Testing and travelling

[mg_2204]

... I've been wondering about testing and travelling since it will be my first flight since I've been put on meds. I do test on a more regular basis now. My sugars don't crash anymore but I like to check from time to time. I am terrified of flying so I don't know what will happen with my sugars.

So here goes the stupid questions:

If I test during the flight will my meter be confiscated? Will my meter make it through security at the gates in the first place? There was something posted on the forum a while ago on the matter but I can't find it. If I remember correctly, someone had mentioned it was better to have a letter from your doc. Would that help?

A while ago I had my meter and my pen in my handbag. I was asked to empty my handbag and the woman looked at my meter and pen but probably had no clue what the pen was for. They did take away tiny cissors I had in my handbag, cissors I'd use for fingernails. Perhaps my pen would have been taken away too had they known it had a needle in it??! As if I could stab to death a person with such a tiny needle... :secruity:

Thank you for your time!

[SVanderkolff]

I have been reading a book for new diabetics and it mentions flying post 911. A card from your doctor stating that you are diabetic, keeping your kit together in a pouch, on flight snacks and a medic alert bracelet were all recommended. Security may still have a problem but if you have all of that you should be okay.
STeve

[travis]

Hi

I've not had one bit of trouble with my kit post 9/11, I always have it in my carry on.

If a screener gives you trouble over it, immediately request a supervisor. The current FAA guidelines allow carring everything a diabetic needs in a carry on, and using such on a plane, including syringes and meters. I have a FAA link here somewhere, I'll see if I can find it...

[travis]

http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy-and-legalresources/discrimination/public_accommodation/travel.jsp

also, if it's a long flight with meals, DO NOT assume that the airline will get it right. The last two times I flew, they "forgot" that I had pre-arranged a diabetic meal, and gave me a low-fat (translation: high sugar and starch) meal. Carry food. The first time I didn't, and I got to explore new highs :-)

[buzzborne]

Hey Marie,

I always carry my meter/finger pricker and Pens in my hand luggage and never have had a problem, when they ask do I have any sharp objects in my hand luggage I just say hypodermic needles and they are fine, I just have to tell security at departures (which sometimes I have to admit that I dont do) I have only ever been asked once at check in if I had a Dr's note, and got told off for not having one, but they went quiet when I showe them my medic alert bracelet.

When I went travelling around Europe, my diabetic nurse gave me a letter for free saying that I have needles/meter/pen with me, but if you are worried the best thing would probably be is to get a Dr's note then they can't hassle you (though be warned they can charge you for this letter!! upto £15 I was told...)

I had my bag searched randomly when flying home from the US last easter... had no questions asked about the amount of pens in my hand luggage....!

Hope this helps some?! :)

[lgvincent]

Your first time flying since you got diabetes? Just remember, when you see that gargoyle on the plane's wing and it looks like it's tearing one of the engines off, it's supposed to be out there and it's just giving the engine the care it needs to keep it running smoothly. When the plane suddenly drops a few thousand feet leaving a few people on the ceiling, that happens a lot, nothing to worry about. It's times like that when I'm glad they don't serve food on the planes any longer. When you hear those popping sounds, like rivets coming lose, that's supposed to happen. The gargoyles will replace them once they've finished with the engine. You see the crew members wearing parachutes and running for the door? Probably means they are just playing a prank on someone. Besides, you've got an automatic pilot so you really don't need the crew any more.

You'll be fine. Hey! I've got tickets for the Hindenburgs next crossing! We'll be headed for Lakehurst, New Jersey on May 3rd. See ya there on the 6th!

[koblenz]

Well MG, I don't know about your side of the pond, but I have not had any problems what so ever here in the states. Have flown a number of times... with a pump.

I don't think it applies over there, but here are the official rules for America: http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=090005198007c1b9

No security screener has EVER questioned the items in my kit, meter included. They have questioned my pump, but after I explain and they take a quick look, I am on my way.

Good luck, don't be scared.. you will do just fine.

[am1977]

I wouldn't worry too much about traveling, Marie :wink:. I think most airlines are aware of what diabetics need to carry on flight. To be safe, you might want to obtain a doctor's note saying that you need to carry your testing supplies and other diabetic supplies with you at all times. Also, you may want to bring snacks as well :lollypop: . Sometimes airline food can be unpredictable...it could be little or nothing, or it could be something you may not like. It's good to have some food to nibble on if you should need it :eating: .

Hope you have a great trip! :flybye:

[mg_2204]

Thank you everyone to take the time to answer! It is much appreciated :) :) :)

I can't get a letter. I phoned the surgery but couldn't see my doc nor the nurse. We leave in the early hours of Monday. Booking a holiday last minute makes you save lots of money but... there is always a downside I guess. This is definately one. I still don't have a Medic Alert bracelet or chain...

I will have my medication, exemption certificate and all my supplies in my handbag. If they can't figure out I really need my pen... well I give up! :banghead:

Thanks again!

[Richard B]

I fly literally every other week and found the best method is to announce to the TSA agent that you have diabetic supplies and does he/she want you to separate them from the other carry-on items. They always respond "no" but it let's them know what you have.

I've only heard Las Vegas airport is stinky about it to some extent.

Richard B

[zookeeper671]

Your first time flying since you got diabetes? Just remember, when you see that gargoyle on the plane's wing...
ROFL

Come to think of it, I haven't flown either, since I was dxd in Oct. 2003. I drive everywhere because I refuse to put my 20 pound Bichon in the belly of a plane. I've been to the airport many times to pick up my bf's son, though. Because he's a minor, they let me go through the check-point and meet him at the gate. I've always had my supplies with me each time and have never been stopped, or asked a question. The just scan my purse, me, and my incredibly dangerous Birkenstocks, then let me move on.

[lambchop]

When I flew and put my luggage through the screener I told the screener there was a testing kit in the bag. He stopped the screener - stared at the monitor for a minute - called over someone else - I told them - it is a testing kit - they pulled me over for a search - searched the bag by hand - still never looked at the monitor bag - sometimes you get someone that has the brain of a nat but you will get through it - if anyone gives you problems - as stated above - don't waste time - call the supervisor.

[mg_2204]

Everything's ready, I'm all set to go Monday morning. Thanks to you guys I have a better idea what to do. My supplies are all together in a pouch. If they give me a hard time I will call for the supervisor. I would have never thought of doing so... BG went as high as 14 mmol/L yesterday (stress?) so I really need to keep an eye on it. Flight will be 4 hours of sheer misery :thumpdown See you in Sept guys!!