Airlines and diabeties carry on question

DiannaoChong

Flying for the first time in more than 10 years (pre 9/11), and I am diabetic. I looked up what the TSA says, but I am just looking for anyone with experience on Flying with an insulin pump.

I am carrying testing supplies, insulin, the pump(on me of course), and pump supplies. I am trying to travel light, I am taking just what I need for the trip, and backup supplies are going to be going up parallel with friends who are driving. All of that stuff otherwise is on my carry on. Was just wondering if there was anything special to know? If the insulin is in a box sealed, does it really need to be in a enclosed bag? How about the individual pump supplies? I see both recommendations and things saying I don't actually need prescriptions/doctors CMN.

Soggybiscuit

I'm not an expert, but I believe necessary medical supplies are exempted from the liquids rule (like baby formula). The TSA still reserves the right to search it and run it through the xray machine however. It would be a good idea to get some kind of certified letter/note/etc. from your doctor that shows you have a need for these items just in case the TSA has questions. You could probably call the airline your going with if you have any questions as well.

DaMoonRulz

It's a tsa matter, not an airline matter. Medical necessities are generally exempted from the 3-1-1 rule and traveling with your supplies is really not a big deal. Tsar.government will have the best answers for you.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/passengers-diabetes

DiannaoChong

TSA and govt say they have to let you have insulin as long as you are bringing needles/supplies with it, I just was not sure if I am required to have anything else like paperwork. I get mixed messages from the TSA when it comes to pump supplies for some reason.

DaMoonRulz

Just make sure things are clearly marked. I usually people with their little, black carrying case for their supplies. I recommend those over just tossing some loose needles into your bag.

DaMoonRulz

http://search.usa.gov/search?query=insulin+pump+parts&op=Search&affiliate=tsa.gov

Diabetic supplies are mentioned in the permitted items section

Wulf

My mother has a pump, and she has no problems getting through security after she explains she is diabetic. Of course she also carries around her metal medical tag, so it probably wouldn't hurt to make sure you have that with you.

DiannaoChong

The clearly marked thing threw me, I have the supplies, there sealed in their individual single used blister packaging, that says their brand and what the item is. Is that acceptable? i am thinking I need the box it comes in or something, I went and got an extra boxed bottle of insulin, becuase I wasn't sure if the label on an open bottle saying "insulin" would be enough...

Sounds like I will be fine. Thanks guys for the help!

Infidel

I fly with my diabetic stuff all the time.

I have a couple pieces in a zipped kit or case etc. it either doesn't come up at all or if they do a more thorough search they have actually asked if I have any needles or such before sticking their hands in my bag. I tell them and they ask me to remove said items myself, open them up, let them inspect quickly, and they put it aside. Then they carry on with their search.

It is about a non-issue as can be (I actually think it could be abused to circumvent the TSA, customs/border agents are always so DO NOT WANT when it comes to my needles that they barely look at it) and I wouldn't worry about any kind of "paperwork." If you have your insulin and needles or pump or meter etc. it speaks for itself.