Diabetes Type 1 Support Group

For my peace of mind I also pack your standard syringes and a vial of long acting insulin in my carry on along with at least half if not all the supplies I will be needing during the trip. I then pack the other half in my suit case. I also take a third more of supplies then I expect I'll need with me.

I have never had any issues flying (I've been to Hawaii, Ireland, Australia, England, and many states in the US) as long as I tell the guard before I drop off my stuff into the x-ray bin that I am a diabetic.

I do not disconnect my pump when going through the scanners either but I do make certain it is visible and that they can see the cord. I have only been taken aside once to be hand scanned but had no issues when they did that.

The only time I did have any issues was when I was coming back from China into the US and I had an digital insulin pen (I wasn't using my pump during that trip). Ironically they had me open all my carry on bags and pull out everything and then I even had to open up and disassemble my insulin pen (you can read about that insulin pen here:http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2007/02/humapen_memoir.html - very cool and great - I highly recommend it for non-pumpers!).

At any rate once they saw it was indeed diabetic supplies and had done drug testing on my luggage I was allowed back into the states just fine. This was at the Chicago airport.

Oh my other sanity thing for me is whomever is "tripping" with me I pack them up with glucose tablets in their pockets and carry on too.

Good luck and enjoy your flight!

Hi, calyons.
I have been flying a lot without problems (Europe, America, Asia, Africa). As smith101 said, it is important to have two sets of supplies packed in separate bags (yours and your co-traveller's or yours two bags). Insulin is heat sensitive and in the luggage storage the temp. can get towards/below freezing. If you pack your insulin there (which I tend to avoid) keep it insulated (e.g.two thick woolen socks do the trick). Insulation is also important when traveling in high-temp. areas.
I have a signed letter (dated 2002!)with me from my doctor, attesting that I have typeI and need the supplies. I have never been asked to show any confirmation, so you might not need one; I just consider it a nice precaution.
I remove my pump during scanning and put it in the x-ray box; you can do either way.
Very important: remember your bg meter & strips; travelling tends to swing bg's.
Have a nice and easy trip - and more of them in the future.