traveling soon....advice re: airport security/pump/insulin

[KEVIN88GT]

this will be the first time I'm traveling (From JFK to Munich) and dont know what steps to take....

-I know liquids arent allowed on planes right? I dont want them to not let me take my pens or insulin vials with me

-I have the minimed 722 pump... I cant let that go through the x-ray machine RIGHT?

- I have the little card that minimed sends with their pump that sais "I am wearing a required medical device prescribed by my physician" but all it sais is my docs name.... no official stamp or anything...

just looking for any and all advice I would need while traveling... thanks in advance

[REDLAN]

in europe liquids are allowed on planes - as long as they are carried in bottles of less than 100ml - about the size of a small shampoo bottle. They have to be placed in a separate clear plastic bag and placed through the scanner - I assume similar security measures apply in the states.

However in the UK/europe you are entitled to carry all necessary medication with you. In the airport I read that you needed to bring a current prescription with your in medication on it. I had a doctors letter - but this was fine - went through security with no problems at all.

I have flown a few times since all the latest security restrictions have come in, and have never had any problems taking insulin onto a plane.

I believe pumps like all electronic devices are fine to go through the scanners - but then won't you be wearing yours?

[KEVIN88GT]

yes I will be wearing mine....just curious as to what to do if they ask me to take it off and make it to through the xray...

[JediSkipdogg]

yes I will be wearing mine....just curious as to what to do if they ask me to take it off and make it to through the xray...

You say NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And then tell them it keeps you alive and you can't take it off. I know, 2 minutes won't hurt, but it's the principal behind it and I believe those x-ray machines can ruin electronics.

I only say that because we had a digital camera my brother took to Vegas one year. It was fine on the way out, he took pictures with no problems, and only once he got home did he notice it all messed up. The memory card was only 10% full but it said it was 100% full. It wouldn't let us format with the camera at all so it couldn't create the proper directory tree on a new media card. Basically, the camera was toast. I think the X-ray machines did it as I have no other logic as to why.

As for everything else, you can take it without any problems. If you want to play it safe, carry some prescriptions with you and a letter from your doctor. However, I know quite a few do that and never need them.

[LauRa Lu]

Are insulin pens and glucose testing meters ok to go through the scanners? I'm assuming they are so I hope i'm correct.

(sorry to high jack the thread a tad.... i'm flying to jfk on friday)

[Glycem]

Over the past xmas holiday I flew from Nashville, TN to Raliegh, NC. I was allowed to carry my small insulin case with meter and insulin syringes and vials on the plane with me. I agree, I wouldn't feal comfortable letting them xray an insulin pump, so you might wanna just contact the airport your flying with and ask them directly so you'll be prepared.

[xxheartstrings]

I have put my insulin pump through the X-Ray machine and it was fine. Of course, I did it on my own because I am a nervous flyer and don't like to be stopped in security. The second time I flew I kept it on because security told me I didn't need to take it off. So I agree with Jedi, they shouldn't ask you to take it off as it is for medical use and keeps you alive!

Also, I called the airline awhile back because I was nervous about bringing my medication/supplies on the plane. They informed me that usually there are no problems because security should be able to recognize that they are medical supplies but to have my prescription/doctor's note with me just in case.

And if any of that fails, you just throw a fit until they give you a free plane ticket! Haha (just kidding...)

[rzrbks]

was on flights back in April and had no problems. I carried extra insulin, many extra blood strips and Lantus pen they just waved them through.

I wore my Iduo in it's case on my belt and all security just assumed that it was a pump. I did have note from Dr. with her official Dr. pad with me just in case. I didn't need it but it made me feel better having it.

Be sure to carry ALL your supplies you're taking with you as you never know where your luggage will end up.

[thomasb]

I too flew from USA to europe quite recently. I had several pens with me and all my testing stuff, no problem. I usually also check with the security people when i can. Oh and ahm, i sometimes mention that i am diabetic when flying internationally, and the flight attendants are usually keen to give you extra food and stuff. Just so you know...

[Aggie06]

A tip for pumpers walking through metal detectors...

If you take the pump out of your pocket and hold it as high as it will go(shoulder level, head level, etc), this will generally prevent it from setting off the detector.

This is highly dependent on the sensitivity of the detectors. For example, the Dallas detectors will beep if the pump is in my pocket, but will not if I hold it above my head. The Chicago and Boston detectors are less sensitive and I can walk through with the pump in my pocket.

