Traveling While Tube-Feeding

Medically Reviewed by Janel Ganz, BSN, RN, Enteral Feeding Specialist

What has a feeding tube and flies through the air?

You, of course! 

Tubies also can—and do—travel by car, train, and cruise ship. No matter where you’re vacationing or how you get there, the important thing is to be prepared. So, we’ve put together some helpful tips and considerations to make traveling with a feeding tube as smooth as possible.

Plan Ahead

It’s important to plan well in advance of your trip. This includes:

• Talking to your doctor and asking them if they believe it’s okay to travel. Tell them where you’re going, how you’re going to get there, and what you plan to do when you’re there.
  • They may also be able to connect you with a medical team at your destination in case of an emergency.
  • It’s a good idea to ask your doctor for a letter with details about what supplies you need and why you need them, so you can present the letter during screening at airports or seaports.
• Knowing all the places you are going to visit during your trip and checking to see if there are hospitals or doctors nearby in case you have an emergency.
• Creating a comprehensive packing list. 
• Considering the timing of your travel. Will you need to feed during a flight or while in a car/bus?

Make the Call

Several calls, actually. Once your doctor clears you to travel, let people and organizations know about your planned trip so you have as much support as possible.

• If you’re using a travel agent or tour company, call ahead and tell them you’ll be tube feeding while traveling. Include details of what you’re bringing. They can also advise you whether the activities you want to participate in and the places you want to see are accessible if you’re carrying equipment or in a wheelchair.
• Call the carriers. If you’re traveling by air or by sea—or a mix of both—call all of them. Contact cruise lines via customer service numbers. You can call the airline directly, but it’s also a good idea to call ahead to make sure the transportation authority knows you’ll be traveling with tube feeding supplies. Contact TSA Cares in the U.S. or the CATSA consumer line in Canada.
• Call your home care company to order supplies, making sure you have enough time for delivery. In some cases, it might be easier to ship your supplies to your destination. It may be more expensive, but possibly worth the cost. Just make sure to have some supplies with you in a carry-on bag so you’re never without them.

Pack What You Need—Then Pack More!

The Oley Foundation recommends making a list of everything you need to feed and take medications for the number of days you’ll be traveling, then doubling it.

• If you’re flying, have what you need to feed and any medication you take—both regularly and as needed—in your carry-on bag. Pack extra, as well. If your checked bags get lost or delayed, you still have supplies.
• Consider where you’re going. Beach vacation? Pack dressing and tape to keep your tube secure and dry. If you’ll be going on day trips away from a central destination, consider what you’ll need on those trips and how you plan to carry it.

In Case of Emergency…

…Anticipate! There’s no way to plan for every little thing that could happen. Still, it helps to:

• Carry an Emergency Medical Record Card containing all the information a doctor would need to refer to.
  • If your doctor recommended a practice in the place you’re traveling, include that contact information on the card.
• Have extra supplies with you when you’re out and about in case you get stuck somewhere. Buses and cars break down, flights are delayed, weather events happen.

Take Time and Have Patience

Most things on your trip may take you extra time, so it’s important to build that into your schedule. Specifically:

• Arrive at the airport a few hours early if you’re flying, as it may take you longer to get through security.
  • Be sure to tell the gate agent at screening that you have a feeding tube and give them any paperwork.
• While at your destination, pack everything you need for the following day the night before and check it again before you leave in the morning.
• Stay mindful of how you’re feeling, physically and mentally.

Being prepared can bring peace of mind, so you can enjoy yourself with fewer worries wherever you go!