Owais Crawford
Travelling with diabetes can be challenging, but it should not stop anyone from exploring the world. If you're travelling by air and need to take insulin, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey. Firstly, insulin is allowed through airport security, but it must be screened by X-ray or hand inspection. Passengers should declare insulin and separate it from other belongings before screening. It is recommended to keep insulin in its original packaging or a clear, sealable bag, and to carry a prescription or doctor's letter. Insulin should always be kept in carry-on baggage, as changes in pressure or temperature in checked baggage could tamper with it. Additionally, gel packs are allowed to keep insulin cool during travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can insulin be taken through airport security? | Yes, insulin and diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication are allowed through airport security checkpoints. |
| How to carry insulin through security? | Insulin should be carried in carry-on bags in the original packaging. It can be in vials, pen form, or otherwise. Do not put insulin in checked baggage. |
| Screening process | Insulin and related supplies can be screened by X-ray or hand inspection. Passengers should declare these items and separate them from other belongings for screening. |
| Additional considerations | - Keep insulin cool with gel packs or a cooling wallet. |
- Carry prescription labels, a letter from your doctor, or pharmaceutical labels for your medication and devices.
- Stay hydrated and walk up and down the plane aisle to prevent blood clots.
- Avoid injecting air into the bottle when drawing insulin from the vial while flying. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulin is allowed in carry-on bags
People with diabetes are allowed to carry insulin and other diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medications in their carry-on luggage. However, these items must be properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection.
Before the screening begins, inform the TSA officer about any supplies you have on you or in your carry-on luggage. It is recommended to bring prescription labels for medication and medical devices, as this will speed up the security process. You can also consider printing out and bringing a TSA Disability Notification Card.
Insulin is always permitted in carry-on bags, including in vials or pen form. It is important to keep insulin with you at all times, as changes in pressure or temperature in checked baggage can tamper with it. Additionally, you can carry gel packs to keep your insulin cool during your travels.
If you are uncomfortable putting your insulin through the X-ray machine, you can request a hand inspection by a security agent. It is important to note that insulin pumps can be damaged by X-ray machines, so consider asking for a physical screening or a metal detector at the security checkpoint.
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Declare insulin and separate from other belongings
When travelling with insulin, it is important to declare your medication and separate it from your other belongings. Insulin is always allowed in carry-on bags, but it is essential to notify the security screening agent that you are carrying it with you. This includes insulin pumps, which are quite common at security but should still be declared.
You can place your insulin in a separate, clear, sealable bag for screening. This bag should be removed from your carry-on luggage and kept separate from other belongings. It is also a good idea to bring prescription labels for your medication—while not required by the TSA, it will speed up the process. If you have a letter from your doctor or a pharmaceutical label, this can also help, especially when travelling abroad.
If you are not comfortable putting your insulin through the X-ray machine, you can request a hand inspection by a security agent. You may also ask for a regular pat-down inspection. It is important to note that your insulin pump can be damaged by X-ray machines, so consider asking for a physical screening or metal detector at the checkpoint. The final decision rests with the TSA officer regarding items allowed through the checkpoint.
It is also recommended to keep a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood sugar and carry or wear medical identification, along with contact information for your physician.
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Request hand inspection instead of X-ray
If you are travelling with an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you should not send your devices through an X-ray machine. Insulin pumps can be damaged by X-rays, and it is not recommended to do so. Instead, you can request a hand inspection or manual check of your insulin and insulin pump.
Before your screening begins, inform the TSA officer about any diabetes supplies, equipment or medication you are carrying or wearing. You should declare these items and separate them from your other belongings for screening. You can request a hand inspection by asking the security officer, "this can't go through the machine; can it be inspected by hand?".
It is also recommended to carry proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles by providing a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label identifying the medication. You should also travel with your original insulin box and glucose meter that shows the pharmaceutical label. If you encounter any issues, ask to speak with the TSA Ground Security Commissioner or the international equivalent.
