Flying with supplies and or the Pump

[ArinB]

I was just wondering if anyone can give me any advice on flying with the pump or with diabetes supplies in general. I have an upcoming trip planned and I want to make sure I am prepared.

It has been years since I was on a plane, so I know the security stuff has certainly changed...

Any advice, or resources for where to find information will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

[Alim]

Hi,

Last time i traveled i found i nice guide on the minimed website. Here is the link:
TravelTips: Medtronic of Canada (http://www.minimed.ca/home.aspx?pagename=TravelTips&language=English)

HTH,
-Alim

[fgummett]

From my experience of both domestic and international travel... most airport security screeners are aware of Insulin Pumps and diabetes supplies. I always wear my pump through the metal detector. To be safe, carry a letter from your doctor explaining what supplies you must have with you. Carry at least some of your supplies on board with you... I understand that most cargo holds are now heated, so less risk of frozen insulin, but luggage can still get lost or delayed. :) You'll be OK with any medical supplies, including needles syringes etc..., especially if you have that letter but don't bring anything else sharp through security; like a pocket-knife or nail-scissors... these would be confiscated, so pack them in your checked baggage. Be prepared to take off your shoes and even your belt, so dress casual and comfortable.
There are strict limits to the amount of liquids you can take through security but insulin is exempt. They don't feed us much if at all on flights these days, so be sure you are prepared with snacks if needed. If, like me, you get thirsty when flying you can still carry an empty water bottle through security and then fill it once through screening... cheaper for you and not so reliant on the cabin-crew bringing water in a timely fashion. Have a great trip!

[GretchO]

I'd strongly advise carrying your supplies with you - I made the mistake of packing a few "non-essentials" (like my inserters for the infusion set and sensor, charger for my sensor transmitter) on the homeward leg of a trip and our luggage was lost, never to be found again. Fortunately my minimed rep replaced all the things I lost, gratis, but while those things were not essential for that part of the trip I sure did wish I had them when I got home. Stupid me!!!

Oddly, the airline kept calling over the next couple of weeks asking if our luggage had "made it home yet" like it was a wayward pet and not something THEY had lost.

[fgummett]

I'd strongly advise carrying your supplies with you - I made the mistake of packing a few "non-essentials" (like my inserters for the infusion set and sensor, charger for my sensor transmitter) on the homeward leg of a trip and our luggage was lost, never to be found again. Fortunately my minimed rep replaced all the things I lost, gratis, but while those things were not essential for that part of the trip I sure did wish I had them when I got home. Stupid me!!!

Oddly, the airline kept calling over the next couple of weeks asking if our luggage had "made it home yet" like it was a wayward pet and not something THEY had lost.I hope the airline compensated you?

[notme]

Don't worry about keeping your insulin cold until you get to your destination. It will keep fine in your carry-on luggage.

Pack snacks. I usually pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as they keep fresh for a long time and it is much needed sugar and protein if you need it.

Don't drink soda for several days before your flight or on your flight and you won't have a "swelling" problem. Drink water. Stay away from salty snacks.

Exercise your legs if your flight is long. Stand in the back of the plane and do some leg stretches. This will help avoid deep vein thrombosis.

When you pack carry ons, pack a small bag inside your bigger bag. The small bag can be removed and put under the seat. This will carry things you need on your flight like meter, snacks, books, ipod. Your extra clothes can go in the overhead. That way if you need anything and are by a window, you won't have to disturb anyone just go get to your meter.

Carry antibacterial wipes. Wipe down seat belt buckle, seat arms, touch screen tv on seat back. Turn off the air vent so it is not blowing in your face. This just helps to keep the germs at bay.

Pack a dry washcloth in a baggie. You can wet it on the plane and have a good wash-up when it is needed. It helps if you will be sleeping on the plane.

Wear COMFORTABLE clothes. Wear slip on shoes. You won't have to stop and tie shoes when going through security.

Carry all spare diabetes supplies with you on the plane. Carry Lantus in case of pump failure and no ability to get a new pump overnighted to you.

Scan and email a copy of your passport to yourself. That way your passport information is always just a computer away if your passport gets stolen or lost.

Have a spare meter in your packed luggage. If you happen to lose your meter, you will have a backup.

Have a great trip.

[GretchO]

I hope the airline compensated you?

Eventually they did...we also STUPIDLY packed our camera and video camera - electronics are NOT compensated for by airlines. Fortunately our homeowners covered that. There's a max the airline will cover - I think the airline we were on covers up to $3,000. So they compensated us for pretty much all what we had itemized (that took a lot of brain power), but it's still a bummer (lost a lovely bottle of Glenrothes). And some stuff is just irreplaceable (daughter's favorite pair of jammies).

Sorry to sidetrack the OP's thread...but do carry on your supplies and electronics.

