Traveling with Diabetes, FAQs
Question: Can I bring diabetes supplies with me in a carry-on?
Answer: Yes. Please notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. While not required, having a copy of a current prescription with you may help expedite the TSA screening process.
Please Note: The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Question: Should I pack my supplies in a checked bag?
Answer: No. In fact, packing diabetic supplies in a checked bag is not recommended. While supplies can be packed in a carry-on bag, it is also suggested that at least 1-2 days’ worth of supplies be packed in a personal item (i.e. a backpack, fanny pack, purse, or similar small bag). Reason being, if you are unexpectedly made to check your carry-on bag or become separated from your carry-on bag, you will still have some supplies with you. This also helps ensure that a small quantity of supplies is readily available and accessible to you during the flight, just in case.
Question: Do I have to remove or disconnect my insulin pump when going through airport security?
Answer: Inform the TSA officer that you have an insulin pump and or a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), before the screening process begins. This can be done verbally or with a TSA notification card (available on the TSA website). The TSA officer will guide you through the steps needed to complete the screening, which may include a request to temporarily remove your insulin pump so it can be properly screened while complying with the manufacturer’s recommendations (see next question for additional information).
TSA: Insulin pumps and glucose monitor security screening
Question: Can my insulin pump go through a metal detector? X-Ray machine?
Answer: Each manufacturer has their own recommendations regarding screening methods to prevent damage to the electronics in your insulin pump or CGM. It is suggested that you confirm the specific recommendations from the manufacturer of your equipment. Alternate means of screening, such as a pat-down can be requested in lieu of screening by technology. To avoid potential damage to the electronics in an insulin pump or CGM, it is very important to confirm the manufacturer’s specific instructions regarding airport security screening.
Question: Can I travel with a cooler, for my insulin, in my carry-on bag?
Answer: Yes. Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other accessories may be presented at the screening checkpoint in a frozen or partially-frozen state to keep medically necessary items cool. It may also be advised to keep the insulin and its accompanying cooler in your personal item, in case you are asked to check your carry-on bag at the gate or otherwise become separated from it.
All items, including supplies associated with medically necessary liquids such as IV bags, pumps, and syringes must be screened before they will be permitted into the secure area of the airport.
Tips and Tricks
- Carry copies of current prescriptions, when traveling, both printed copies as well as on your phone.
- Get a cooler for traveling with insulin. There are a number of different options, including Frio or other brands and types of insulin coolers.
- Make a checklist. When packing it’s easy to forget something. The checklist can include such items as:
- Extra Insulin.
- Insulin pump reservoirs.
- Insulin pump infusion sets/Pods.
- Insertion device for infusion sets.
- CGM transmitter.
- CGM charger.
- CGM sensors.
- Extra tape/adhesives for Insulin pump and CGM sites.
- Insertion device for sensors.
- Chargers/spare batteries.
- Blood glucose meter.
- Test strips and lancets.
- Glucose tablets or other fast acting sugar.
- Snacks.
- Ketone strips.
- Medical ID.
- Airport information card.
- Document with current pumps settings.
- Syringes for emergency injections along with dosing instructions from your doctor.
- Pack any diabetic supplies in your carry-on bag or personal item, so they are with you, with a possible exception. If checking a bag, in addition to your carry-on bag, consider packing at least 1-2 days’ worth of supplies in your checked bag… just in case you get separated from your carry-on.
- Check with your pump manufacturer to see if they have a loaner program while traveling.
- Confirm that your hotel, cottage, or cabin will have a refrigerator. Camping? Not a problem! Have a plan for storing insulin in a cooler, although the insulin should not be stored directly on ice and should be monitored to ensure that it does not get too cold.
- Not sure how many sites, reservoirs, and other supplies to bring? Figure out what you think you will need for the duration of your trip and double it.
- When traveling, especially internationally, check ahead for the location of local hospitals as well as where a prescription can be refilled, if needed.
The TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry programs can offer a smoother screening process for travelers whose insulin pump manufacturers advise bypassing the X-Ray machine with their devices.