DH's diabetic supplies...needles, etc...

[SeaSpray]

When we went to WDW in May, but husband was taking only oral diabetes medication at that time. Now he is on insulin injections, twice a day, so we will need to bring his vials of insulin as well as many syringes on the plane with us. With the new security, does anyone know how this will be handled?? I would be willing to let the flight attendants hold these items for us while we're on the plane.... If no one here knows, I think I will wait a month or so (we're not going till Dec), then call the airline directly to see how they will handle this.

 

[Biyanna]

Good idea to wait a month to ask directly. Because the answer you get today may not be the same next month.

 

[Poohlovr]

If he only takes injections twice daily, he will not need to have the needles as a carry-on, and should have no problem with them in his checked luggage.

 

[zulaya]

My DH is on insulin, 4 times a day, has been for 17 years, and I called my airline (Sun Country) for our departure next week and asked the same questions. I was told that they have no problem with medical supplies of that nature. I am having DH get a letter from his doctor just in case the security people get in a snit over syringes. But so I have been told, too, that the other major carrier in MN, NWA, are not confiscating syringes. I too would be fine with a flight attendant holding it, but it is important to me and my DH that he have his kit with him at all times. You should be fine, but like others said, check closer to the time, but from what I have heard, you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Laurajean1014]

That's right. You need a medical document from your Dr. specifying his condition and the need for hypodermic needles. Give the documentation to the flight attendant and the needles and you should be fine.

I would not pack them in a suitcase. Bring only what you need, or if you can, purchase additional when on your trip. If you pack in suitcase, it will surely be inspected and you may lose garments, valuables as well as, the suitcase itself.

 

[CarolMN]

I would NEVER put any medications I need to take on a daily basis into my checked luggage. I'm positive the airlines will make some kind of accomodation for diabetics and anyone else in this situation.

I am also a diabetic. Even though I am still able to use the oral meds, I do need to test my blood frequently. That requires needles (albeit, very small ones). While I would like to keep my meds and testing supplies with me (under the seat), I'd certainly be OK with having my kit shrink wrapped or held by flight attendants if that is what the security people think best. I won't fly though, if I can't have absolute assurance that those things are on the plane with me. So far, I haven't seen anything on any of the airlines web sites that indicate these types of things will be prohibited or require a Doctor's note. I plan to call a weeek or two before my flight to find out for sure.

 

[lisapooh]

LauraJean in many areas you cannot purchase syringes without a prescription. This is one reason why diabetics will not put their syringes in the baggage. Too risky.

 

[dudlee930]

my dd flew today from boise to seattle and had no problem with her needles or supplies. she did not have a note from dr.

 

[snoopylovertoo]

It varies airline by airline,but the general new rule is to have a Dr. note or copy of the prescription with you. Syringes are considered a weapon and if you don't have this note, security personel can take them from you or not let you thru.

 

[joe.hurley]

Hi. Reading this, I thought I'd post my experience.

I talked to USAirways today about this topic, and here is what I was told: they understand if someone needs to take medication that requires injection, and that people wouldn't want to put that in a checkedd suitcase because of the obvious concern about theft. Therefore, they will allow people to bring injectible supplies as long as either (a) you have a copy of the prescription or (b) you have a note from your doctor or (c) the package is clearly labeled with a label affixed to it by a drugstore or mail-order supplier. They MAY ask you to give the sharps to a flight attendant for securing during flight, but they will write you out a receipt and give it to you on arrival. Seems fair enough to me.

I also asked about all the talk about banning carry-on luggage; I'm told nobody is doing that in reality, because of these concerns.

By the way, I take growth hormone, and I use insuline syringes because of the type of injection, so I understand the concern.

As a suggestion it is a good idea even when traveling by car to have a letter from your doctor with you -- I was once asked by a police officer about it when I was bringing them home from my doctor's office, and he was concerned I was carrying something illegal -- one look at the letter from my doctor, and it was, "Alright, everything seems to be in order here. Drive safelty."

Hope this all helps!

Regards,

Joe Hurley

who will probaby be cancelling his trip to wDW in November due to new job. :-|

 

[seashoreCM]

Get to the airport earlier so there is time to have supervisors come over to double check policies as well as syringes. Sometimes it is the exact person doing the inspecting who tries to make the rules.

If you are pulled out of line for special inspection, announce into thin air that you are coming back, and when you do you should attempt to re-enter the line at the same place in the line you were pulled out of, preferably asking the person who pulled you out to escort you back. Better: have another family member hold the place in line.

More Disney tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

9/65 Disneyland
3/75 (World Inn* off I4 near DD)
4/85 (Kon-Tiki* on 192)
'80s Disneyland once or twice
7/94 PORiv
9/97 ASMu
11/98 ASMu
12/98 (Knights Inn on 192)
9/99 ASMo
12/00 ASSp
9/01 ASSp
11/01 ASSp planned
*no longer exists

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. I talked to DH about this last night and for some reason he wants his diabetes supplies to be in his luggage. I don't like this idea because his luggage could get lost. He's generally a very sensible person... but if he won't change his mind about this, I'll let him pack his syringles, insulin vials, and testing kit in his suitcase, AND then I will ask our doctor for prescriptions for these items, so I can get refills, in case the airline loses our luggage. I personally would prefer to have these items with us, in a carry-on, on the plane, but I won't get into an argument with DH about it We still have a couple of months before our trip, so I'm hoping he'll change his mind

Seashore, your idea to get to the airport extra early is a good one...just in case they inspect and open DHs suitcase. Which ever way he packs his supplies, I'll be sure to have a doctor's note with me, just in case!

 

[lisapooh]

SeaSpray,
In Florida you do not need a prescription for insulin unless it is Humalog. Except in Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach you also do not need a script for syringes. Also a script from another state cannot be filled and one from a Florida licensed doctor would be needed. Should not be hard to get but you still would have that expense.

 

[skeezixspud]

... such as Walgreens, that has stores in Florida. I once forgot my medication and had to get a replacement in Orlando. I called my Dr., who called in a new prescription to Walgreens where I live. A Walgreen's in Orlando was able to give me an emergency refill, and my insurance still paid for it.

If I were your husband, I would at least carry one day's dosage with me. If you get stranded at an airport due to weather, you could be there for a while.

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for the info, Lisa... He IS on Humalog Mix. So taking a refill prescription from our doctor wouldn't do us any good since it's out of state. Ok... I think I'll stuff the vials and some syringes in my purse. LOL I don't want us to be stuck down there without his supplies and having to run around to find a doctor.

 

[kbeverina]

SeaSpray--I definitely think you should pack supplies in both carry-on and checked luggage. Our last trip I lost my son's monitor on the plane--only time we've lost a monitor in 10 years. Fortunately I'd packed a back-up in my checked bag.

 

[brandelle]

I have been a diabetic for 17 years now and I just flew in and out of Seattle with all of my diabetic supplies (out Wednesday and back today) and the check-in and security checkpoint didn't take any longer than usual. In fact, other than having one additional question asked of me and having to show my I.D. several more times, the security was pretty much the same as always. Although, SEA was backed up to park or drop off people, as they were checking every car that went in. I wouldn't worry, just take your meds with you in your carry-on (never trust your meds in your checked bags!!!). This Friday I am flying to WDW for 10 days, and will carry my meds with me on board, I'll let you know if it is a problem at Orlando.

Brandelle