It is important to note that insulin should never be stored in checked luggage, as it may be exposed to extreme temperatures, which can affect its effectiveness. Instead, pack all your supplies together in your carry-on bag.
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Keep insulin cool with gel packs
Keeping insulin cool while travelling can be a challenge, but gel packs are a great way to keep it at the right temperature. Here are some tips to keep insulin cool with gel packs when going through airport security:
Firstly, it is important to know the rules and regulations regarding gel packs and insulin. Medically necessary gel ice packs are allowed through airport security, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These gel packs are permitted regardless of their physical state, even if they are melted or slushy. However, it is essential to notify the TSA officer at the checkpoint for inspection. Additionally, separate any medically necessary liquids and place them in a bin for separate screening.
When using gel packs, it is crucial to choose the right type. Avoid gel packs that freeze below 0°C/32°F to prevent the insulin from freezing and getting destroyed. Instead, opt for gel packs that maintain a temperature above this threshold. If using normal ice, do not let it come into direct contact with the insulin, and allow it to defrost slightly before placing it in the cooler to prevent overcooling.
Insulin cooling cases, such as BreezyPacks, are a modern solution that can be carried through airport security without issues. These cases use phase change materials (PCMs) to recharge at lower temperatures and actively cool down the insulin when it gets hotter. This technology avoids the issues associated with traditional ice or gel packs, such as the risk of freezing or the need for constant refrigeration.
When packing, it is recommended to keep all diabetes supplies together in your carry-on bag. This way, you have easy access to everything you need during the flight. Before screening, inform the TSA officer about any supplies you are carrying, and consider bringing prescription labels and a TSA Disability Notification Card to facilitate the process.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your insulin remains safely cooled with gel packs when travelling through airport security.
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Avoid injecting air into the insulin vial
Yes, you can take insulin through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medications, including liquids, are allowed through checkpoints after being screened by X-ray or hand inspection. It is advisable to inform the screening officer about your insulin and other supplies before the screening process.
Now, onto the topic of avoiding injecting air into the insulin vial. While it may seem like a harmless act, injecting air into the insulin vial can lead to an inaccurate measurement of your insulin dose. Air takes up space, and when you inject it into the vial, you are effectively displacing some of the insulin with air. This can result in you receiving a lower dose of insulin than intended.
Additionally, there is a common misconception that injecting air into your insulin can lead to an air embolism, which is not the case. An air embolism occurs when air enters the bloodstream, typically due to events like diving, blunt force trauma, or childbirth. While injecting a significant amount of air directly into a vein could potentially lead to health risks, it is important to note that this is extremely unlikely to occur with insulin injections.
To ensure you are receiving the correct dose of insulin, it is important to take precautions to avoid injecting air into the vial. Here are some steps you can take:
- Check for air bubbles: Before injecting, carefully examine the syringe for any air bubbles. If you notice any, gently tap the syringe to bring the air bubbles to the top and then carefully push them out before injecting.
- Slow and steady injection: When drawing the insulin into the syringe, do it slowly and carefully. A steady hand can help prevent the creation of air bubbles in the first place.
- Use the correct syringe: Ensure you are using the appropriate insulin syringe. Using a syringe with the wrong specifications might increase the risk of air bubbles.
- Proper storage: Always store your insulin vials and syringes properly. Inappropriate storage can increase the likelihood of air bubbles forming in the insulin.
- Prime the syringe: If you're using an insulin pump, prime the syringe before each injection to remove any air bubbles that may have formed.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that you are receiving the correct dose of insulin and avoid any potential complications from injecting air into the insulin vial.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, insulin and diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medications are allowed through airport security.
Insulin should be kept in your carry-on luggage and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening or hand inspection.
Yes, it is recommended that you inform the security officer that you are carrying insulin and any other diabetes-related supplies before the screening process begins.
No, people with diabetes are exempt from the usual liquid restrictions. However, it is still a good idea to carry a prescription, letter from your doctor, or pharmaceutical label for your supplies.
It is recommended that insulin be screened by hand inspection if possible, as X-ray machines can damage insulin pumps.
