Sharps on Planes

Jinx13 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 05:15 AM

Is it a problem to carry sharps on airplanes?

How do you transport your insulin when traveling long distances?

Regards

valc3 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 05:22 AM

Flew to Pittsburg last weekend. Carried insulin, sharps, meter, etc. Insulin was in a Frio pack(works great). Had a letter from my Dr stating necessary. I didn't have any problems. Carry insulin with you, don't put it in your checked bags.

JediSkipdogg · #3 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 05:29 AM

Take it ALL on the plane with you. DO NOT put it in luggage that goes under the plane.

Airport security has to let you through with needles and insulin. You shouldn't even need a note for it, but if you are a worrysome person, you could get your doctor to write you a note saying you are diabetic and need those items with you at all times.

I have heard of diabetics packing their supplies in their luggage and not their carryons. What happens when your luggage ends up somewhere else? Only 98% of luggage makes it to it's destination with it's owner. Of that 98%, 99% is returned to it's owner. However, it may take up to a month to return it to it's owner. So basically your entire vacation you could be screwed without insulin or needles. 2% lost sounds small, but that means that on a fully loaded Boeing 747, 9 people will lose their luggage. Do you want to be one of those 9?

OK, sorry to ramble on, simple answer to your question, just take it on with you.

parrotletzoo · #4 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 05:42 AM

Never put insulin in luggage that is not being carried on. 1. luggage compartments in airplanes are not pressurized like people compartments are

and 2. they aren't heated and frozen insulin = not good. Also like others said, what do you do if you are separated from your luggage and meds?

personally, I would carry on all meds and supplies, and also have written scripts in case I were separated from them.

poodlebone · #5 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinx13

Is it a problem to carry sharps on airplanes?

How do you transport your insulin when traveling long distances?

Regards

I have never, ever mentioned anything about diabetes when traveling. All supplies were in my cary-on (backpack) and no screener has ever said anything to me about it. If you're worried about what to do with used sharps while on a plane, just bring a small, sturdy puncture proof container to keep them in. I've found that an empty Altoids tin works great for containing sharps when away from home.

Diana · #6 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 01:45 PM

I am headed off on a long flight tonight, from Western Australia to the UK. I have a note from my doc about my supplies and pump, and I am just carrying my insulin in my carry on at room temp. If your worried about the temperatures, you could use a frio bag or something. I know some people ask the air hostess to put their insulin in the fridge, but I think that a bad idea. I want to have my insulin in my very own hands the entire flight.

As far as getting a letter from your Doc, I think its a pretty good idea. I think its only fair if we expect to be allowed to carry sharps on the plane that we have some decent proof that we need them. Make it easy for yourself and security, carry a note from your Doc.

jeggeman31 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

99% is returned to it's owner. However, it may take up to a month to return it to it's owner.

When I flew from London to New York, then to Columbus mine was lost, and it took PanAm (ya that is how long ago it was) 6 1/2 months to find and return my stuff. By then I had to replace it all anyway.