Diabetic ? for flight

[happy.family.of.6]

Hi, we leave in 2 weeks. I am a diabetic, and we really were hoping to just go with carry on's this trip. I know you are not supposed to bring any liquid, but I heard something about a ziploc bag? I need to be able to bring my insulin. I'm not sure what I need, but it's insulin that is in a pen shape and then I have my needles. Do I need to bring anything special from the Doc or anything? Anyone know? it will be helpful

Thanks,
Amanda

 

[happy.family.of.6]

and I'll add that I have not flown since being diagnosed.

 

[locolala]

Medical supplies are exempt from the TSA rules. You need to declare what you have, and if you have the pharmacy labels for your insulin it will be best. Go on the TSA's website and read all about it

 

[dis75ney]

I agree with PP. DH is diabetic and has flown plenty of times with very little issues (he's on the insulin pump, and we did get stopped at O'Hare once because the pump holster had a metal clip that was setting off the alarm. DH took the pump out of the holster, sent the holster through x-ray, and carried the pump through the metal detector with no problem). Just declare the meds and supplies and you should be good to go...

 

[happy.family.of.6]

Ok, this is going to sound stupid, but what is TSA?

Thank you guys for your help, it makes me feel a little better, especially because i would hate to check my medication and then my bag get lost or something. My insulin is in viles that look like a pen, and then you screw the needles on. The RX label is on the box, which contains 5 pens and needs to be refrigerated. Should I take out all the pens and just leave those in my frig at home and bring the box with me, so I have the label? I'm thinking of having my doc write a letter for me anyway, just in case I need it anywhere. The name of the insulin and stuff is all on the pen too.

 

[dis75ney]

TSA - Transportation Security Administration. The peeps that run the security checkpoints and determine what is allowed in baggage.

Never, EVER put medications into checked bags!!! The only meds I ever pack into my checked bags are OTC meds that are easily replaced with a run to a local CVS/Walgreens. Everything else comes with us in our carry-ons.

DH has a kit that he packs with all of his diabetic supplies (minus the testing meter - that's a separate kit). He also includes a note from his endocrinologist stating that he is on the pump and cannot remove it for screening. He declares his kit at the TSA checkpoint, they ask him to open it and send it through the x-ray in its own bin. DH hates carrying around the boxes, so he usually takes the vial out and chucks the box (with the label still on it). One thing he always does is he always takes more insulin than he thinks he'll need. This way, in case a vial goes bad (and it has while we've been vacationing), he still has plently of insulin to get him through the rest of the trip. It's a pain to call the endocrine to get a new script called into a local pharmacy...

My advice to you is to carry a full box of pens with you in your carry on and declare it at the checkpoint. This way you have the Rx label and extra insulin just in case. I would also get a note from your MD, just in case you get a TSA Nazi . If you are staying on property in a value resort, you can request a fridge for medical reasons and you will not be charged for the fridge. Moderates and Deluxes resorts have fridges in the rooms already.

Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[happy.family.of.6]

Thanks so much! That helped a lot! We leave in 2 weeks, so I will call my endocrinologist today! Can i have it faxed, or does it need to be an original?

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[pennymom]

I have never traveled with diabetic medications, but one son carries asthma inhalers and the other epi-pens for food allergies (liquid medication with needle), and we have never had any problems getting through security. We have never gotten a doctor's note, and I was told that letters are not useful as a letter is too easy to forge. As another poster said, just make sure that the prescription label is on all of you medication and you'll be fine.

Here is the TSA website about transporting meds and the gel or ice pack to keep them cool: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm
You may also carry on juice or other liquids like glucose gel if needed for a medical condition. It also says on their site that "We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to assist with the screening process."

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[kpgriswold]

My DD has Type 1, and we have never had a problem taking insulin thru security. We take the orgininal box that her meds come in -- with the Dr.'s label in the front -- and just give the guards a heads up that we are carrying it and the needles. Once in a while they ask to look at it; most of the time they just wave us thru. We have never taken a Dr.'s note, just the meds themselves.

It's not a big deal, so don't give it a 2nd thought. Just have fun on your travels!

 

[jscott27]

We have never gotten a doctor's note, and I was told that letters are not useful as a letter is too easy to forge.

It makes sense that they are easy to forge, but we have always gotten one to allow us to carry soy milk on the plane for our kids (food allergy). The only thing the TSA people had us do was take a drink from the cups.

 

[stacy6552]

My husband has flown with his insulin many many times. Just put it in a zip loc bag and you're good to go.

 

[WantToGoNow]

What do you do if a medication needs refrigeration. We will have 2 medications that need to stay refrigerated - can you bring a cooler with it in it.