dgwills

My daughter has some medication that needs to be kept refrigerated and she will need to take some in flight between CHC & OOL.

In my mind we have 2 options RE the refrigeration side of things.

A. Ask a Flight Attendant nicely if they can keep it in the Galley fridge or
B. Pack in in a small cooler bag with ice packs.

I would prefer option A.

I would think that Security would have an issue not knowing what the frozen liquid was if we went down the option B route.

Any thoughts / advice, would be much appreciated.

ottiehund

I would certainly ask the crew if they could assist and would be surprised if they had any issues with it. Some years ago we took some Bluff oysters to London without problem and both crews were more than happy to keep them chilled for us.

brenrox

I'd say security wouldn't allow the ice pack. If it is something like amoxicillin (common anti-biotic) it would be fine for that short period out of the fridge. Best bet would be to check with your pharmacist though, they will be the best person to advise you as I'm sure they get these questions a lot.

dgwills

KiwiJC

To be blunt, if the pharmacist is suggesting Option A I doubt they've actually tried it. The airline/fa will not want to take responsibility for medication getting any of; too cold, too hot, forgotten, damaged, contaminated, contaminating food etc.

As someone who has traveled for many years with refrigerated medication, I've never had any luck with Option A (indeed I don't even bother asking these days) and have always stuck with Option B.

On Option B, with regard to Liquids & Gels restrictions, security is generally understanding (there's plenty of medications that have this requirement!). Make sure you have:

1. Appropriate documentation for the medication (eg. a copy of the prescription)
2. A doctors letter stating the medication and its need to remain chilled.
3. I'd also leave it in it's original packaging if possible too, especially if it states that it must remain chilled.

When at security, just stick to the facts if asked "I've got chiller packs because this medication must remain chilled".

I've had no issues with this approach whether in NZ or the US, so I'm sure it will be okay between NZ & AU.

malmostoso

I requested NZ to use the fridge in the galley to store some medication and I was told it was not possible because of food contamination issues (decide for yourself whether to believe that). What I was offered (which is actually a reasonable solution) was to have some ice. So I would recommend you bring a few ziploc bags and get some ice from the galley, it will keep your medication chilled until destination.

LondonElite

catandmouse

I'm diabetic and travel with insulin. When I first started I was a little paranoid about keeping it cool and KiwiJC has hit it on the nail. No flight attendant wants to take responsibility for keeping it in a controlled environment and they will respond that they can't do this. If you are concerned you can use cooling packs, but not freezer packs as they're far too cold.
I recently looked at the warnings on my insulin and it essentially said "store cool, once started maintain at room temperature". These days I just keep in my carryon and store in a fridge as soon as I get to my destination. I've never had it go bad on me. My 2 cents is that the insulin today is a lot more resilient than it used to be.

skywardhunter

A combination. Bring a small insulated bag and get ice onboard. Aircraft don't have actual fridges generally, they have refrigerated drawers with ice

Often1

Are you certain that your aircraft will have an operating refrigerator? Those are not being installed or are being removed from many aircraft in favor of storage carts which are chilled and retain the cold (or do not heat the interior) for some period of time. Beyond that, many carriers have forbade the storage of anything, whether medication or food carried by passengers in proximity to carrier-supplied food, e.g. catering. What happened some time back, may not happen today.

I would suggest checking the package insert for specific instructions. Often medications which require chilling cannot be placed on ice, but can be stored in a small insulated container which will stay cool enough for 8-10 hours. If ice really is necessary, I would dump the landside ice before security and find some airside.

Collierkr

THIS!!! Bring a small insulated bag and do this. Even if you checked with the airline ahead of time you are subject to be told no to storing anything in the plane refrigerator by the FAs.

AussieExPat

We were on an Emirates leg between MEL and AKL and the cabin crew kindly obliged with option A for an antibiotic that had been prescribed for my (at the time 4 year old) child in the middle of our trip. Unfortunately, in the mad rush to unload an A380 and get our kids and their blankets and teddy bears off intact, we completely forgot about it. A crew member went back to find it, but could not locate it (the cleaning crew was already at work, so likely disposed of it), thus we were able to experience your Kiwi healthcare as well.

All that to say, I would recommend some form of option B (or freezer bags and borrowing ice as a previous poster suggested). If you do use option A, do something to remind you to get your medicine before you disembark. The cabin crew are busy and not thinking about your medicine, and usually you are preoccupied as well. And those cleaning crews are efficient...

sbiddle

Air NZ won't chill medicine for you.

Their website details things - https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/spec...cal-conditions

bitterproffit

I use a Frio pouch. It keeps the insulin from getting too warm. Keep in mind that even if they would store it for you, there is no guarantee it won't freeze, which, in my case, ruins the medication.

I learned that the hard way with a $300 box of insulin pens and a hotel fridge.

The Frio pouch does a good job of keeping my insulin cool, but NOT refrigerated, which is fine for insulin I use within 30 days.

dgwills

Thanks sbiddle, I was waiting for your input. You are very knowledgeable about all things ANZ.
I should have been able to find that myself.lol.
I will go down the cooler bag route.