowed to carry through security the quantity of liquid medication that is required for your journey.
Peak flow meters: How to carry peak flow meters on a plane?
If you need to take a peak flow meter on your flight with you, in order to check your symptoms while overseas, Asthma UK advises you to pack it in your stowed luggage.
If you wish to have your peak flow meter in your hand luggage, you may need to get permission from the airline first.
Nebulisers: Can I take my nebuliser overseas with me?
Most asthma sufferers do not need to take a nebuliser with them when they travel overseas.
However, if you do need one, be aware that overseas outlet voltages can differ from those of the UK. You'll need a suitable adaptor, or to obtain a battery-operated nebuliser.
You may also need permission to take a nebuliser into the cabin of the plane.
What if I have an asthma attack in the air?
While it is unlikely you'll have an asthma attack in the air, rest assured the cabin crew are trained to deal with such eventualities.
That said, you should know your asthma triggers and do your best to avoid being triggered.
The cabin crew are not trained medical professionals, so you will have to know your emergency action plan in detail.
Remember to have your inhalers with you on the plane.
Key tips for flying with asthma
Ensure you have a personal action plan ready before you fly, and of course, take an asthma attack card with you.
During your flight, taking simple steps such as turning on the air ventilation above your seat and regularly drinking water while on a plane can help you breathe a little more easily.
5 top tips for flying with asthma:
- Keep your inhaler in reach
- Inform the flight attendants that you have asthma.
- Use the seat’s air vent
- Regularly drink water
- Have a written asthma action plan
Advice for holidays abroad for asthma sufferers
When planning your holiday destination, there are some considerations to make if you have asthma:
- Think about how the weather at your destination will affect your asthma.
- Countries where air pollution is very bad should be avoided if possible.
- Know that pollen seasons differ around the globe: find out if pollen will be an issue at your destination.
- Activities and days out: try to avoid situations that might trigger an asthma attack - such as extreme temperatures (high or low); or physical exertion.
Book hotels that:
- Are non-smoking
- Have air conditioning
- Are located away from areas with heavy traffic (and therefore air pollution)
Don't forget to ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance in place.
As mentioned, if you have asthma and wish to fly, speak to your GP for advice.
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