[KEVIN88GT]

LOL I hope no terrorist are watching this thread....that's some classified info:flute:

[someone]

The rule is that you can have up to either 4 oz or 3 oz (can't remember) of liquid in your carry on bag. You will be fine. A pump does not have nearly that much liquid.

I have only had the metal detectors ring once. One of the times I was stopped was in Mexico and the other was somewhere in the US. I just showed them the pump and they checked me with the wand then let me go. I have never had a problem with the metal detectors at DFW, even in the new D terminal. I think it really just depends on the time your are there and how many people are traveling. I think they increase the sensitivity on certain days (ie holidays).

Just do what you would normally do and tell them you have diabetes/show them your pump if they have any questions. You don't need any type of official letter or anything.

[kgm0612]

I just got back from vacation. I flew from Boston to Seattle. I carried on ALL my diabetic supplies.......insulin vials, insulin pen & pen tips, infusion sets & reservoirs, meter & test strips. You are allowed to carry a small insulated bag with a gel pack to keep your insulins cold.

In addition to the 3-oz of liquids the TSA permits, as a diabetic you are also allowed a juice box and any other snacks to treat a low. I brought 2 no-sugar added pudding cups, M&M's, and peanut butter crackers on the flight with me. The female scanner detected the pudding cups and wanted to search my bag. I politely explained that I was diabetic and she said "No need to search".

Have a great trip!

Karen

[notme]

MiniMed pumps don't set off metal detectors. I have heard that some other pumps will set them off.

Flying internationally is a bit more complicated than flying domestic. Usually, flying from the US to another country is no problem, but flying back into the US the restrictions are a bit tighter. Flying within the US is a piece of cake.

Take your supplies on board with you. I have never had my pump set off a metal detector, but it has been seen sticking out from my clothes. I have been asked about it, but have never been asked to take it off. You really don't need to carry anything to cool your insulin, but if you prefer, you can carry a gel pack. Coming back into the US be prepared to toss it. Your insulin will stay plenty cool on the flight back.

Have a note if you are concerned. I have only been asked once for a doctors note and it really was given a cursory glance. Keep your insulin in the original box with your Rx label still attached.

Honestly, there is little to worry about. I have never had my hand luggage searched in all of the years of travel except in South Africa.

Have a great time.

[poper77]

I flew 4 times this summer so far and my minimed pump didn't set off the metal detector. 2 of the times the security asked "is that an insulin pump?" THey gave me no problems, no second look. I even had syringes, and testing equipment go thru the x-ray and no problems. I think they train the security to recongnize pumps and medical devices so that people don't feel hassled. I even had a note from my dr, but didn't need to show it to anyone. HTH

[pjams]

Everyone should go to the TSA web site and print the regulations that are posted there and carry the print-out. Read well in advance and know your rights. If they give you hard time at the airport, show the print-out and ask for a supervisor Those people are not trained well and they feel that they have power over you. It has worked well for me, because I also carried pens and other supplies.
Only in Malaysia I was told that I was not in the US and those rules did not apply to them and they took away toothpaste, shampoo, etc, but not insulin & pens. This may happen in other countries also, probably not in Europe.
Good luck!

[JediSkipdogg]

MiniMed pumps don't set off metal detectors. I have heard that some other pumps will set them off.

I think it totally depends on the metal detector. I'll find out again next week when I fly to Vegas. My last flight though I set off only one of the 4 metal detectors I walked through with my pump.

[Connie]

We just got back from the Bahamas this week. I took 8-6oz. juiceboxes in our carryon for my son. Diabetics are allowed to carry juice with them. I had a letter from the Dr. saying he had type 1 and he needed supplies and juice with him at all times. We didn't have any problems with the supplies. We also would not let him go through the Xray because we had a malfunction with his pump from a CT scan that caused a seizure. We told them we did not want his pump X-rayed.

I contacted TSA before our flight just to make sure.

[someone]

We just got back from the Bahamas this week. I took 8-6oz. juiceboxes in our carryon for my son. Diabetics are allowed to carry juice with them. I had a letter from the Dr. saying he had type 1 and he needed supplies and juice with him at all times. We didn't have any problems with the supplies. We also would not let him go through the Xray because we had a malfunction with his pump from a CT scan that caused a seizure. We told them we did not want his pump X-rayed.

I contacted TSA before our flight just to make sure.

It's really quite simple. Carry glucose tablets, if the pump rings with the metal detector, show it to them. They will not make you xray your pump and it is not necessary to contact TSA or get a letter from the doctor. I travel international about 5+ times a year and never have problems.

[Tonysmum]

Does anyone know if it's OK to take a Frio in carry-on, what with it being gel?

