Travel plans coming up soon? We want to make sure you have no trouble taking your medically necessary ketogenic formula with you. Here are some tips for air travel with KetoCal®:
Ship Ahead of Time
When possible, many families prefer to ship KetoCal to their destination ahead of time. We recommend that you order 1-2 weeks in advance so that you don’t have to worry about whether your formula will get there in time for your arrival.
Be sure to ask your family/friends/hotel staff to store the KetoCal indoors at room temperature (it should not be stored outdoors in cold weather).
Flying with KetoCal
- Medical Necessity Letter: When flying with KetoCal, we recommend that you get a letter from your doctor or dietitian explaining that KetoCal is a medically necessary formula used with the ketogenic diet for the management of epilepsy/Glut1DS/PDHD. You may not need it, but it never hurts to have it in case you have any trouble getting your KetoCal through security.
- Checked Luggage: If you are packing KetoCal in your checked luggage, it might be useful to include the medical necessity letter in your bag in case it gets searched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- Carry-On Bags: If you are bringing KetoCal in your carry-on bag, be prepared for some additional screening and give yourself extra time so that you aren’t stressed about missing your flight. Be sure to pack a little extra formula in case of flight delays, which are fairly common during peak travel days around the holidays.
Traveling with KetoCal Liquid
Per the TSA, there are limits to the quantity of liquids you can carry on when flying (3.4 fluid ounces or 100 milliliters). Luckily, formulas and medically necessary liquids are exempt from this quantity limit, although they require extra screening.
As soon as you arrive at security, notify the TSA agent that you are traveling with medically necessary liquid formula. Have the medical necessity letter from your healthcare provider handy in case you need it. If you do not want the formula to go through an X-ray or to be opened, notify the TSA officer. You will have to go through additional screening in this case, so be sure to give yourself extra time.
Traveling with KetoCal Powder
Powders may also require additional screening at TSA checkpoints. When you arrive at security, notify the TSA officer that you are traveling with medically necessary powdered formula. Have the medical necessity letter from your healthcare provider handy in case you need it.
- Ice packs: Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other accessories used to keep your formula cool are allowed through security as long as they are frozen or partially frozen. Like formula, they may require additional screening.
For more information, check out the TSA guidelines for travel with medications, including liquids, and for travel with children, including formula.
KetoCal® is a medical food for the dietary management of drug-resistant epilepsy and must be used under medical supervision.
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Always consult with your ketogenic clinician prior to making any changes to your ketogenic diet or condition management.
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