Airports, Traveling, Pumps and Insulin .....

[TonyAlmeida]

When I was first diagnosed .... I kind of didn't want to go anywhere anymore initially. I just wanted to stay at home, hide myself under a rock, and just curl up and disappear.

Well - now many moons later - I'm sick of being a self-imposed prisoner in my own home. This is no way to live - I want to travel and see places again. Like I used to. While I still can. I threw away so many opportunities when I didn't have T1 that I kick myself for now because I always thought I had all the time in the world .... how was I supposed to know I'd only have a certain number of years.

Anyhow .... I've done a lot of car trips - learned that every couple hours you need to pull over and walk around a bit or watch the BG skyrocket.

But I haven't flown since I've been diagnosed. With all the anti terrorist things at airports nowdays and the security checks and the screenings .... can any one of you share your experiences and tips for a once-again-newbie-airline-passenger?

Does the X-Ray machine really ruin insulin vials? Do the metal detectors and wands mess with the RF on your pump? Does the TSA really make you take your pump off? Does TSA hassle you about the pump and supplies you bring on board like lancets? Seems like every educator I talk to say yes and no to the same question. :^( Flight delays are traumatic enough, having your insulin zapped .... hmmm ....

I know I need an Rx Letter .... just wondering what else I can expect?

I'd really like to get the traveling part of my life back. It'll make me feel almost like a normal person again. Or at least, I hope it will.

[BeadieJay]

Hi Tony

I'm sorry that I can't offer any advice about airports etc, but I just wanted to say that I think it's great that you want to start travelling again.

I hope you have some fantastic trips, and that you'll tell us all about them!

good luck :)

[PepsiLvr]

Hello again. I just did some traveling with my MM712 and had no problems whatsoever. Here are the details...

What I brought for an overnight stay traveling through 2 airports, Chicago and Detroit

syringes
lancets
BG meter
Pump
infusion sets
insulin

All of these items were brought in on my carry on bag. I didn't even get questioned as to why I had syringes or anything. (actually scares me a bit)

My pump did NOT set off the metal detector in Chicago but it did at Detroit. The TSA will NOT make you remove your pump and most of the sedurity people know about pumps.

If you go to the TSA's website and read the Permitted and Prohibited Items (PDF) (http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=183&content=09000519800720a4) listing you will see that all of your supplies can be carried on the plane.

As far as I know the X-ray machines do not harm insulin. I don't know about the new machines for CHECKED baggage, but the regular X-ray machines did not hurt my Novolog.

I really don't think that you will be hassled.

Originally posted by TonyAlmeida
I threw away so many opportunities when I didn't have T1 that I kick myself for now because I always thought I had all the time in the world .... how was I supposed to know I'd only have a certain number of years.

You don't only have a "certin number of years" just because of diabetes. You have just as many as anyone else. This is just a silly thought that is basically a self-fufilling prophecy. Go out and live your life.

Good luck and GO SOMEWHRE ALREADY!! :) lol

[Belinda]

You won't have any problems with the pump. I went to Europe this summer and never once did I set off any alarms...customs and all. I did have a note written on the prescription pad of my doctor to allow my supplies etc.... I did have to ride one of those small planes and they wanted me to put my carry on below. I just explained to them that it was medical stuff due to diabetes and they gladly allowed it on and put in in one of the closets (one of those short fights where I needed nothing) but told me if I needed anything please let them know.


Get out and enjoy your life...diabetes is a thing to live with not hide from.

[HeatherP]

Glad to hear you've decided to live a little!

I'm on MDI, but as far as x-rays ruining things, I don't think they do. When I was first dx'd, my meter literature said not to run it thru xray machines (carry on or ck'd luggage). The next time I traveled I called the manufacturer of my new monitor and they said not to worry about it.

I know how fustrating it is to get different answers to the same question. Call or go to the website of the manufacturer of whatever it is you're concerned about, and trust their info.

I haven't traveled internationally, but up to now (incl post 9/11) my supplies have not presented me w/ any problems getting on planes - including my glucagon injection which has a HUGE needle. Always make sure you take along more than you will need, just in case.

Have a great time, and be sure to post some pics!
HeatherP

[DDR_Freak88]

I went to Florida with no problems... If they were like wtf are these needles for id be like im diabetic easy as that... If they gave me problems id just be liek dude want me to stab you and give you 5 units!!! haha i wouldnt do that but it owuld be funny.