[Tattoo azz]

I carry all my insulin with me in frio packs (i don't put my pens in frio packs) whenever i fly and have never had any probs. Tip: Put ALL your meds in your carry on bag, also tell the attendants on the flight that you're diabetic sometimes you do get free meels or drinks (honest, it happened to me on a flight to JFK in '04).

[barbarac]

This is old news (a little late reading this, but may help someone else). The animas did not set off the metal detector alone, but once I put the new clip on it (which is metal), that did set it off. I could not figure out why all of a sudden I was setting off alarms, then remembered the clip as she was wanding me. She was very nice about it. Have never been questioned about my bag of meds--just went right through. As far as other liquids (not diabetic stuff)--one quart zip lock bag only with bottles of no more than 3 oz.

[ubergeek]

I walk through airport metal detectors all the time while wearing my pump and have never had one go off.

I got patted down at the court house one time, they asked what it was, I told them it was a medical device and showed them and they didn't give me any grief about it.

Bottom line is I've never had a problem going through security of any kind.

[artwoman]

I travel to Europe fairly often. I always have the labels from my prescriptions with me. They can easily tell from my passport that I am the person on the label. It also helps should something happen (liked a droped vial of insulin) that requires getting a prescription filled. I hae found that European safety personnel are far more experienced and gracious than ours in the States.

[Keezheekoni]

Just went through SFO, OAK and LAS. Was stopped at LAS for my pump because I forgot to take it out of the leather case, which has metal on the clip.

I was one of the lucky few who on my trip from SFO to LAS I got the special 4 S's at the bottom of my ticket. I got to walk through the machine that blows air all over you and get everything in my carryon inspected thoroughly. I didn't have anything in a ziploc bag, my insulin was in a case with two refrigerator-only gel packs, pills were in a pill case and I didn't have the bottles/scripts with me, I even got through with a bottle of Purell. All the metal on my medicalert bracelet didn't set off the detector either...but the underwire in my bra did! LOL

Don't forget to take off your shoes at security, and if you wear gel inserts in your shoes, they supposedly will confiscate those. I didn't go through with mine, put those in my checked suitcase.

[Worldcrzr]

I have flown all over the world wearing my Cosmo pump and carrying all my supplies which include a Frio wallet with 2 to 3 vials of Novolog, infusion sets, cartridges, syringes (20 to 30 in case of pump failure), test strips and anything else I can think of. I always walk through the security check without any problem. I also tell the screener that I have diabetic supplies and they say fine. I have never been questioned except once when I was reboarding a cruise ship about my pump. Never questioned in an airport. I think if you let them know up front that you have diabetic supplies they can pretty much tell by your actions if you are telling the truth or not.

Everything else goes in my checked luggage. I don't need to carry shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc. in my carry on. I do carry a toothbrush with a very small travel size toothpaste if I'm going to be on a plane for a long time.

Diabetic supplies, medications, tickets and perhaps a magazine along with my toothbrush and travel size toothpaste is all I put in my carry on. I've flown from San Diego to the Antarctic with just that in my carry on.

[MJM]

I went through Chicago and Minneapolis and had no problems with bags. I had a lot of diabetic stuff in the carry-on bag. I did have a problem once and was frisked at Chicago as the bleeper went off when going through. After a lot of wondering we eventually figured it was my glucose tabs, which of course I should have put through the scanner. Apparently the wrapping on those caused the problem. Other than that, no problems whatsoever. I showed my pump and was just waved through.

[notme]

I have flown all over the world wearing my Cosmo pump and carrying all my supplies which include a Frio wallet with 2 to 3 vials of Novolog, infusion sets, cartridges, syringes (20 to 30 in case of pump failure), test strips and anything else I can think of. I always walk through the security check without any problem. I also tell the screener that I have diabetic supplies and they say fine. I have never been questioned except once when I was reboarding a cruise ship about my pump. Never questioned in an airport. I think if you let them know up front that you have diabetic supplies they can pretty much tell by your actions if you are telling the truth or not.

Everything else goes in my checked luggage. I don't need to carry shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc. in my carry on. I do carry a toothbrush with a very small travel size toothpaste if I'm going to be on a plane for a long time.

Diabetic supplies, medications, tickets and perhaps a magazine along with my toothbrush and travel size toothpaste is all I put in my carry on. I've flown from San Diego to the Antarctic with just that in my carry on.


I have also traveled all over the world and never had my pump set off a metal detector. I have gone through airports in New Zealand, US, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean and never had anything questioned. Once when boarding a plane from Botswana to South Africa, I was asked what I was wearing on my waist and I told them an insulin pump and they just waved me on.

