Security Guidelines for Air Travel With Diabetes

The holidays are coming, and that means it’s travel time for many to spend time with friends and family.

If you have diabetes, you should be aware of recent changes to airport security that will impact your packing and preparation for air travel.

The following tips can help you make traveling with your diabetes management tools easier.

Pills

Pointers for Your Medication/Devices:

Be prepared with the original prescription label for all prescription medications and devices you are traveling with.
Make sure that the prescription name matches the one on your ticket.
If you have been wearing an insulin pump for a while, be certain to have a current prescription from your doctor. Ask your doctor to re-issue a prescription, if necessary.
The same applies to any continuous glucose monitoring device you may be wearing. Because these devices are relatively new, TSA personnel are likely to be unfamiliar with them. Bring your prescription to avoid problems.
Make sure you bring syringes and vials of insulin in their original packaging and with a prescription. Even if you use an insulin pump, be sure to bring back-up insulin and syringes.
Don’t panic if your insulin cannot be refrigerated for the flight. It will last in room temperature for up to several weeks.
Since checked baggage may be subjected to cold temperatures, be sure to carefully insulate any insulin bottles. Inspect the insulin after you arrive for crystallization or cloudiness. If you suspect that the insulin may be spoiled, discard the bottle and do not use it.
If you travel with a glucagon kit, be sure that you have your prescription for it and that it matches the name on your ticket.

Traveler

Be sure that you have all proper medical ID, such as your diabetes ID card and Medic Alert necklace or bracelet.
Give yourself enough time to check in and board the plane.
Anticipate that you will be stopped, searched, and possibly questioned about your diabetes supplies.
As stress can affect your diabetes, give yourself enough time to comfortably navigate security checkpoints.
Many people with diabetes carry a tube of cake icing to treat a hypoglycemic episode – for your travels, replace this cake icing with a gel marketed specifically for the treatment of low blood glucose. A source of complex carbohydrates like a granola bar, meal replacement bar, or cheese and crackers is also great to bring as a meal or snack in case the plane is delayed or missed.

TSA

Know what is and isn’t allowed by the TSA guidelines
Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; up to 8 oz. of liquid (insulin) or low blood sugar treatment gel and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications are permitted.
If you need to bring extra diabetes supplies that are in excess of the amount allowed in your carry on, be sure to pack them in your checked luggage.
If a discussion about your diabetes supplies occurs at the security checkpoints, take measures to stay calm. Ask to speak with the Transportation Security Officer Supervisor if the discussion escalates to an uncomfortable level.
Plan in advance – The TSA officers are responsible for making sure the passengers and the plane are safe. The more information you have from your doctor, the easier security checks can be.
If you feel you must lock your bags, use a TSA-approved lock that screeners can open without having to damage the lock or your luggage. These locks feature a special symbol that security personnel is trained to recognize.
If removing your shoes is a concern, bring a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot remove them. Also, call ahead to the airline to explain the situation and get their recommendation for what you should do once you reach the security gate.

For more information on the recent changes to air travel policies, visit the Transportation Security website at www.tsa.gov.

Check out TSA’s travel tips here.