Disability Travel - What do I need to allow 2 carryon bags...?

I am going to be traveling from TPA to SXM and will likely be flying either Delta or AA. I have Cystic Fibrosis, lung disease, and don't require oxygen or wheelchair assistance. What I do require is traveling w/ 2 carryon bags. One is a "personal bag with computer, nebulizers, etc.." and 1 is a medical device that I can't lose. I don't use it on the plane but it costs thousands and thousands of dollars and medically would be screwed from a health perspective if it were lost.

How do I get the airlines to allow 2 carryon bags with me?

It won't be a problem. Medical devices don't count toward your carryon allowance. Get to security a little early as they may want to inspect everything and take everything out. You won't be allowed to touch anything once it's out of your hands, so tell the screener immediately what you have. It wouldn't hurt to put FRAGILE stickers on the bags. Ask anyone who will be touching your things to put on clean gloves. Another option is to have wheelchair assistance, even thought you say you don't really need it. That line deals with medical equipment many times a day and will probably be faster in the long run.

The TSA will also swab any electronic medical device. You will have to take it out of the case and put it in a separate bin. You can leave any tubes, hosing, masks in the bag. Be sure to ask them to use a fresh "trap" to avoid them using one they used on the shoes of the person before you. This is especially important for any respiratory equipment.

I know what you mean about your medical equipment costing thousands and thousands of dollars. Mine cost $5,000 and the thought of them being careless with it makes me watch them like a hawk when handling it.

Most often you will get the autoresponse from the document checker before TSA that you can only have two bags. Just tell them that one is medical equipment. They will let you through. Just say the same thing if anyone says something to you at the gate.

The only problem I see is if you are flying on a regional jet. As long as you are on mainline equipment there shouldn't be a problem having the equipment on board with you. Regional jets have very small overhead bins and underseat storage is minimal and you may have no alternative but to gate check the item, depending on its size.