Holiday Travel with Medical Devices: A Guide to Getting There and Back Again

The holidays have a way of tugging us out of our well-worn routines. Suddenly we’re navigating crowded airports, snowy highways, unfamiliar beds, family gatherings, and if you’re part of the Gus Gear community, you’re likely doing all of this while you or your loved one are trying to keep a medical device safe and functioning properly.

Traveling with a central line, enteral feeding equipment, ostomy supplies, or other medical devices doesn’t just mean packing differently or more. It means anticipating what-ifs, advocating for safety in busy public spaces, and adjusting for environments that probably weren’t built with medical complexity in mind. That applies to both children and adults alike.

The good news is that safe holiday travel is absolutely possible with thoughtful prep, strategic packing, and a set of safeguards in place that protect your devices and give you peace of mind.

Prepare for Airports, Security, and Crowds

Crowded holiday travel adds physical and emotional stress. Getting ready ahead of time can protect your devices and minimize unnecessary friction.

Before You Leave

• Call the airline to notify them of medical equipment, mobility needs, or boarding accommodations.
• Ask TSA Cares (1-855-787-222) for assistance through screening. They can help you avoid rushed interactions that increase risk of line pulls or equipment damage.
• Request documentation from your clinician describing the medical necessity for your supplies or devices.

During Screening

• Medical liquids, syringes, feeding formula, and nutritional bags may require additional screening, but they are allowed,
• You can request visual inspection instead of sending medical devices through the X-ray belt if needed.
• Keep all essential supplies in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. Frankly, this is good advice for everyone. 

Tip for central lines & enteral equipment:

Holiday travel means a lot of people everywhere, from luggage handlers, crowded shuttles, and tightly packed seating. A securement item like the Central Line Vest or LOCK 3000 Belt reduces accidental pulls, especially when you’re being bumped, nudged, or squeezed into tight spaces.

Use Strategic Packing, Redundancy, and Safe Storage

Holiday travel is unpredictable. Weather delays, lost luggage, and long layovers are all more common this time of year. That means one thing: redundancy is your friend.

Pack:

• Double the amount of supplies you would normally use (dressings, tubing, bags, etc.).
• A complete emergency kit in your personal item, including a few hours’ worth of essential supplies.
• Extra batteries and chargers for your pumps.
• Spare clothing for mishaps like leaks or spills.
• Keep all temperature-sensitive supplies with you, not in a cold car trunk or cargo hold.
• For road trips, designate one person as the “clean hands” handler for medical supplies.
• If traveling with children, talk them through what to expect, and consider practicing with their securement gear before the trip.

Build a Safety Net at Your Destination

Once you arrive, take 10–15 minutes to set up your environment for safe device use.

• Identify clean prep areas in your hotel or relative’s house.
• Store supplies out of reach of curious pets or young cousins.
• If staying with family, communicate any safety boundaries clearly (“Please don’t move these supplies,” “We need this table kept clean,” etc.).
• Look up the nearest hospital or urgent care, not because you expect to need it, but because knowing the route reduces stress.

The goal is to create a temporary version of home that is predictable, clean, and equipped for your daily routine.

Celebrate on Your Terms

Whether you’re crossing the country or just driving two hours to see family, traveling with medical devices requires intention, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right safeguards, the holidays can feel exciting again, not stressful.

And remember: the goal isn’t perfect execution. The goal is safe, meaningful connection, supported by preparation and tools that help you move confidently through the world.