Delta Airline wants $ for dialysis solution?

[theone]

Call Delta and try to find out if they charge $ for carrying 2 boxes of dialysis solution for manual exchange. The operator says 'yes' but according to http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/special_baggage/medical_supplies/index.jsp , it should be free.

Anyone has experience with dealing with Airline for carrying dialysis solution?

Thanks

[RichardMEL]

The website policy seems fairly clear, yet open to wide interpretation, and perhaps the weight of the dialysis solution might also be of concern. Would you carry it on board or check it? If it's checked they would probably charge you.

I think also you have to understand that maybe the phone operator didn't quite understand (maybe) the issue or perhaps interpreted dialysis solution as not exactly coming under that medical supplies part of the policy. What I would do is get the doc to write a letter on letterhead saying that it IS essential medical supplies, have that with you with a print out of that page/policy from the DL website, and take that with you to the airport - thus you will have (I think) reasonable evidence to suggest that you should be able to take it free.

good luck!

[paris]

Richard is very right.  I asked my husband  -- 30+ yr airline employee and he said to do just what Richard suggested.  Get a letter from your doctor and medical supplies should not be charged.  Richard gave you very good advice.     It might also help to call your airport, ask for a Delta manager and have him on your side.  A little pre-flight work can save the trip for you.   Good luck!

[RichardMEL]

aw shucks  Paris! Thanks!!

I like the idea of talking to the DL station manager (unless it's Atlanta!). You might also want to contact Delta HQ and ask to speak to someone there that deals with the medical stuff like that to get the policy clarified - rather than speaking with someone in reservations, someone in headquarters who actually understands the medical side of things in conjunction with their policies might be a good idea too.

[Jie]

Two boxes of solution should not be a problem.  I guess there must be some limitations on how many medical supplies one can check through airlines free. Suppose that I will be out of the country for 21 days. I am not sure any airlines will allow me to check 21 boxes of solution free. Right now, Baxter charges PD patients for solutions to deliver to out of the U.S and HI and AK.  For 2 or 3 days of supplies, the airlines may be ok for free shipping. I hope that we can find some ways to deal with a longer period, like one to three weeks. Within the 48 U.S. states, it is not a problem since Baxter delivers them free of charge.

[theone]

Thanks all for the info.

I will definitely have a letter from my doctor stating that I am a dialysis patient and I need these solutions. I will be bring 2 boxes of the ultrabags with the letter, roll the dice and see if Delta will let me check in free. If not, I guess I'll just pay for it as I need them

[theone]

I just want to provide an update. I bought 2 boxes of the ultrabags with doctor's letter and Delta let me check in the solutions with no charge. This is good. Thanks

[loopywinks]

That is great to know!! Thank you!  I am glad it worked out well for you!
Tracy

[*kana*]

I thought it was against the American Disability act to refuse to accommodate for medical equipment?  I know when we went to Florida they tried to charge me extra for my over weight machine, but I argued that it was medical equipment and they couldn't charge me.  It is basically free luggage and the weight limit can't be enforced.  I would think 2 cases of solution would fall under the same law.