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11-30-2008, 02:08 AM
|  | Junior Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Aberystwyth
Posts: 81
| | | Flying
Since I was diagnosed, I haven't been on a plane. I'm not sure what to do in the airport and in airport security when they look in my suitcase and find a syringe and blood testing kit. I can't really tell them that I'm diabetic, since they won't just let me through. They'll need proof. Help please...
__________________
T1 since Sept 2, '08
Ascenia Contour meter
Insulin levels 7-5-8-10   |
11-30-2008, 02:13 AM
|  | Senior Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hastings Melbourne Australia
Posts: 4,814
| | A doctor's note would come in handy and maybe more but what?  I cannot think of more.
__________________
Peter... |
11-30-2008, 02:23 AM
|  | Senior Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Universe, Planet Earth :P
Posts: 1,388
| | | Just ask your doctor to write a note to show to the security and customs in case they ask for it. I've never needed to show the letter when travelling, it's usually enough to just say you're insulin dependant diabetic and show the medic alert if having one, if not just being waved through. Diabetes is so common these days, so most airport workers are quite familiar with all the syringes, pens, testingequipment and even pumps. Just remember to NEVER have your supplies in the checked in bag. Carry it in your carry on bag! If you're travelling with friends or family, ask them to have some of your supplies in their carry on aswell, it's risky to have it all in the same bag if it can be avoided, if you have your supplies spread out a bit among your travel companions, you won't lose all your supplies if your carry on bag is lost for some reason.
__________________ 
Type1 since october 2004.
Silver Animas 2020 (but on pump break) 
MDI: Novorapid and Levemir with Novopen4 
Mainly testing with: OneTouch UltraSmart called "The Vampire" and a Freestyle LITE called Buffy
hbA1c feb 2009: 5.1 |
11-30-2008, 03:11 AM
| | Senior Member
I am a: Type 1.5 | | Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: RURAL NSW AUSTRALIA
Posts: 935
| |  Hi
A letter from your Dr is good advice. Also I keep some supplies with me and have some in my case. Also spare scripts just in case.
Last time I tavelled they were more concerned about the metal buckles on my sandals then my bag full of insulin pens needles etc
__________________ Take care from Alicat61
Meds Byetta 10mgs twice day Started on 1st Feb 2008) Working well for me
Humalog 3 x day
Lantus daily
Metformin 1gm 3x a day
Aticand 32mg daily
Propranalol 40 mgs 2 x a day
150 mg aspirin daily (I need to have shares in my chemist shop) |
11-30-2008, 05:08 AM
|  | Senior Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia
Posts: 5,438
| | Quote:
Originally Posted by rwyncaruvegas37  Since I was diagnosed, I haven't been on a plane. I'm not sure what to do in the airport and in airport security when they look in my suitcase and find a syringe and blood testing kit. I can't really tell them that I'm diabetic, since they won't just let me through. They'll need proof. Help please... | Yes, they probably will just let you through. I recently traveled through a number of countries will oodles of supplies and usually they barely blink. But, best to have a doctor's note ready to pull out in case - It just has to state your diabetic status and any equipment you are carrying (and look legitimate, of course).
__________________
−− Type 1 since 1991
≈≈ MDI with Levemir and Novorapid / MM 722 Pump since 2007
~~ Metformin ER since Sep 2009 |
11-30-2008, 06:00 AM
|  | Member
I am a: Parent | | Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hawaii
Posts: 103
| | | My late husband had Type 1 diabetes, as does our 12 year old daughter. We've never had any trouble going through airport security with test kits, syringes, etc. My husband used to carry a doctor's note but was never asked to show it. We also kept medications in their original boxes with prescription labels.
As others have noted, make sure all your supplies are in carry-on luggage -- not checked. |
11-30-2008, 06:27 AM
| | Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Jersey
Posts: 143
| | Traveling with supplies is not a problem at all. Here is a link to the TSA website that explains it all.
TSA: Hidden Disabilities
I have made many trips both domestic and international with no confrontations at all. As a matter of fact I have been very surprised at how accommodating most of the security folks have been. I have always carried a prescription and letter from my doc but have never been asked for it. Enjoy your trip.
__________________
Frank
Necrotizing pancreatitis 2003
Dx 2004 Secondary diabetes
Pumping since July 2008
Started with Animas 2020
Now using Animas Ping
A1C
7/08 7.4
10/08 6.9
2/09 6.8
7/09 7.1
10/09 6.9 |
11-30-2008, 09:50 AM
|  | Senior Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Topanga CA
Posts: 1,313
| | | Hi - I travelled back and forth to Canada earlier this year and had no difficulty - I just told the security folks that I had syringes and insulin and asked if they wanted to check it - no one batted an eye. Make sure, though, that your passport and the name on your prescriptions match. |
11-30-2008, 10:00 AM
| | Senior Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,466
| | | I fly all the time. You don't even need a doctor's note. I've NEVER been questioned about syringes, sets, or pump supplies. They see diabetics enough to recognize these items. They won't "search through" your suitcase either, unless you're flying internationally, and even then, not always. You just put your carry on (which is where your supplies needs to be) on the conveyor belt, walk through the detector, and move along. I've never had them say anything, except maybe, while pointing at pump, "You need to take your cell phone off."
