Travel Advisor's Plea: Navigating Airline Policies with Medical Equipment

Traveling with Medical Equipment: A Travel Advisor's Challenges and Tips June 10, 2025 - Travel advisor Mari, based in the US, recently shared her experiences traveling with medical equipment due to lymphedema. Her video highlights the difficulties faced by disabled travelers, particularly when dealing with strict baggage policies of budget airlines. Mari explains, "Every time I fly Delta, I have to remind them about their policies on flying with medical equipment because apparently no one on staff understands the details." This reveals a common problem: inconsistent understanding and application of airline policies regarding medical necessities. Her upcoming flight with Allegiant Air causes her anxiety, as ultra-low-cost carriers are known for their strict baggage size limits. She worries about the potential extra costs and complications. "I'm getting ready to start packing, and the anxiety... I don't get anxious flying, but I get anxious trying to explain why I need this medical equipment to perfect strangers," she admits. Mari's video serves as a valuable reminder for both disabled travelers and airlines to improve communication and understanding regarding medical equipment policies. It underscores the need for clearer guidelines and more compassionate handling of passengers' individual needs.