Airport Security: Will an epinephrine auto-injector be confiscated?

Factual Questions
1

We are flying to Orlando in November and our 3 year old has a severe food allergy, so we always have an epinephrine shot with us in case of anaphylaxis (throat constriction and possible choking to death).

The epinephrine shot is in an auto-injector that looks like the sort of item that airport security wouldn’t let on a plane:

Does anyone have experience in this situation who could give advice to make sure we can take his EpiPen on the plane (in the carry-on, not packed where we couldn’t get to it in case of an emergency at 30,000 feet)?

Will a letter from the pediatrician suffice? I’ve already emailed the airline, but it isn’t really their call on the security at the checkpoints.

thanks

2

Call the airline in advance and make sure that they will notify the security personnel that you’re going to have an epinephrine shot with you. Take the package with you and show that at the security screening.

here, here, here and here.

From the last link:

“Syringes are permitted on board an aircraft once it is determined that the person has a documented medical need for the syringe. To show a documented medical need, a passenger must have in his or her possession medication that requires the use of a needle or syringe. The medication must have a professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer’s name or a pharmaceutical label.”

From the end of the page you can also find contact information for a complaint, in case there were some problems.

3

Carry a copy of the clearly written prescription and a letter would be helpful as well. An epi-pen, legally, is just an administration device, just like an asthma inhaler or a syringe. If you have a legit prescription for it, you should have no hassles unless you are carrying quantities that look more like posession for sale rather than 3-4 for emergencies. More than likely the security people have seen them before and know what they are. If in doubt try contacting the airport security office and ask how they handle transportation of prescription drugs. They should have written policies they can send you copies of to make sure you have any needed authorization or documentation to get them through security.

4

I heard on the radio that they’re allowing insulin syringes, so I wouldn’t expect it to be a problem. I think the FAA has an updated listing of what’s allowed.

PC

5

We took epipens on (for my wife and daughter) when we went to the Olympics - we made no secret about it, and it was fine.

If you recall, the Olmpics had pretty tight security.

You’ll be fine.

6

Of course, a note from the doctor won’t hurt, and neither will allowing a little extra time for check-in.