What to do and check:
Tell Cooper's care team your travel dates as soon as you know them.
This is the single most important step. Your nurse and care coordinator will initiate the supply delivery request and flag anything specific to your modality (PD or HHD) or prescription.
Get a travel letter from your nephrologist.
A signed letter stating you travel with life-sustaining dialysis equipment is essential for TSA, airlines, customs, and hotels. Cooper can help facilitate this.
Arrange supply delivery to your destination.
Your dialysis supply vendor (Baxter/Vantive or assigned supplier) can ship to a hotel, vacation rental, or family member's address. Call the destination 48 hours before arrival to confirm delivery was received.
Identify backup dialysis centers near your destination.
Cooper can help locate Medicare-certified dialysis centers in advance. If something goes wrong with equipment or supplies, you'll know exactly where to go.
Check your travel insurance.
Standard policies may not cover dialysis emergencies. Ask about medical evacuation coverage and emergency dialysis treatment outside your home state or country — especially important for international travel.
Domestic U.S. Travel
Notify Cooper & supplier 2–3 weeks before departure.
Supplies shipped to hotel or rental address.
All Medicare-certified centers must provide emergency backup.
ACAA covers your right to fly with equipment at no charge.
Confirm hotel has storage space for PD bags (they are bulky).
Bring 1 extra week of supplies for shipping delays.
International Travel
Notify Cooper & supplier 3–4 months in advance (some destinations longer).
Customs documentation required for supplies & equipment.
Carry a prescription copy — ideally translated to local language.
ACAA applies to flights to/from U.S. — check local rules for other legs.
Cruise ships: supplies ship to hotel, patient transports to the ship.
Travel health insurance with medical evacuation strongly recommended.
International lead times vary by destination.
Some countries require 4+ months of advance notice. Confirm requirements for your specific destination before booking flights.
Your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act
Under the ACAA (14 CFR Part 382), airlines cannot charge you to transport a portable dialysis machine — whether as a carry-on or checked bag. You are entitled to priority overhead bin space if you pre-board. These rules apply to U.S. carriers and to foreign airlines on flights to or from the U.S.
If an airline agent tries to charge you or refuses to accept your machine, ask for their Disability or Special Assistance Coordinator. You can also contact the DOT Disability Hotline: 800-778-4838.
Before You Fly:
Call the airline's Disability Desk when booking Airline
Note you're traveling with life-sustaining dialysis equipment and give the machine weight.
Reconfirm the notation 24–48 hours before departure.
Gate agents may not know your situation.
Book direct flights whenever possible.
This reduces equipment handling risks.
Arrive at least 2 hours early.
Machine screening takes extra time.
Pack your machine manual and doctor's letter in an easily accessible bag.
Don't bury the machine in luggage and make it difficult for TSA.
Place a "FRAGILE" sticker on the machine case if checking it.
When at TSA Security:
Tell the TSA officer before screening begins that you have medical equipment and supplies.
Your machine goes through X-ray — officers may also swab it. This is normal and expected.
If you have a PD catheter or titanium adapter, tell the officer before the metal detector.
Medical liquids (dialysis solution) are exempt from the 3.4 oz rule.
Declare them separately, do not put them in your quart-sized liquid bag.
Medications with prescription labels process faster — bring labels when possible.
If you encounter resistance from a TSA officer, ask for a supervisor and show your documentation.
Note on in-flight use:
Most airlines do not allow dialysis machines to be operated during flight due to electromagnetic interference requirements. Plan your treatment schedule around this — do your treatment before departure or upon arrival at your destination.
Always bring extra. Pack at least one week of supplies beyond your trip length.
Delivery delays, extended stays, and lost luggage happen — be prepared for all three. Medications and critical supplies should never go in checked bags.
Emergency Guidance
Most trips go smoothly. But knowing what to do before a problem happens — rather than during one — makes all the difference.
First: Call Cooper's 24/7 clinical support line.
For any medical emergency, equipment failure, or supply problem while traveling, contact Cooper's care team immediately. Our clinical support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Save this number in your phone before you leave home — don't wait until you need it.
Keep Cooper's Care Team number (provided at enrollment) saved and accessible.
Before You Fly:
Supplies not delivered or lost in transit.
Call your supply vendor immediately, then call Cooper. Go to your pre-identified backup dialysis center for emergency in-center treatment. Any Medicare-certified dialysis center in the U.S. is required to provide emergency treatment regardless of your home provider.
Equipment malfunction or damage.
Call Baxter/Vantive PD 24/7 tech support: 1-800-227-2572. Cooper's team can also assist. If non-functional, go to a backup in-center dialysis center while a replacement is arranged.
Medical emergency (infection, fluid overload, other).
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Bring your travel letter and prescription copy. Contact Cooper's team as soon as possible so they can coordinate with the treating facility and your nephrologist.