I am traveling to Mexico in two weeks and I expect the security to be about the same as in the past. I will carry all of my medications in a labeled box or bottle. I have a letter from my doctor that is about a year old and I will carry that with me. I will pack my Frio case in my checked bag and my insulin on board with me. I think it stays plenty cool in my carry on bag. I also carry back up supplies like Lantus and needles in my carry on bag. I will carry some candy and glucose tabs and my tester.

I really have had no problems traveling at all. There is no need to concern much about carry supplies on board a plane. Get to the airport a bit early in case you are questioned. Other than that. Travel away and have a great vacation.

[Tim_Roy]

I've been flying with insulin pumps since 1982. Back then they'd seem to have a mild suspicion that I was a 14 year old member of the SLA looking to hijack the plane to Cuba or something. After a little explanation and another look at me they were fine with it. It never hurt to pull up the shirt and show the needle site. :eek:

But in more recent years (especially with TSA) they will know you have a pump before you even mention it.

Just a note on how to go through more smoothly:

You may want to avoid making a point of saying "THIS IS MY INSULIN PUMP!" and pointing to it. That seems like an unusual reaction for someone living with a medical device. It COULD get you stopped, frisked and all the rest. As if you had something dangerous and were wanting them to mistake it for something innocuous like a pump.

The best way is to walk through, and wait for them to point at your pump. "Oh, that's my insulin pump." It's so much a part of your body that you don't even think (or maybe want) to call attention to it. Some people (unfortunately) are embarrassed about wearing a pump or other medical devices.

As often as not they will just ask you if it's a pump. Say "yes," and act impressed that they recognized it.

[Hammie37]

I have had the airport securiity sensor go off in a number of airports: o'hare, sfo, denver... and i know most people dont want to take it off because "it keeps them alive" but if the sensor goes off, being wanded is pretty embarassing. if you're not particularily good at taking a stand i.e. shy, just take it off and hand it to the person at the sensor, walk through, then have him hand your pump back to you. these days its best not to make a fuss at an airport.

[DeusXM]

Ah, being wanded is no big deal at all. No-one really cares, no-one's there thinking 'OMG that's a terrorist'.

Seriously, the moment you tell a member of airport security that you have diabetes, in my experience they can't do enough for you. They're told they have to be actively more understanding of people with diabetes and so generally they are.

[Alice]

I agree with the earlier posts...it's really not a big deal. If I were traveling international, I'd pack back up insulin in checked bag...just as a back-up if you should go through some obscure countries with obscure security practices.

Most important, keep a letter from your doctor handy. Mine is tucked inside my case that I keep supplies. It's a basic one-liner that says these medications and supplies are medically-related for diabetes Type 1. On the doctors letterhead. I also staple a doctor's business card to the letterhead.

I've never needed the letter in 30 years of travel...both domestic and international. I was asked once in Paris what my insulin pen was for (I wasn't carrying a carry-on, which is a security flag) and I was briefly "wanded" which, as Deus said, is not big deal. My husband had my carry-on 5 steps ahead of me...but she didn't ask to see any letter or such.

Really, not a big deal. But, it's good to ask questions.

[dazzy34]

I am flying from South Africa to the UK in a few weeks time with Virgin, when i booked i was asked if i had any special dietary requirements so i told them i was Diabetic, the nice lady informed me that i can pre-order a "Diabetic" meal and that i would get served first. I dread to think though what exactly i will end up getting.............
I'm thinking about laying it on a bit thick when i check in to see if i get an upgrade to biz class, it might work, probably not but worth a try.

[Starbuck]

I always fly with all my supplies in a carry on bag and a note from my doc in my purse. My purse gets searched at almost every airport I've been in and as soon as I say "I'm diabetic" they're okay.
The only problem I had was at O'Hare a few months ago. I had a large ziplock bag full of juice boxes, granola bars and fruit bars. This one woman in security tried to take it away from me (even after I said "diabetic!") because you can't bring liquids or outside food onto the plane. Thankfully another security guard overheard this and told her that I was infact allowed to have it because it due to the diabetes and it was all prepackaged food. I'm actually concerned about the security points that don't search my bag!

[MJM]

I travelled from Europe to Chicago and back. I informed everyone I was a diabetic and had no problem whatsoever. They will allow you take anything relating to your diabetes with you. Carry all your insulin or pens with you in your carry on bag. Everyone seemed to know what the pump was and there wasn't one problem relating to it. So don't worry.