Airports And Insulin: What You Need To Know

If you have diabetes, travelling with insulin can be a nerve-wracking experience. But it needn't be—airports do allow passengers to carry insulin, as well as other diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medications. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with insulin. Firstly, it's important to notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Insulin must be clearly identified and accompanied by any insulin pumps and supplies. It's also a good idea to bring prescription labels for medication, although this isn't required by the TSA. Passengers should also be aware that insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors could be damaged by X-ray machines, so instead of disconnecting your devices, you can ask for a hand inspection.

Declare insulin and separate from other belongings for screening

When travelling with insulin, it is important to understand the correct procedures to ensure a smooth journey. Insulin is permitted at airports, but it must be declared and correctly packed for screening.

Firstly, always carry insulin in your hand luggage or carry-on bag. Insulin should never be placed in checked baggage as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature. It is also important to keep insulin close at hand in case you need to inject during the flight. To keep insulin cool during travel, an insulin travel case is recommended.

Before arriving at the airport, prepare your insulin and related supplies by packing them separately in a clear, sealable bag. This bag should be placed within your hand luggage and easily accessible to remove for screening. It is also advised to bring prescription labels and a letter from your healthcare provider to expedite the screening process.

Upon arrival at the airport, approach the TSA officer and declare that you are carrying insulin and diabetes supplies. These items must be removed from your carry-on luggage and placed in a bin for separate screening. You may request a hand inspection if you have concerns about X-ray machines.

By following these steps and declaring insulin separately from other belongings, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free screening experience when travelling with insulin.

Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin

If you are travelling with an insulin pump, you must inform the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies. Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. You may be asked to power up any electronic devices, so make sure any devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries are carried in your carry-on baggage.

If you need assistance with screening, you can ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer. You can also contact the AskTSA team for more information, 365 days a year. Live assistance is available from 8 am to 6 pm (ET) via Facebook Messenger, Apple Business Chat, or text message.

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight to allow time for screening. You should also review the TSA website for travel updates and download the My TSA Mobile App. Although not required by the TSA, bringing prescription labels for medication and medical devices can expedite the security process. It is also recommended to carry or wear medical identification and contact information for your physician.

Insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals. However, if you have concerns about X-rays, you can request a hand inspection. Insulin should never be placed in checked baggage, as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature. Always inspect your insulin before injecting each dose and call your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Insulin can be safely screened by X-ray or hand inspection

Passengers with insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring devices should inform the TSA officer about the location of the device before screening begins. If the device is attached to the body, it is subject to additional screening, including a self pat-down of the device and a test of the passenger's hands for any trace of explosives. If the device is not attached, it may be screened by X-ray or alternative screening methods.

Passengers with these devices have the right to opt out of X-ray screening, and regulations allow them to request an alternative screening process, such as a hand search supported by explosive trace detection equipment. This is because insulin pump and CGM manufacturers advise that the medical devices should not be exposed to X-ray screening due to potential damage.

To facilitate the screening process, passengers can bring prescription labels and consider printing out and bringing a TSA Disability Notification Card. All medical liquids in containers greater than 3.4 ounces must be removed from carry-on luggage and declared to TSA, and they should not be placed in the quart-sized zip-top bag used for non-medical liquids.

Keep insulin cool with gel packs

If you're travelling with insulin, it's important to keep it cool. While insulin can handle short trips without being refrigerated, it's best to be prepared. Extreme heat can deactivate insulin, and placing it in the cargo hold of a plane can cause it to freeze, which will also deactivate it. Therefore, it's best to keep insulin in your hand luggage.

Gel packs are a great way to keep insulin cool when travelling. They hold their temperature well and act as an insulator. To use a gel pack, simply cool it in the fridge (not the freezer, as insulin should not be frozen) and then place your insulin inside. The gel slows the transfer of heat from one side of the pack to the other, protecting your insulin from outside fluctuations in temperature.

There are a variety of gel packs available on the market. Chillerz Packs, for example, can be purchased online or at some supermarkets and petrol stations. These packs can be frozen and will keep insulin cool for days. Each pack contains three sheets of 24 cells, and each cell is approximately 2"x2" (5cm x 5cm). These packs can be added to your existing kit bag or a larger cool bag.

Another option is to use a cooling pouch, such as those offered by Frio, which are simple and convenient. These pouches work through evaporative cooling. You immerse the pouch in water for a few minutes, and it puffs up. After removing it from the water and wiping it down, you can place your insulin inside. The pouch contents (usually silica gel beads or something similar) absorb and hold water, and when exposed to warm temperatures, the water evaporates, keeping the insulin cool.

Whether you choose a gel pack or a cooling pouch, it's important to keep your insulin protected from extreme temperatures when travelling. By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure that your insulin stays safe and effective.

Don't store insulin in checked baggage

Insulin is a vital medication for people with diabetes, and it is important to keep it safe and effective when travelling. It is not recommended to store insulin in checked baggage for several reasons. Firstly, checked baggage is subjected to severe changes in pressure and temperature, which can affect the quality of insulin. Insulin is a sensitive medication that can break down at very high or low temperatures, and these extreme conditions can make it less effective or even unsafe to use.

Secondly, checked baggage can be handled roughly, and there is a risk of damage to the insulin vials or containers. This could result in leakage or contamination, rendering the insulin unusable. It is important to inspect insulin before each injection, and any changes in appearance should be a cause for concern. If the insulin looks unusual, do not use it and consult a doctor.

Another reason to avoid storing insulin in checked baggage is the risk of loss or theft. Checked bags are handled by multiple people and transported separately from passengers, increasing the chances of misplacement or theft. If your insulin is in your checked baggage and your bag is lost or delayed, you may be left without access to this essential medication.

To ensure a continuous supply of insulin during travel, it is recommended to keep it in your carry-on bag. Carry-on bags are typically stored in the overhead compartments of the plane, where the temperature and pressure are more stable and controlled. This reduces the risk of extreme temperature fluctuations that can affect insulin. Additionally, having your insulin with you in the cabin provides easier access, allowing you to monitor and manage your diabetes more effectively.

When travelling with insulin, it is advisable to take at least double the amount you typically need. This buffer helps prevent insulin shortages due to unexpected travel delays, cancelled flights, or other disruptions. Keeping spare insulin in different carry-on bags can provide added security in case one bag is lost or delayed. It is also recommended to use an insulin travel case to maintain the insulin at the appropriate temperature during transport.

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