Jazmin Li
Insulin and other diabetic supplies are allowed through airport security, but there are some important things to keep in mind when travelling with insulin. Diabetic supplies and equipment such as syringes, insulin pumps, and auto-injectors are permitted, but insulin must be screened separately from other belongings. It is also important to note that insulin should not go through an X-ray machine, as it may affect the functioning of the insulin. Instead, a physical search or metal detector can be requested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can insulin go through airport security? | Yes, insulin is allowed through airport security. |
| How to carry insulin | Insulin is exempted from liquid restrictions and can be carried in carry-on baggage in volumes larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz.). It should be stored properly, as it will spoil if left in temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Insulin keeps its strength at room temperature for 30 days. If traveling in hot temperatures, store your insulin in an insulated bag. If traveling in cold temperatures, keep your insulin close to your body to stop it from freezing. |
| Screening process | Insulin and other diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medications, including liquids, are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. Passengers should declare these items and separate them from other belongings before screening begins. |
| Other considerations | Keep insulin and other diabetes supplies in their original packaging. Do not place insulin pumps through an X-ray machine as they may be damaged. Instead, ask for a physical screening or use a handheld metal detector. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulin is allowed through airport security, but it must be screened
People with diabetes are allowed to carry their insulin through airport security. However, it must be screened separately from other belongings. Insulin is exempt from liquid restrictions, meaning that insulin users can carry more than 100 ml of insulin in their carry-on baggage.
It is important to declare insulin and other diabetic supplies to security officers before screening begins. This includes insulin pumps, auto-injectors, jet injectors, and syringes. It is also recommended to bring prescription labels for medication and medical devices, although this is not required by the TSA. Keeping insulin in its original packaging is also advised.
Insulin users should be aware that insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors can be damaged by X-ray machines. Instead, travellers can request a physical screening or use a handheld metal detector, which does not affect the functioning of insulin pumps. It is also important to store insulin properly during travel, as it can spoil in temperatures that are too hot or too cold.
To make the security process smoother, travellers can enrol in the TSA pre-check online and consider printing out and bringing a TSA Disability Notification Card. It is also recommended to carry a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood sugar and an easy-to-carry snack, such as a nutrition bar.
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Insulin pumps should not go through X-ray machines
People who use insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) should be aware of the potential risks associated with airport security screening. While insulin pumps are permitted by airport security, it is important to understand that these devices should not be exposed to X-ray machines or full-body scanners.
Insulin pumps are medical devices that deliver insulin to people with diabetes, and they can be worn on the body or carried as separate devices. When travelling through airport security, it is crucial to handle insulin pumps with care to ensure the safety and functionality of the device.
Manufacturers of insulin pumps, such as Medtronic, Roche, and Freestyle Libre, advise against exposing insulin pumps to X-ray screening and full-body scanners. X-ray machines can potentially damage the device and affect its functioning. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sending insulin pumps through X-ray machines and instead request an alternative screening process.
When preparing for air travel, individuals using insulin pumps should familiarise themselves with the relevant guidelines and regulations. It is advisable to notify security screeners about your insulin pump and request an alternative screening method, such as a physical inspection or a pat-down search. Additionally, consider carrying a diabetes treatment plan and keeping your insulin properly stored and accessible during the screening process.
In summary, insulin pumps should not go through X-ray machines at airport security. By following the recommended guidelines and communicating with security personnel, individuals with diabetes can ensure the safety and functionality of their insulin pumps while complying with airport security measures.
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Insulin must be stored properly and kept at the right temperature
Unopened insulin pens and vials are typically stored in the refrigerator until their expiration date. However, once opened, insulin pens are usually kept at room temperature, while vials may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. It is important to note that different brands and forms of insulin may have varying storage requirements, so always refer to the instructions provided with your insulin.
When travelling, it is essential to maintain the proper storage of insulin. If travelling in hot temperatures, insulate your insulin to protect it from extreme heat. In cold temperatures, keep your insulin close to your body to prevent it from freezing. Additionally, when going through airport security, declare your insulin and related supplies, such as syringes and needles, to the security officers. These items are generally permitted through security checkpoints, but proper screening procedures, such as X-ray or hand inspections, must be followed.
To summarise, proper storage and temperature control are critical for maintaining the effectiveness of insulin. By following the manufacturer's instructions and taking the necessary precautions during travel, individuals who rely on insulin can help ensure its potency and avoid potential health risks associated with spoiled insulin.
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Declare insulin and any related supplies to security
When travelling with insulin and related supplies, it is important to declare them to security. This includes insulin, syringes, needles, and any other diabetes-related equipment. It is recommended to keep these items in your carry-on luggage and to separate them from your other belongings for screening. You can request a physical screening in a private location if you do not want to pass your insulin pump through an X-ray machine, as this may affect its functioning.
You can carry insulin and related supplies in your hand luggage, and they are exempt from the usual liquid restrictions. However, you should still declare them to security. It is advisable to keep insulin in its original packaging and to carry prescription labels for medication and medical devices, although this is not required by the TSA. You can also bring a small sharps container for used needles and syringes.
If you are carrying gel packs to keep your insulin cool, you must inform the TSA and keep them separate during screening. Additionally, you can carry juice and gel on board if you need them to address a diabetic condition, but these must also be declared separately. It is a good idea to keep a quick-acting source of glucose with you to treat low blood sugar, as well as an easy-to-carry snack such as a nutrition bar.
To make the security process smoother and quicker, you can consider enrolling in the TSA pre-check online and carrying or wearing medical identification and your physician's contact information. You can also contact the relevant authorities to clarify any concerns or for more information. For example, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) can be reached at 1-888-294-2202 (in Canada) or via their website.
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Keep insulin in its original packaging
When travelling with insulin, it is important to keep it in its original packaging. This is because insulin is a liquid medication and is exempt from the typical liquid restrictions on flights. However, you must declare these items and separate them from your other belongings for screening. Keeping insulin in its original packaging allows security officers to easily identify the medication and ensures that it complies with any necessary regulations.
Insulin must be stored properly, as it can spoil in extreme temperatures. It retains its strength at room temperature for 30 days. If you are travelling in hot temperatures, store your insulin in an insulated bag. Conversely, if you are travelling in cold temperatures, keep your insulin close to your body to prevent it from freezing.
Additionally, if you are travelling with an insulin pump, do not place it in an X-ray machine as it may affect its functioning. Instead, you can ask the screening officer to perform a physical search or use a handheld metal detector. Keeping insulin in its original packaging during such inspections enables security personnel to readily identify the contents and facilitates a smoother screening process.
Bringing prescription labels for medication is not required but can expedite the security process. You may also consider printing out and carrying a TSA Disability Notification Card. Keeping insulin in its original packaging, along with providing the necessary documentation, can help security officers quickly verify the contents and facilitate your passage through airport security.
In summary, keeping insulin in its original packaging is important for ease of identification, compliance with regulations, and facilitating security checks. Additionally, proper storage and temperature maintenance are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the medication. By following these guidelines, you can confidently travel with your insulin while adhering to airport security protocols.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, insulin and other diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medications are allowed through airport security.
You should declare any medication and medical devices to security when being screened. It is also recommended that you bring prescription labels for your medication, and you can pack your medication in a separate clear, sealable bag.
Insulin pumps should not be placed through an X-ray machine as it may affect their functioning. Instead, you can ask the screening officer to perform a physical search.