"It's not a cell phone, it's a medical device," will suffice here.
They will take your word that you're diabetic and won't ask for proof.
If it makes you feel better, you can get a doctor's note. I usually do this for international flights. I've never needed to use it, though. |
11-30-2008, 10:33 AM
|  | Senior Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 558
| | | I've traveled through several South American countries and all over the U.S. and have never had a problem or even been questioned about the numerous vials/syringes on my person going through security...
i wouldn't worry about it... |
11-30-2008, 03:46 PM
|  | Banned
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas
Posts: 387
| | | Here in the US I've never had a problem. Sometimes they don't even ask. If they do I'll point to my supplies, they open it up and they're fine with it. I'm always cool about it though, never get offended. TSA employees are like anybody else, sometimes you catch em on a good day, sometimes they look for trouble. |
11-30-2008, 04:35 PM
| | Member
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kentucky
Posts: 343
| | | I have read in magazines and here about getting an extra or undated prescription for insulin in case you need it when traveling. So far 2 endocrinologists and my GP all said no they don't do that. How do you guys get an extra for "just in case". |
12-01-2008, 12:04 AM
| | Member
I am a: Parent | | Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hawaii
Posts: 103
| | Quote:
Originally Posted by barbarac I have read in magazines and here about getting an extra or undated prescription for insulin in case you need it when traveling. So far 2 endocrinologists and my GP all said no they don't do that. How do you guys get an extra for "just in case". | AFAIK, doctors don't do that. You can get a doctor's letter or a list of the medications you're taking, but prescriptions generally can be filled only in the state in which the doctor practices. |
12-01-2008, 04:52 AM
|  | Ex-moderator
I am a: Type 1 | | Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sarf Landan, mite
Posts: 3,992
| | Quote: |
I'm not sure what to do in the airport and in airport security when they look in my suitcase and find a syringe and blood testing kit. I can't really tell them that I'm diabetic, since they won't just let me through. They'll need proof.
| They won't need proof, unless you're flying from Mogadishu. The fact that you will have a blood testing kit and presumably insulin pens should make it very obvious that you're not a heroin smuggler.
Seriously though, couple of points:
1. Don't put ANY of your diabetes supplies in your hold luggage. Keep it in your hand luggage. That way it's with you at all times. If your suitcase gets lost, you'll still have everything you need to survive. Also the temperatures in the hold could potentially denature the insulin and make it useless.
2. Needles aren't the issue you need to think about. Liquids are. Most airports now have a restriction of carrying on 100ml of liquid and it must be in a separate container. INSULIN IS EXEMPT FROM ANY REQUIREMENTS OR DIRECTIVES ON LIQUIDS IN HAND LUGGAGE. This is non-negotiable for anyone who challenges you on this. At the most, they can tell you to put the cartridges in one of those plastic bags but they absolutely cannot prevent you taking on insulin into the cabin. Generally it's a good idea to make sure the prescription stickers are on the packets but this isn't essential.
3. Finally, for piece of mind, ask your doctor to write a printed, signed note on surgery-letterheaded paper stating that they confirm you have diabetes and require access to all relevant medical items at all times, and that no-one should obstruct you from this.
Don't worry. I've flown billions of times since diagnosis and yeah, after the whole liquid plot thing a couple of years ago, I've been stopped ONCE (the week after it happened) by a customs official scanning my bag, who simply looked into the bag, saw it was insulin I was carrying, and waved me on. There's nothing to worry about.  |
12-01-2008, 05:41 AM
|  | Senior Member | | Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Texas
Posts: 769
| | Quote:
Originally Posted by SuzySushi AFAIK, doctors don't do that. You can get a doctor's letter or a list of the medications you're taking, but prescriptions generally can be filled only in the state in which the doctor practices. | Nope...scripts written by a licensed MD can be filled in any state (as long as they can verify that the doc is licensed and the script is not for controlled drugs). I live in Texas and have had scripts from my TX doc filled in Vegas with no questions asked.
I did get my doc to give me two scripts, one for a vial of Lantus and one for 6 vials of Humalog. The Lantus was a "just in case" the pump fails and I can't get another one quickly. The Humalog was for emergency refill while traveling, etc. Neither script had a date on it.
Granted the doc trusts me, but if you explain why you want the undated script I can't see why the doc wouldn't give you the scripts.
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Cozmo 1800 Volcano Black
Pumping since Jan 4 2007
A1C: 7.0 on 7/28/08  |
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