Diabetes and flying?

[poutytink]

My DBF has insulin dependent diabetes. He intends to carry his needles, insulin and blood monitor in his carry on luggage. Does he need to get a letter from his doctor stating that he is a diabetic so he doesn't have a problem with the needles on the plane? He doesn't trust enough to put it in his checked luggage. Thanks for any answers!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

No, he does not. I fly several times a year and have never had any problems or even questions from security about either testing supplies or syringes. However, I will never put any of my medical stuff in checked luggage, always carryon.

 

[BCV23]

I agree with Cheshire Figment.

I think some advice published by TSA or FAA or someone ...Sue will probably help out here...says to have documentation but my husband flies weekly and has never had a problem with his kit.

As Cheshire said, don't check any of your supplies. And depending on your needs, be sure to pack meals and snacks. For my DH this is not an issue but for our son, it is a necessity. We use a medium sized soft side cooler. This will not count against your carryon limit.

 

[Idahomom]

We always bring 3 epi-pens for our dd plus a note from her doctor. We've never once been asked to see the letter. You should have no problems.

 

[Ambassador]

You may want to bring prescriptions, or contact info in case a new prescription should be needed (breakage or loss). Most resorts now have small Refrigerators in the room, and housekeeping will proved a sharps disposal container. Be mindful that heat and exertion may effect his numbers, and snacks should be carried.

 

[SueM in MN]

I can't post it right now, but the tsa.gov (Transportation Security Authority) site has a page about this. They care mostly that everything is in labeled containers and that you have a way to safely dispose or/hold used supplies during travel.
The FAA and all the airlines recommend you NEVER put any medicine in checked bags. A good guideline for medical equipment is whether or not you could be without it for 2 days to your whole vacation if it got lost or mis-directed. If the answer is "no", then you need to carry it with you.

 

[poutytink]

Ok, thanks. I think I'll have him get a letter just in case and I was planning to put his stuff in a backpack for carry-on. You guys are very helpful. Thanks once again!!