[koblenz]

Hey Tony,

I don't think you will have any problems, and by all means get out there!

I have been T1 for 8 months and I have flown 4 times. No problems. None of the x-ray machines damaged any of my equipment or vials. I carry EVERYTHING in my carry on, just in case. Here are some tips I have learned:

1. Have the original packaging with original prescription labels on them.

2. Be sure to pack about twice the supplies you will need for your trip (what if you get delayed? What if you break something?). Better to be safe than sorry.

3. Bring food/snacks/glucose tablets and a bottle of water for the plane ride. Also, if you are delayed and have to sit on the plane...

4. Make sure you have some kind of ID that tells folks you are diabetic (ID tags, card in wallet, etc). Just in case...

5. If you are nervous about the x-ray machine (which I was the first time I flew post Dx), you can ask the guard at the machine for a "hand-inspection" before stepping through. Just explain you are diabetic, and don't feel comfortable going through with your pump. Every time I asked, the guards were very cool and understanding. Of course I did not have a pump, but I was still nervous...

6. If it will be a trip overseas or a long trip to some remote location, don't forget to look into getting a loaner pump from your pump manufacturer. All of the manufacturers I have looked into have a program for this. It was free too!

I am about to get a pump, and the issue of x-ray machines messing them up concerned me also. I met with 4 different pump company sales reps and asked them the same question. They all answered it the same. It was no problem. They explained that since it is a medical device approved by the FDA, they have to think about those types of "lifestyle" issues and build in safeguards accordingly. They also assured me that things like microwaves, powerlines, radio transmitters, and the like will not disrupt the pump.

So have fun, and you better come back here and post some pictures from your adventures!

[notme]

Hi Tony,

I wear a MiniMed 508 pump and I travel a lot internationally as well as domestically. I have had little to no trouble with carrying my supplies or going through security. Only once was my bag hand searched as I passed through security in Africa. They were very tight with security, but informed me that they had to make reasonable accomodation for me and asked me to give my supplies to the flight attendant when I boarded the plane. They didn't ask when I boarded and I didn't offer.

The best item I have purchased for travel is the Frio travel pack. The Frio is a water activated reusable pouch that keeps your insulin cold. You can find them online in several different sizes. I take mine everywhere and it has never failed to keep my insulin cold for several days.

I got a loaner pump from MiniMed when I went to Africa and did not need to use it. It was nice to have the backup.

I always carry a note from my doctor, but actually have never had to show it.

My pump goes through the xray with no adverse effects and it does not set off the alarm. I was asked once about it by security as it was showing outside of my shirt. I told them and insulin pump and they waved me through.

I always carry syringes, extra supplies and insulin on board with all of my pump supplies as well. I have never been stopped by security when they have xrayed my bag. They must see a lot of diabetes supplies daily.

My best hint of all is this. If you go swimming while on vacation and you put your pump back on after you swim......don't shower with it on!!!! LOL. I did this stupid trick, but luckily my pump was forgiving.

Have a great time on vacation and bring back lots of pics.

Nancy

[notme]

Oh the other piece of advice I have is change the time on your pump about every two hours. It helps you ease into your new time zone. When we travel where the time difference is more than three hours, I just push the pump time ahead every few hours to adjust. It has worked like a charm.

Nancy

[overclock]

I traveled the week after I got my pump. I read somewhere to request to be hand wanded because I had an insulin pump. Well, let's just say that the guy got a little fresh with the pump. Boldly go where no man has gone before. I said forget this after I was done.

Now I simply disconnect it and throw it in the bin with the rest of the stuff, ie shoes, keys, etc. It won't kill you to be off the pump for a minute to go thru security and the x-rays haven't hurt it yet.

One time I pulled my pump out of my pocket and threw it in the bin and the security lady said, "You can do that?" "I just did." Saves a lot of hassle in the long run. Just watch your bin so nobody grabs your stuff. But I've always done that anyways.

I've NEVER been questioned about my supplies, needles, syringes, insulin, tester, anything. I used to have my insulin hand inspected but don't anymore. I leave everything in my backpack and put it in the bin.

Do take snacks or something on the airplane with you. What if the plane goes out on the tarmac and sits there for an hour? Your sugars go low and havoc ensues.

Most of all, enjoy your trip. Travelling is fun and I'm glad to hear that you're going to start again.