[morrisma]

I have traveled domestically, to europe and costa rica with no problems. Frankfort security did a fairly thorough inspection of my pump, actually 3 different inspections, but really no problems.

I pack all my supplies in a separate ditty bag including meter, strips, extra infusion sets, insulin, serter, bandaids, iv prep, etc. I ALWAYS take that on the plane with me. I may check more infusion sets in check luggage but always have at least two changes with me. Enough so that I can get an emergency drop from medtronic if need be without missing a beat.

I used to carry copies of scripts but I haven't for years. No one seems to care very much.

Snacks are a must.
Mike

[ArinB]

Thank you all so much for the information, and input. It really means a lot, and I am already feeling more comfortable about flying. I am making a checklist to go over for the next month to make sure I don't forget anything when I go.

You guys have been a great resource, and I really and truly appreciate it. Hope I can do the same for you someday as well!

Thank you all again!

[Deb7]

I just flew last month. I can't remember which airline it was, but the web site for the airline had a section where it actually stated exactly how to travel with diabetes supplies. I put everything inside a plastic bag inside my carry-on, along with a note from my endo stating that I must be allowed to travel with these things (and of course, snacks and water). I didn't have any problems at all. They ran my carry-on through the scanner, and didn't ask any questions... It was so much easier than I thought it would be.

[barbarac]

Pump never set off the security thing, but the new clip for the Animas 1250 Pump (it is metal) did set it off. Before I put the clip off I just walked right through. I always have the blue bag packed with insulin and all that. They never questioned it. One time the security unzipped it, looked, and sent it on. Keep in mind also that all liquids and stuff (like shampoos) have to be in a 1 qt. ziplock. No gels allowed. They will not take a clear bag that comes with case, had to be in a regular zip lock. I haven't flown in a while, so this may have changed though. They never questioned diabetic supplies though.

[xMenace]

I always pack two complete kits with plenty of extras, epsecially for int'l as getting supplies is problematic. Prepare for one kit to be lost or stolen.

[owlyn]

I have never done anything special with my supplies or insulin. I've never had a problem at any airport.

[Erin]

Airport security usually are familiar with D supplies. I actually was the first D one screener saw. It was kind of interesting to watch.

He stopped the belt through the xray thingy and called another guy over to ask what he was looking at. Other guy whispered something to him, and they let me have my bag no questions asked.

Things that I have had problems with. Laptop computer (you're supposed to take the battery out). Bottle of wine (not allowed) tweezers, cigarette lighter, small scisors, nail clipper (all confiscated).

I did wonder once if it was really sane to let me on board with enough humalog to kill everyone on board, but I couldn't have my tweezers!!! Not that I'd ever use D stuff to hurt anybody... but really, what am I going to do with tweezers, pluck you to death?

Oh and if you're flying internationally, make sure your snacks don't have animal products in them. My ham and cheese sandwich was a no-go when I landed once. PB and J are the way to go.

[dbdb]

. Laptop computer (you're supposed to take the battery out). Bottle of wine (not allowed) tweezers, cigarette lighter, small scisors, nail clipper (all confiscated).


A lighter is allowed again. No need to remove laptop battery.
Tweezers ok.
Small scissors ok.


Check TSA.gov

[Type1Ely]

Hello! my name is elyana(ely for short) and this past year i've been to california to visit family twice and i will say that airport security is still strict but what I did was get a typed note from my endocrinologist stating that I had type 1 diabetes and required to carry all necessary supplies, insulin, food and drinks with me at all times. Normally, they never gave me a problem except for when I went through airport security. I had to take out all my supplies and note and show them my diabetic bracelet and explain to them my condition and i was able to pass through in about 5 mins after taking everything out of my purse and putting it back in. So hopefully that helps. oh..make sure to have a lot of snacks with you because now you have to buy your own food on the plane or buy some at the airport before you board. they do give you beverages and a pack of peanuts and crackers but meals cost about $7 minimum, so have cash with you also! have a safe trip and enjoy

[lilituc]

Tweezers ok.

I know it says that, but as recently as last year (the last time I tried to take tweezers) I had them confiscated. Since I didn't want a hassle over any of my diabetes stuff and medication and it was already a big production, I did not try to argue. Every previous time I had tweezers in the past five years, they have been confiscated, despite being explicitly allowed. So you may still find problems.

[buttons]

Call the airline you are traveling on and ask what their guide lines are. The last time I flew , I did need a letter from my endo to account for my needles etc.

I carried a seperate bag ... small shoulder bag with all my supplies in it. Plus insulin..and a cold pak. It worked fine.

Bulk head seats give more leg room for comfort

Have a wonderful trip :)

[notme]

You can call the airlines but, they will tell you one thing and what happens at the gate is another. Leave the tweezers in your packed bag and don't bother with them. No need to have things confiscated or stopped at the security check. Just pack light and have a change of clothes. Put valuables and medications in your carry on and everything else, just pack.