On my way back to Atlanta from Knoxville, I had a carry-on bag (with the wheels on it). I also had my purse and I had hanging on my shoulder a big DOG BONE looking supporting pillow for my back.

Well, the rep told me I couldn't pass, that I had to put the pillow and the purse in the luggage and come back with only the luggage.

Since when is a medically necessary support pillow (small-and battery operated) considered a CARRY on? Am I going to need a letter from my doctor when I fly this time? It's going to be the SAME scenario. I ended up leaving the support pillow behind.

This is just my opinion, but maybe you want to pack a little better. It's easy to stick that pillow in the baggage that you carry on then yank it out when you are on the plane. I, too, would think they'd let you take it on as it is, or should be situated on your back and doesn't take up room. Call your airline and ask to speak to a supervisor.

ttt

They gave you a hard time for nothing. I use back pillows and get on and they haven't counted it as a carry on. What the heck is wrong with those Knoxville screeners?

ttt

Please do tell us how a support pillow is a MEDICAL NECESSITY. I don't care what your condition is, that is a bit of an overstatement.
If you want to bring your pillow, shove it in your carry on bag.
And just how long is the flight from Atlanta to Knoxville- 1 hour tops?
Get a grip woman!

No, "S"--YOU get a grip! I have arthritis in my neck and I can tell you that those airline seats are murder on the necks and backs of those of us who suffer from arthritis or some other problem of the spine. It doesn't matter if the flight is an hour or even less than that; it isn't worth it to be in pain because some jerk of an airline employee is worried about a stupid pillow. And the pain doesn't last only for the duration of your flight--it can stay with you for the rest of the day or even longer.

If you don't suffer from such a condition, you can't possibly understand. Don't criticize just because it doesn't pertain to you, OK?

Pat, I know what you mean, it can be uncomfortable on your neck, so I pack an inflatable neck pillow in my backpack. I haven't had any trouble getting it through security, as recent as a few weeks ago.

Lynn, as a matter of fact I do have 2 slipped discs in my neck, along with arthritis. I do understand that although the pillow may make me comfortable, it is not a MEDICAL NECESSITY like a PACEMAKER/ASTHMA INHALER/GLUCOSE FOR A DIABETIC, etc.
My complaint is not with the pillow, it with the overstatement.

S - why don't you go away. We don't need your attitude here.

I have been having excruciating pain in my tail bone, (lumbago, I think it's called) and if I get that pain, it will stay with me for weeks or months.
I assure you that as compassionate as you were with me in that post, destiny will be with you. You'll remember me...you'll see.

Thanks to all of you sensitive people who gave me some good ideas. I'll try to pack it on my carryon bag then take it out. It's called survival and "I don't like pain."