Essential Travel Tips for Dialysis Patients: What to Pack for Air and Road Trips

Hi everyone, and welcome to Kidney Journeys! My name is Kyle Chang, and I've been a dialysis patient since 2013. Today, I want to share some tips on what I bring with me when traveling by air or road as a dialysis patient. Traveling while managing dialysis can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth experience. Let’s dive into what I pack for my trips.

Managing Your Dialysis Equipment

For longer trips, I always bring my cycler, which is packed in a separate 20-inch carry-on suitcase. This is small enough to meet carry-on size requirements, and I’ve shown it in photos and other videos on my channel. If you’re new to this, having the right luggage and understanding how to pack your medical equipment is crucial.

My Essential Travel Bag

Aside from my carry-on, I always have my regular backpack with my laptop, iPad, and personal essentials. But today, I want to focus on the additional travel-friendly bag I bring for my dialysis supplies.

Why Red Carrying Cases?

I use red carrying cases for my medical supplies because they stand out and remind me that they’re for medical purposes. This visual cue makes it easier to keep track of what’s important, especially when I’m in a hurry.

What’s Inside My Medical Bag?

Here’s a breakdown of what I always have in my medical bag:

1. General Items:

   • A Ziploc bag with essentials like mouthwash, tissues, Tylenol, a spare toothbrush, nasal decongestant (for my allergies), and other small items. These are all travel-sized, making them TSA-friendly.

2. First Aid Kit:

   • I found a small first aid kit that fits perfectly into my backpack. In it, I keep:
     • Mini caps (always check expiration dates).
     • Medical tape.
     • Q-tips.
     • Hand sanitizer.
     • Extra clamps for manual exchanges.
     • Alcohol pads, Betadine swabs, and face masks. This kit holds enough supplies for about a week or seven exchanges. The compact size makes it easy to carry wherever I go.

3. Manual Exchange Solutions:

   • I carry one or two bags of manual exchange solutions in their original packaging to ensure TSA knows it’s medical equipment. Always keep your medical supplies in their original packaging and carry a copy of your doctor’s advisory letter just in case.

Traveling with Medical Supplies: What You Need to Know

When traveling, especially by air, it’s important to be prepared for interactions with TSA and airline staff. Here are some tips I’ve learned:

• Carry Medical Letters: It’s a good idea to have a copy of the DOT advisory letter and information about your cycler and dialysis supplies. TSA agents may not always be familiar with these devices, so having documentation helps clarify things. You may need to speak with a TSA supervisor, as peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients make up only about 15% of the dialysis population in the U.S.

• Airline Policies: Not all airline crew members are aware of the ADA policies regarding dialysis equipment. Make sure you print out the airline's travel policies and have them on hand in case there’s any confusion.

• Work with Your Social Worker: If needed, your clinic’s social worker can provide you with a travel letter that explains your medical needs. Having this documentation can be extremely helpful in case any questions arise about your supplies.

Final Tips for Traveling While on Dialysis

Hopefully, this gives you a good idea of what I take with me when traveling, whether it’s for work or pleasure. Staying organized and having the right supplies packed makes traveling much easier.