Your Trusted Guide to TSA Rules, Airline Policies, and What You Can Bring on a Plane
Real-World Travel Help for People Who Can’t Afford Mistakes
Hi, I’m Kathy Keen — the founder and voice behind The Keen Insider.
Air travel can be confusing—especially if you’re flying with medications, medical devices, or everyday items that fall into TSA’s gray areas. Will they get flagged at security? Will customs allow them through? What if you need a refill overseas?
That’s why I created this site: to give travelers—especially those over 50—clear, trustworthy answers to questions that matter. I speak directly with TSA agents, customs officials, and airline reps, then translate the rules into step-by-step guides anyone can follow.
If my name sounds familiar, you may know me from my years leading the Sansabelt brand, where I spoke daily with mature travelers navigating health, mobility, and planning concerns. Today, I help people like you avoid delays, travel confidently, and protect their health—whether you’re flying for vacation, caregiving, or medical care.
What You’ll Find at The Keen Insider
Flying with Medication and Health Essentials
How to pack, store, and declare them everything from sleeping pills to vitamins to refrigerated medication and a free doctor letter template to document controlled meds.
Flying with Medical Devices
From CPAP machines to heart monitors, hearing aids, and portable oxygen concentrators — know what’s allowed in carry-ons or checked bags and when to notify the airline in advance.
Flying with Toiletries & Personal Care Items
Razors, creams, sprays, scissors and razors — what’s allowed? We break down TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule, and explain what goes in carry-on vs checked luggage
Handling Medical Emergencies Abroad
Whether it’s refilling a lost prescription, dealing with a sudden illness mid-flight, or accessing medical evacuation to your home country it’s important to what to do.
💡 Why This Site Exists
Most travel sites overlook the real concerns of people flying with medications, medical devices, or health conditions. But for millions of travelers, forgetting a form or misunderstanding a rule can lead to delays, confiscations—or worse.
I created The Keen Insider to change that. This site is for travelers who can’t afford mistakes at TSA, who need to comply with customs, or who want to know what to do if their medication is lost, denied, or delayed overseas.
Whether you’re flying for medical care, caregiving, or leisure, I’m here to help you prepare with confidence—one carry-on at a time.
Testimonials from Security Experts
From Elyce McKenzie, Lead Trans. Sec. Officer, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Int’l Airport
“Kathy’s dedication to learning about and sharing the latest TSA and customs regulations sets her apart. I’ve known Kathy for 16 years and worked alongside her for ten of those years. No matter what she’s reseaching, she never leaves a stone unturned.”
From Dan Lahrsen, Customs Inspector, Lyon, France
“Kathy has reached out to me and my colleagues in the Middle East and Far East to get hands-on, practical advice to pass on to her readers. She does a great job explaining that travelers need to be aware of customs rules when they enter a country–as their destination’s restrictions. I’ve sent many people to her website because she breaks things down concisely, so you know what to expect.”
🧭 New to Traveling with Medications or Medical Gear?
Start with these popular guides—trusted by over 10,000 travelers:
What Travelers Say
“Kathy eased my panic with her one-on-one advice on traveling to Turkey. Frankly I was terrified because I had a controlled substance my doctor insisted I continue using and I was afraid they would confiscate it or worse, jail me! I learned what permits and documents to bring, and everything went smoothly at customs.”
Lynn Rollinger, Provo Utah
“Finally a clear guide on what I can and can’t bring on a plane!
Louis Bollen, Sawyer, Michigan
Kathy explained how my large bottle of cough medicine is an exception to the 3.4 oz rule because it is a medicine. It was so helpful to have it with me in my carry-on for my sick son.”
Sarah Mathis Berger, Little Rock, Arkansas
