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

KEVIN88GT · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 08:30 PM

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 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 11:11 PM

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 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 03:44 AM

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 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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...

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 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 04:06 AM

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 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 04:39 AM

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 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 11:13 AM

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 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 12:33 PM

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 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 01:32 PM

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 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 01:24 PM

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 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 01:28 PM

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

someone · #12 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 02:31 PM

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 · #13 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 06:37 AM

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 · #14 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 07:36 AM

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 · #15 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 08:29 AM

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